Eranga, Kushmitha shine for Nalanda
A 124-run stand between Eranga Jayakody and Kushmitha Silva lifted Nalanda to a fighting 280 for 5 declared before Ananda made a solid reply, reaching 65 for 1 at stumps on day one in the 93rd Battle of the Maroons at the SSC ground yesterday.
Eranga, the aggressor, hit eight boundaries and three sixes in his 77-ball 83, while Kushmitha, playing a very composed knock, scored 57 off 91 balls, hitting five fours and a six.
Eranga Jayakody top scored for Nalanda - Pix by M.A. Pushpakumara
Later Chanul Athukorala and Senesh Wijesingha featured in an unbroken 74-run stand for the sixth wicket before Nalanda decided to end their innings on 280 for 5, facing 61 overs. Ayesh Shashimal (2/55) and Kaveesha Mendis (2/61) were the pick of the bowlers for Ananda.
At stumps Ananda were steady on 65 for 1, facing 17.3 overs with Kanchana de Livera (33n.o.) and Ashinsa Nainayake (15n.o.) on stumps. The match will continue today.
Brief Scores:
At SSC: Ananda trail by 215 runs
Nalanda 280 for 5 decl (61) (Eranga Jayakody 83, Kushmitha Silva 57, Rusiru Vilochana 32, Chanul Athukorala 44n.o., Sanesh Wijesinghe 40n.o.: Ayesh Shashimal 2/55, Kaveesha Mendis 2/61)
Ananda 65 for 1 (16) (Kanchana de Livera 33n.o., Ashinsa Nainayake 15n