Royal Panadura chasing 126 for victory had to be satisfied with a draw as they could not beat the rain which prevented play just after tea against traditional rivals St. John’s Panadura in their 19th Battle of the Greens at the Panadura Esplanade.
Action at the Royal Panadura Vs St.John’s at the Panadura esplanade. Pic by Ranjith Perera |
Royal who were favourites to pull off the game however dominated the proceedings on both the days. After bowling out their opponents, the Royalist resuming from their overnight score of 138 for 7, went on to make 156 with Asanka Alwis (who was their mainstay in the latter part of the innings) making an unbeaten 33.
The Johnians batting the second time underwent some anxious moments again with the left and right arm spin combination of Ruchira Tharindra and Dushan Vimukthi having them under control. But Sanjaya Chathuranga and Dinesh Pathirana came to the rescue of the Johnians during the latter part which helped them make a respectable 161.
Ruchira and Dushan shared ten wickets between them with the former having a successful match as he finished with a match bag of 9 for 62. Royal Panadura had plenty of time to achieve the required target but the rain stood in their way.
St. John’s Panadura 120 (Chathuranga Perera 33, Viraj Jayaranga 25: Ruchira Tharindra 4 for 24, Dushan Vimukthi 3 for 19, Pubudu Asanka 2 for 24) and 161 (Sanjaya Chathuranga 40, Dinesh Pathirana 29, Vinosh Udayanga 25: Ruchira Tharindra 5 for 38, Dushan Vimukthi 5 for 44)
Royal Panadura (138/7 o’night) 156 (Isira Kumara 50, Charith Ruchiranga 29, Asanka Alwis 33 n.o; Vinosh Udayanga 4 for 31, Sameera Chathuranga 4 for 45) and 10 for 1 |
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