Newly appointed under 19 Sri Lanka vice-captain Charith Asalanka excelled with brilliant all-round performances for Richmond College as they took major honours and won the game on 1st innings against S. Thomas’ College at Mount Lavinia on 19th and 20th of September.
Left-handed top order batsman Asalanka scored a delightful hundred as he guided the visitors to a commanding 305 in their 1st innings. Charith scored 126 runs in 159 balls and his inning included 14 fours and 4 sixes. Kamindu Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga chipped in with valuable 30s as they were bowled out in the 66th over. Seamer Shenal De Silva and leg-spinner Sachitha Jayathilake captured 2 wickets apiece.
Thomians in their 1st innings were all at sea as they were 67 for 6 at close of day 1 but they recovered to post 205 but the Richmondites enforced the follow-on immediately. Skipper Helakamal Nanayakkara played a gritty knock of 59 while off-spinner Charith Asalanka was the top bowler for the visitors taking 4 wickets.
Thomians in their 2nd innings battled for 50 overs to save the match. Left-hander Nipuna Gamage played a brave knock to stay unbeaten and score a half-century while Sachitha Jayathilake once again shined with the bat as he too scored an unbeaten half-ton after the hosts were wobbling early on losing 5 quick wickets. The hosts were 145/5 at the end of 2nd day’s play. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga captured 3 wickets.
Chief Scores:
Richmond College (1st inn) – 305 all out in 65.4 overs: Charith Asalanka 126, Kamindu Mendis 37, Sachitha Jayathilake 2/43, Shenal De Silva 2/58.
S. Thomas’ College (1st inn) – 205 all out in 91.4 overs: Helakamal Nanayakkara 59*, Sachitha Jayathilake 33, Charith Asalanka 4/55, Wanidu Hasaranga 2/30.
S. Thomas’ College (2nd inn) – 145/5 in 50 overs: Nipuna Gamage 50*, Sachitha Jayathilake 50*, Wanidu Hasaranga 3/40, Charith Asalanaka 2/35
