Thomians gain advantage with Sachira’s five-for
A five-wicket haul by right-arm off-spinner Sachira Rashmika helped St. Thomas’ College Matara restrict St. Servatius College to a first innings score of 164 –only a six run first innings lead, at stumps on day two of the three day Big Match in Matara yesterday.
Electing to bat first St. Servatius were able to see the Thomian team in the dressing room with a first innings score of 158 runs less than hour after tea. Lahiru Dilshan, opening the innings, scored 60 runs off 130 balls with nine hits to the ropes while skipper Tharusha Kavindya and Mihisal Amoda contributed with 22 runs each. Left-arm spinner Shashika Dulshan captured seven wickets while Supun Kavida captured two.
St. Servatius continuing from their overnight score of 63 for 2, were restricted to 164 runs at tea by the Thomian bowlers. Sachira Rashmika was rewarded with a five-wicket haul while Lahiru Dilshan and Gishanthika Jayaweera captured two wickets each.
Keshara Nuwantha topped the score card with a patient 52 off 130 balls with two boundaries.
An unbeaten 47 by Lahiru Dilshan who opened the innings saw the Thomians, on 67-1 at stumps on day two. The Thomians who have a 61-run lead would be looking to force a draw by keeping their wickets intact when play resumes today.
St. Thomas’ 1st innings 158 all out (68.5) (Harindu Jayasekera 10, Lahiru Dilshan 60, Hirantha Lakshan 13, Mihisal Amoda 22, Tharusha Kavindya 22, Kavidu Ridmal 22, Shashika Dulshan 7 for 56, Supun Kavinda 2 for 20)
St. Servatius 1st innings 164 all out (77.1) (Supun Kavinda 22, Pushpitha Dilshan 35, Keshara Nuwantha 52, Chihan Malindu 12, Thilan Prashan, Sachira Rashmika 5 for 48, Lahiru Dilshan 2 for 13, Gishanthika Jayaweera 2 for 15)
St. Thomas’ 2nd innings 67 for 1 wicket (35) (Harindu Jayasekera 19, Lahiru Dilshan 47n.o.)