Lahiru makes polished knock of 65
View(s):MCA ‘White’ batsmen made merry with the Ambalangoda Rio CC bowlers to score 222 for the loss of three wickets in the second round of the 12th Invitational International Cricket Tournament for the Nelson Mendis Challenge Trophy played over the weekend.
MCA White’s one drop batsman Lahiru Samaranayake opened the flood gates scoring an unbeaten 65 came off in 68 deliveries including ten hits to the ropes.
Kanishka Ranthilake and Chatura Dilrukshan took over from Samaranayake to score quick fire half centuries in 62 and 25 balls respectively.
Dilrukshan was more aggressive to build up a lusty 52 in just 25 balls which included two hits to the ropes and four over the lines. Ranthilakage too didn’t spare much deliveries to score 59 in 62 balls with eight fours and a solitary six.
In their turn in chasing 223 for victory the Ambalangoda lads found difficult in coping with the right arm leg spin and left arm leg spin combination of Thithira Weerasinghe and Anupa Thatsara.
The pair taking over from the pacies ripped through the Rio batting line sharing eight scalps between them. Weerasinghe bagged five for seven runs including a hat-trick while Thatsara claimed 3 for 17 to dismiss Rio CA for 76 in 18.2 overs to emerge winners by 146 runs.
The other notable victory was achieved by Great Cricket Academy of Monaragala defeating Piliyandala Cricket Academy by 7 wickets in another second round match. Batting first Piliyandala CA were dismissed for 124 in 29.5 overs.
Chamodya Pabasara guided the Monaragala boys to victory by scoring an unbeaten 67 making the ball to cross the line on four occasions and five hits to sail over.
NCC scored a close three runs victory over Oval Cricket Academy with Asithga Silva top scoring with 73 in 52 balls while the SSC ‘A’ – Kelaniya Central Academy match was called off at the 17th over due to rain.
The two semi-final matches will be played today at Thurstan College Grounds and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Grounds while the finals is scheduled to be played at the CCC Turf on January 17 followed by the awards presentation on the following day at the Bishops College Auditorium at 7.00pm.
Former ICC Match Referee and Sri Lanka cricketer Roshan Mahanama will grace the occasion as chief guest.
MCA ‘White’ beat Ambalangoda Rio CA by 146 runs
MCA ‘White’ 222 for 3 (28) (Lahiru Samaranayake 65n.o., Kanishka Ranthilakage 59, Chatura Dilrukshan 52)
Ambalangoda Rio 76 (18.2) (Manusha Theekshana 21, Thithira Weerasinghe 5/7, Anupa Thatsara 3/17)
SSC ‘A’ vs. Kelaniya Central Academy – No decision rain
SSC’A’ 90 for 2 (17) (Kamil Mishara 41, Dilmin Ratnayake 30, Vihanga Iranjana 2/10) vs KCA
NCC beat Oval Cricket Academy by 3 runs
NCC 146 (27.5) (Asitha Silva 73 (52 balls, 3 4s and seven sixes),Seth Samuels 3/9, Sachin Imaduwage 2/31)
Oval CA 143 for 8 (28) (Janidu Jayawardene 32, Sathind Athaupa 21, Seth Samuel 21, Sasanka Kularatne 4/36, Viranga Bulathsinhala 3/23)
Great Cricket Academy, Monaragala beat Piliyandala CA by 7 wickets
Piliyandala CA 124 (29.5) (Shohan Danushka 42, Vidura Theekshana 21, Aveen Pesala 4/25, Chamodya Pabasara 2/10, Avishka Dharmasena 2/12)
Great CA 129 for 3 (21.1) (Chamodya Pabasara 67n.o. (4×4, 6×5), Navod Dilshith 2/20)