Jaffna Central in thrilling win over St. John’s
View(s):Jaffna Central College held their nerve to seal a thrilling 32-run victory against traditional rivals St. John’s College in the 22nd Battle of the North Limited Overs cricket encounter played at the Jaffna College grounds yesterday.
Batting first, Jaffna Central posted 177 all out in 46.1 overs. Skipper Ranjithkumar Newton led from the front with a fighting 35, while Murali Thison added a steady 33 to help their side reach a competitive total. St. John’s bowlers struck regularly, with Jeyachandran Ashnath grabbing 3 for 33 and Kugathas Mathulan picking up 3 for 61. John Arnold also chipped in with 2-19 to keep the pressure on.
In reply, St. John’s struggled against disciplined bowling and tight fielding. They were bowled out for 145 in 46.3 overs, falling short by 32 runs. V. Haris delivered a match-winning spell, taking 4-25, while R. Akshayan provided solid support with 3-30. The win, their 10th in the series gave Jaffna Central bragging rights in this year’s edition of the historic Battle of the North, sending their supporters into celebration.
| Brief scores: | |
| Jaffna Central 177 all out (46.1) (Ranjithkumar Newton 35, Murali Thison 33, Jeyachandran Ashnath 3/33, Kugathas Mathulan 3/61, John Arnold 2/19) St. John’s 145 all out (46.3) (V. Haris 4/25, R. Akshayan 3/30) |