Cricket: Royal Masters easily overcome Thomian Masters at inaugural Cricket match

The maiden Royal Masters vs Thomian Masters Cricket match organised by the Colombo Masters Cricket Association (CMCA) concluded at the P. Sara Oval, with a convincing win for the Royal Masters. 

The first edition of this annual feature to be, had all the signs of what to expect in 11 days time, with a 'rocking' atmosphere, cheerleaders and 'papare' music. 

The fixture was made possible by the generosity of JAT Holdings and Coconut Miracle. 

Royal Masters was Captained by Nallaih Deverajan and Thomian Masters by Vajira Wijegunawardena.

The toss was won by Devarajan who put the Thomian Masters into bat first. 

Taking first lease of the wicket, the Thomain Masters aided by a 76-run opening partnership in 8 overs by Vajira Wijegunawardena 35 and Anura Bulankulame 29, closed their 25-over innings with a formidable 180 runs on the board, though Nallaih Deverajan, Zulki Hameed with 3/34 and Rajith Dhanapala with 2/19 restricted the Thomian Masters in the latter stages by taking wickets at regular intervals. 

In reply, the Royal Masters openers Shezzard Nazir and Hiran Mallathanthri put up a solid 56 runs in 5 overs, which was followed by a master class 61n.o. from Zulki Hameed, and an unbroken 5th wicket partnership of 76 runs in only 7 overs, between Dharsha Abeywardena  sealed the match for Royal Masters, as they scored 182/4 in just 19.1 overs. 

Nishantha Rajapakse with 3/43 and Sidath Samarakkody with 1/19 were the pick of the bowlers for the Thomain Masters. 

Man of the Match was Zulki Hameed for his outstanding batting and bowling. 

Vajira Wijegunawardena won the Best Batsman’s award whilst the Best Bowler’s award went to Nishantha Rajapakse. 

Thomian Masters 180 for 8 wickets (25) (V. Wijegunawardene 35, A. Bulankulame 29, S. Somasiri 25 n.o.; Zulki Hameed 3/34, Rajith Dhanapala 2/19, Nalliah Devarajan 1/30, Sisila Indraratne 1/32) 

Royal Masters 182 for 4 wickets (19.1) (Zulki Hameed 61n.o., Shezzard Nazir 32, Hiran Mallawathanthri 21, Darsha Abeywardene 20 n.o.; Nishantha Rajapakse 3/43, Sidath Samarakkody 1/19)