Nalanda secure victory against arch rivals Ananda

Under 15 Division One Cricket

437

An enthralling battle was underway at the Nalanda College ground as they took on arch rivals Ananda College in the Singer Under 15 Division I Group T second round fixture.

The excitement crept in from the very first ball of the innings as the Nalandians won the toss and elected to field first. Ananda College had a brilliant start to their innings as Hareen Wickramarachchi astounded the Nalanda bowlers with some staggering stroke play.

The Nalandians did not succumb to the situation as they took the attack to the Anandians by introducing Nadil Jayakody who broke through the defense of Wickramarachchi, picking two wickets in quick succession leaving the Anandians on 56 for the loss of 3 by the 18th over.

Read: Richmond & St. Mary’s win second round fixtures

Things did not go to plan from there on as Sajith Vithanage ripped through the Ananda College batting line up ending with match figures of 5 for 15. The Anandians were bowled out for 82 runs in the 35th over. Wickramarachchi remained the top scorer for Ananda College with 26. Nadil Jayakody and leg spinner Ashen Weerapura ended with similar figures of 2/8.

Read: Results of the Second round matches in Under 15 Cricket

After a remarkable performance with the ball Nalanda College girded themselves to face the Anandian bowling attack. The game once again had a slight twist as Nalanda College lost their first wicket within the first three overs. Kushmitha Silva played a pivotal role by steadying the Nalandian innings but was dismissed for 33.

Chanul Athukorala and Dineth Adithya formed a valuable partnership to make sure Nalanda cross the 82 run mark to secure a 1st innings win. Chanul Athukorala remained unbeaten on 91* at the end the day’s proceedings.

Read: Wins for Nalanda and Sri Sumangala Colleges

Brief scores

Ananda College, Colombo 82 (34.5 overs) Hareen Wickramarachchi 26, Sajitha Vithanage 5/15, Nadil Jayakody 2/08, Ashen Weerapura 2/08

Nalanda College, Colombo 260/6d (71.5 overs) Chanul Athukorala 91*, Sajitha Vithanage 50, Kushmitha Silva 33, Ransika Senarath 22*, Dineth Adithya 22, Induwara Wijerathna 2/59, Sajith de Silva 2/75

Result – Match drawn (1st Innings win for Nalanda College)