Here’s brief look into a few matches which took place in the SLC Tier B Premier League Tournament today.
Lankans CC vs Kalutara PCC
Rain washed away the hopes of an outright victory for the Lankans as their match against Kalutara PCC ended in a draw at Panagoda. Kalutara resumed play on 107 for 5 in their first innings. First to fall was half centurion Rasika Fernando who could only add 1 run to his overnight score of 53. However a fighting cameo by Manoj Niroshan helped Kalutara reach 152 before he was bowled out. Niroshan scored 43 and his was the last wicket to fall for the boys from down south. With the ball Navin Kavikara ended with figures of 6 for 73, while all-rounder Rajeewa Weerasinghe bagged a 3-for.
The Lankans with no doubt asked Kalutara to follow on. The opening pair put up a half century stand before Lal Kumar broke through Fahad Babar. His partner Damidu Ashan top scored with 49 but after his fall, Kalutara lost 3 wickets for just 26 runs before the heavens opened up. When rain stopped play Kalutara was 102 for 5 still trailing by 74 runs.
Early on, the Lankans posted 328 all out with centuries from Maduranga Zoysa and Charith Fernando.
Lankans CC 328 all out in 109.3 overs
( Maduranga Zoysa 127, Charith Fernando 104, Lakshan Rodrigo 68, Ruchira Tharindra 3/108)
Kalutara PCC 152 all out in 53.5 overs
( Rasika Fernando 54, Manoj Niroshan 43, Navin Kavikara 6/73, Rajeewa Weerasinghe 3/54 )
&
102 for 5 in 40.3 overs (f/o)
( Damidu Ashan 49, Lakshan Rodrigo 2/3 )
Kalutara Town Club vs SL Ports Authority
SLPA took the upper hand after cleaning up Kalutara TC for 156 on day 1 in Kalutara. The home side started off well but their middle order collapsed thanks to some brilliant bowling by Omesh Wijesiriwardane and Chamikara Edirisinghe. Two good cameos by opening batsmen Chamod Silva and Sulan Jayawardane, enabled the home side avoid being bowled out cheaply. They managed to reach 156 and most importantly they managed to bat out 66.5 overs in their innings. Chamikara ended with top figures of 4 for 40 while Omesh bagged 3 for 23.
When rain intervened, SLPA was 2 for no loss in 1 over.
Kalutara Town Club 156 all out in 66.5 overs
( Sulan Jayawardane 38, Chamod Silva 30, Chamikara Edirisinghe 4/40, Omesh Wijesiriwardane 3/23 )
SLPA 2 for no loss in 1 over
Kurunegala YCC vs Police SC
Police put up a brilliant bowling performance against Kurunegala YCC on day 1 at Katunayake. Kurunegala got off to a dismal start when they lost 5 wickets for just 18 runs. Charuka Wijelath and Suwanji Madanayake bowled splendidly in the morning session for the Cops. In form batsmen Ruwantha Ekanayake and Anuruddha Rajapaksha put up a 53 run stand for the 6th wicket. Ruwantha top scored with 43 but after his wicket Kurunegala was bundled out for a mere 109 in 40.5 overs.
In reply Police was 35 for 2 when rain brought a premature end to the 1st days play.
Kurunegala 109 all in 40.5 overs
( Ruwantha Ekanayake 43, Suwanji Madanayake 3/20, Charuka Wijelath 3/30 )
Police SC 35 for 2 in 18.4 overs
Panadura SC vs SL Airforce SC
An unbeaten 99 run partnership between Nisal Randika and Madawa Nimesh helped Panadura post 235 for 4 on day 1 in their match against Air Force at Panadura. Nisal opened the batting for the home side and he was unbeaten on 88 when rain stopped play. He had a good partnership with Mishen Silva who scored a quick fire 44 with 7 boundaries. Madawa Nimesh came in at no 6 and joined Nisal to add 99 runs before the rain. With the ball, Sahan Jayawardane bagged 2 wickets for the Airmen.
Panadura SC 235 for 4 in 55 overs
( Nisal Randika 88*, Madawa Nimesh 51*, Mishen Silva 44 )
