A run crawl by Matara Thomians
The St. Thomas’ College batsmen rattled by losing two of their top order for four runs went on a run crawl against St. Servatius College on the second day of the 117th Battle of the Blues in Matara at the Uyanwatta Stadium yesterday. The Thomians batted out the full 90 overs bowled yesterday to add another 195 runs for the loss of seven wickets to end the day at 199 for 9,
St. Servatius invited to bat first scored 207 runs with Thilan Prashan topping the score card with 61 while opener Nipun Kavinda chipped in with 45. Maleesha de Saram captured three wickets while Hashin Dilman, Lahiru Dilshan and Praveen Madushan were able to secure two wickets each.
Thilan Prashan was able to add another wicket to his two-wicket haul of the previous day to have the Thomians reeling with three wickets down for just seven runs. Raminda Pravinath (42), Tharusha Kavindya (30), Akila Thiwanaka (21) and Lahiru Dilshan, unbeaten on 53, managed to salvage the innings to end the day at 199 for 9. Thilan Prashan was rewarded with a five-wicket haul for his accurate line but other bowlers accept for Pasindu Manupriya, Keshara Nuwantha and Shashika Dulshan who captured a wicket each could not beat the Thomian defence.
With both teams gaining no advantage of two days of cricket, it is expected that the match will end in a draw today unless the Thomian bowlers can dismiss the Servatians cheaply.
St. Servatius 207 all out in 76.4 overs (Nipun Kavinda 45, Shashika Dulshan 21, Muditha Hashan 36, Thilan Prashan 61, Maleesha de Saram 3 for 24, Lahiru Dilshan 2 for 28, Praveen Madushan 2 for 58, Hashin Dilman 2 for 62)
St. Thomas’ (Overnight 4 for 2 contd.) 199 for 9 wickets in 101 overs at stumps (Raminda Pravinath 42, Tharusha Kavindya 30, Lahiru Dilshan 53n.o, Akila Thiwanka 21, Thilan Prashan 5 for 44)