Central Province took command in the SLC U23 Inter-Provincial Two-day tournament final against Western Province North which commenced today at CCC grounds.
Gunasinghe struck 80 while Fernando made 78 as Central Province posted 293 after being sent into bat first. In reply, the Westerners were 16 for 1 when bad light brought a premature end to first day’s play.
Western Province North skipper Binura Fernando had no hesitation to bowl first on a greenish top with a cloud hovering above the ground. He dismissed Thanuka Dabare for zero and his counterpart Ron Chandraguptha with a perfect in-swinger for a duck to put the Central lads in trouble at 2 down for 3 runs.
Sri Lanka’s newest ODI cap Wanindu Hasaranga was undone by slinging right-arm seamer Nuwan Thushara for 14. After being 30 for 3, Nuwanidu and Nimesha put up a brilliant 103 run partnership for the 4th wicket to put them back on track.
Former St. Anthony’s College Katugasthota captain Nimesha Gunasinghe anchored the innings with a solid 80 off 138 balls that included 9 fours and a massive six. Young Sebastianite Nuwanidu Fernando made a positive and classic 78-ball 76 runs that included 5 maximums and 5 boundaries.
Left-arm spinner Duvindu Tillakarathne cleaned up Gunasinghe with a crafty delivery, while Binura Fernando broke through Nuwanidu’s defenses soon after lunch.
Central Province got useful contributions late in the day from Lahiru Samarakoon, Lakshan Fernando and Raveen Sayer as they ended the innings on 293 in 76 overs.
Binura Fernando was the star with ball for the Westerners picking up 4 for 39 in his 19 overs that included 7 maidens. Son of former Sri Lanka captain, Hashan Tillakarathne, Duvindu was expensive earlier on but came back strong to end up with 4/98 in his 28 overs.
Chasing a formidable target, in-form left-handed opener Kavin Bandara was struck plumb in front by seamer Mohommad Shiraz before close of play.
The Match will continue tomorrow for day two.
Central Province – 293 (76) Nimesha Gunasinghe 80, Nuwanidu Fernando 76, Lahiru Samarakoon 38, Lakshan Fernando 35, Raveen Sayer 32, Binura Fernando 4/39, Duvindu Thilakarathna 4/98.
WP North – 16/1 (5) Mohommed Shiraz 1/9.
