What should have been a comprehensive first innings win for Sri Rahula Katugastota in their inaugural ‘Battle of the Rs’ Big Match against Ranabima Royal Peradeniya turned out to be a nail-biter at the Pallekele International Stadium.
Replying to Sri Rahula’s 219, the Ranabima lads were reduced to 70 for 7, and were then rescued by a grand 8th wicket stand of 110 by S. Jerusana and T. Dilshan. Both batsmen put their heads down and batted with determination to make 83 and 72 respectively. The duo also bowled well to dispose of sixteen batsmen between them.
Sri Rahula skipper Rajitha Ranatunga top scored for his team with 52 and bagged six for forty three with his off breaks. Ishara Rangana made two forties while Tharaka Ranaweera and Supun Asela also entered their forties.
Sri Rahula 219 in 63 overs (A. Asela 41, I. Rangana 40, T. Ranaweera 41, R. Ranatunga 52, S. Jerusana 3/51, T. Dilshan 5/59, R. Chanaka 2/11) and 189 in 42.1 overs (I. Rangana 40, P. Priyadasshana 33, R. Subasinghe 41, I. Tennekoon 27 n.o; S. Jerusana 4/59,T. Dilshan 4/79)
Ranabima Royal 194 in 78.2 overs (S. Jenusana 83, T. Dilshan 72; R. Ranatunga 6/43, R. Subasinghe 3/99) and 14 for no loss in 5 overs. – A.K. |
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