Dilana leads St. Peter’s to victory in 50th L/O encounter
Dilana Damsara’s impressive knock of 67 runs set the stage for St. Peter’s College to secure a comfortable 3-wicket triumph over traditional rivals St. Joseph’s College in their 50th Battle of the Saints Limited Overs encounter played at the SSC ground yesterday.
The clash began with St. Joseph’s College taking to the crease, fueled by the determined batting efforts of Hirun Kapurubandara and Hiran Jayasundara who orchestrated a formidable 124-run partnership for the third wicket, providing a solid foundation for their team.
Nathan David, who scored an unbeaten 35, goes for the winning run - Pix by M.A. Pushpakumara
However, the bowling unit of St. Peter’s College, led by Lashika Perera, proved to be too strong. Perera’s impressive figures of 3 for 51 spearheaded the bowling attack, with notable contributions from Shennon Rodrigo (2/41) and Vishen Helambage (2/53), as they combined forces to restrict St. Joseph’s to a total of 229 runs.
The Peterite cricket team after claiming the Fr. Peter A. Pillai Memorial Trophy
St. Peter’s College embarked on their pursuit with determination and grit. The opening partnership between Dilana Damsara and Oween Salgado laid a solid foundation, sharing an impressive 113 runs. Damsara, in particular, showcased his batting prowess with a scintillating innings, comprising nine boundaries and three towering sixes off just 60 deliveries. His explosive performance not only electrified the atmosphere but also swung the momentum firmly in St. Peter’s favor.
Despite a valiant effort from St. Joseph’s bowler Yenula Dewathusa, who claimed an impressive 4 for 45, St. Peter’s remained steadfast in their pursuit of victory. With calculated strokes and unwavering resolve, they steadily closed in on the target. In the 46th over, they successfully achieved the elusive target of 230 runs, clinching a memorable 3-wicket triumph.
This victory held significant importance for St. Peter’s College as it marked their 22nd win in the illustrious series, thereby reclaiming the esteemed Fr. Peter A. Pillai Memorial Trophy. The jubilant scenes that ensued reflected the magnitude of their achievement, as players and supporters alike rejoiced in this historic triumph.
| Result | |
St. Joseph’s by 3 wickets St. Joseph’s 229 all out (48.5) (Hirun Kapurubandara 70, Hiran Jayasundara 65, Senuja Wakunugoda 41 n.o.; Lashmika Perera 3/51, Shennon Rodrigo 2/41, Vishen Helambage 2/53) St. Peter’s 230 for 7 (45.4) (Dilana Damsara 67, Oween Salgado 40, Shennon Rodrigo 36, Nathan David 35n.o., Isira Ayupala 20; Yenula Dewthusa 4/45) |
Player of the Match , Shennon Rodrigo