Tharindu, Sajana spins S. Thomas’ to victory
Dual purpose bowler Tharindu Ratnayake, who is capable of using both his hands but concentrates in left arm spin, along with right arm spinner Sajana de Silva helped S. Thomas’ record a seven wicket win over St. Anthony’s Katugastota in the Under 19 cricket encounter concluded at Mt Lavinia yesterday.
Thomian Nipuna Gamage in action - Pic by Amila Gamage
Tharindu who ended with impressive figures of 5 for 39 in the Antonian first innings followed it up with a three wicket haul in the second innings to end with a match bag of 8 for 73.
Tharindu’s first inning feat in fact laid the foundation for his side’s win before Sajana ruined the opponents batting in the second innings with figures of 5 for 50.
The morning session of play on day two belonged to Chenutha Wickramasinghe who cracked 80 in 104 balls inclusive of eight boundaries and a six and Nipuna Gamage who made unbeaten 45 with the pair being associated in a 98 runs partnership for the fifth wicket. This helped S. Thomas’ resuming on their overnight score of 75 for 4, to make 207 for 7 declared during the lunch break.
This was in reply to St. Anthony’s score of 169 on day one. The Antonians batting the second time collapsed dramatically after being in a good position of 52 for 2 was bowled out for 116!
S. Thomas’ chasing 79 runs for victory in 18 overs was guided by Chenutha Wickramasinghe who made 30 and Ravindu Sasanka who remained unbeaten on 37 which enabled them reach the target in the 11th over.
Lisula Lakshan and Janith Pramod cracked half tons as Gurukula MV Kelaniya ended the opening days on 210 for 4 against Maris Stella Negombo at Negombo. The match was called off early due to bad light and will be continued today.
At Mt Lavinia: S. Thomas’ beat St. Anthony’s by 7 wickets
St. Anthony’s 169 (Dilan Bandara 31, Kanishka Uggalpaya 30, Mohamed Aflar 29: Tharindu Ratnayake 5 for 39, Helakamal Nanayakkara 2 for 32, Sajana de Silva 2 for 33) and 116 (Nirodh Dhananjaya 25, Kanishka Uggalpaya 24, Pulasthi Bandara 20: Sajana de Silva 5 for 50, Tharindu Ratnayake 3 for 34)
S. Thomas’ (75/4 overnight) 207 for 7 declared (Chenutha Wickramasinghe 80, Ravindu Sasanka 27, Navod Fernando 21, Nipuna Gamage 45 n.o; Dilan Bandara 2 for 46) and 79 for 3 (Chenutha Wickramasinghe 30, Ravindu Sasanka 37 n.o.)
At Negombo
Gurukula MV Kelaniya 210 for 4 (Lisula Lakshan 90, Janith Pramod 55 n.o; Shashinda Colombage 2 for 75) vs Maris Stella Negombo – MSA