Big Match: Abhishek powers Richmond to unlikely win against Mahinda

A captain's knock of an unbeaten 99 off 92 deliveries by Thaveesha Abhishek and a run-a-ball 42 by Dilum Sudeera helped Richmond College turn tables on the experienced Mahinda College team and win the 114th Lovers' Quarrel at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Saturday (16). 

Chasing a victory target of 215 Richmond cruised to a 6-wicket win three balls to spare. 

With eight runs to get in the last over Thaveesha Abhishek hit consecutive boundaries in the second and third balls to help his team turn tables on the experienced Mahinda outfit. 

Invited to take first lease of the wicket Mahinda were contained to 197 runs by spinners Sandun Mendis, Dimuth Sandaruwan and Dilum Sudeera, who captured five wickets. 

Nipun Malinga topped the score card with 44 while opener Kawshitha Kodituwakku chipped in with 36. 

Although the Richmond bowlers did their duty, the batting collapsed and the Richmondites were in dire straits on 56/6 when Sandun Mendis and Vimud Sapnaka figured in an unbeaten 33-run partnership to help them avert the follow-on and reach 99/6 at stumps. 

The duo went on to add 62 runs for the seventh wicket after which the Mahindians’ managed to see them back in the pavilion for 144. 

Left-arm spinner Kushan Madusha captured five wickets and was given the honour of leading the Mahinda team back to the pavillion. 

It was nine years ago, in 2010, that Mahinda last secured a first innings lead over Richmond. 

Mahinda declared their second essay at 161/9 about 25 minutes before tea giving Richmond a victory target of 215 to be scored in minimum of 45 overs. 

The most experienced player to take the field HansikaWelihinda contributed with 71 and opener Navod Paranavithana with 30 while the rest failed to make an impression in their second essay. 

Dilum captured four more wickets to end with a match bag of 9/106. 

Mahinda College 

1st Innings 197 all out (63.3) (Navod Paranavithana 26, Kawshitha Kodituwakku 36, Nipun Malinga 44, Vinura Dulsara 27; Dilum Sudeera 5/49, Sandun Mendis 3/53, DimuthSandaruwan 2/33) 

2nd Innings 161 for 9 wickets declared (24.3) (Navod Paranavithana 30, Hansika Welihinda 71, Ashen Kandamby 18, Dilum Sudeera 4/57, Kalpa Nethsara 3/32)

Richmond College

1st Innings 144 all out in 45.2 overs (Adithya Siriwardena 20, Sandun Mendis 36, Vimud Sapnaka 21, Chamath Dilsara 15; Kushan Madusha 5/20, Ashen Kandamby 2/8, Navod Paranavithana 2/21) 

2nd Innings (Target 215 runs in 45 overs) 215 for 4 wickets (44.3) (Adithya Siriwardena 26, Bhanuka Manohara 40, Thaveesha Abhishek 99n.o, Dilum Sudeera 42)