Rukmalgama CC in winning start, down Old President’s CC by 3 wkts
The Rukmalgama Cricket Club (RCC) made a winning start to their Colombo District Cricket Association (CDCA) Division III 50-Over League Tournament 2018season, with a thrilling 3-wicket win over Old President’s CC (OPCC), at Mt. Mary Railway Grounds, recently.
OPCC, sent into bat, were restricted to 159 runs in 43.5 overs, helped by a healthy dose of 36 extras, but shackled by Shanavaz Jamal, who bowled his quota of 10 overs on the trot (10-3-25-1). Jamal was well supported by Waruna Bandara, Shazan Passela and Hiran Kularatne, with 2 wickets a piece.
RCC started their run chase badly, losing their first 3 wickets for 16 runs. Shanavaz Jamal continued his good work with an attacking 45 runs in 27 balls, inclusive of 4 sixes and 5 fours, as he steadied the ship, adding 50 runs for the 4th wicket with skipper Kaushal Perera.
The match swung back in favour of OPCC, as 4 quick wickets fell- 111/7, with left arm off-spinner, Arjun Gunawardena in control. RCC was up against the wall, needing 47 runs to win with overs to spare, but short of wickets.
Gritty Manoj Jayaweera and reliable Sahan Wijeratne held the fort with an unbroken 49 runs for the 8th wicket, to take RCC home and dry, with over 11 overs to spare- 161/7 (38.3 overs)
RCC will take on Nugegoda United SC in their next outing today at Mt. Mary.
Scores:
- Old President’s CC 159 (43.5 overs) (A. Dhananjaya 23 n.o., S. Pushpakumara 20; Shazan Passela 2/5, Waruna Bandara 2/13, Hiran Kularatne 2/17)
- Rukmalgama CC 161/7 (38.3 overs) ( Shanavaz Jamal 45, Manoj Jayaweera 35 n.o., Sahan Wijeratne 20 n.o.; Arjun Gunawardena 3/41)