Mishara’s heroics in vain as Galle’s mammoth total stifles Kandy
Top order batter Kamil Mishara proved his class with an unbeaten 158 for Kandy - Pic courtesy SLC
Kamil Mishara delivered a breathtaking knock, crafting an unbeaten 158, but his valiant effort wasn’t enough to bridge the gulf between Kandy and Galle’s towering first-innings total of 602 for nine declared. The left-hander’s career-best innings was the lone beacon of resistance as Kandy folded for 350 on day three of their National Super League 4-Day opener at Hambantota yesterday.
The 23-year-old Mishara was in sublime touch, anchoring the innings with a composed yet authoritative 255-ball knock laced with 18 boundaries. As wickets tumbled around him, he stood firm, sending a strong statement to the selectors with a knock of sheer class and resilience. His innings, however, ended in frustration when Kandy’s last man, Wanuja Sahan, was unable to bat due to injury, leaving their reply stranded at 350 in 88 overs.
Mishara, once on the cusp of a Test debut in 2022 before a one-year suspension for a disciplinary breach, showed why he remains a name to watch. His commanding display was complemented by half-centuries from Nuwanidu Fernando (51) and Sohan de Livera (60), but Kandy was always playing catch-up after Galle’s batting masterclass over the first two days.
Galle’s mammoth total was built on centuries from Nipun Dananjaya (137) and Ramesh Mendis (121), while Oshada Fernando (57), Sadeera Samarawickrama (78), and Dilum Sudeera (81*), all chipped in with crucial contributions to put their side in firm control.
Despite Mishara’s brilliance, Galle’s first innings dominance ensured that Kandy remained firmly on the back foot, leaving them with an uphill battle heading into the final day. At stumps, Galle, batting for the second time with a first innings lead of 252 runs, were 13 without losing a wicket.
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