SSC on course to retain title

By M. Shamil Amit

Defending champions SSC were on course to retain the Under 23 title at the end of the second day’s play of the final encounter against Chilaw Marians at SSC grounds.

Having bowled out the Marians for a paltry 123 they were sitting pretty on day one having made 171 for 3 with Dimuth Karunaratne being the star with a knock of 68.

The second day’s play yesterday belonged to skipper Kaushal Silva who was unbeaten on 57 as he went on to crack 71 with seven boundaries and with useful knocks coming down later on SSC amassed a score of 326 giving them a lead of 203.

Marians batting the second time ended the day on 103 for 3 still needing another 100 runs to avoid an innings defeat. With SSC virtually assured of retaining the title, it is left to be seen how the Marians fare when play begins on the third and final day at 10.00 a.m. today.

Chilaw Marians 123 (Milinda Siriwardena 36, Ruwantha Fernandopulle 20; Shalika Karunanayake 4 for 36, Chathupama Gunasinghe 4 for 46) and 103 for 3 (Amal Athulathmudali 34, Ruwantha Fernandopulle 24, Prajeev Jansz 20) SSC (171/3 o’night) 326 (Kaushal Silva 71, Dimuth Karunaratne 68, Navin Perera 45, Dasun Randika 27, Janudhika Sriyapala 21; Milinda Siriwardena 5 for 87, Isuru Perera 2 for 65)