The final set of group matches of the SLC U23 Inter-Provincial Two-Day Cricket Tournament 2017 were worked off today with Central and Western Province North entering for the finals on 31st July & 1st of August.
Uva Province vs Southern Province
Southern Province resuming day 2 on 78/3, went on to take major honours against Uva Province in the final group game which concluded today in Hambantota. Dilshan De Soyza was the hero with the bat as he smashed a superb century to guide the Southern lads to a convincing first innings win. Harsha Rajapaksha of Uva Province made a half-ton in the 2nd innings to follow up his 88 in the first innings as they ended the day on 128/4.
Brief scores
Uva Province 198 (76) Harsha Rajapaksha 88, Meedum Dineth 26, Ramesh Mendis 4/53, Charith Asalanka 2/17, Tilanga Udeeshana 2/48 & 128/4 (29) Harsha Rajapaksha 51*, Yeshan Wickramarachchi 36, Lisula Lakshan 25, Charith Asalanka 2/21.
Southern Province 261 (95) Dilshan de Soyza 100, Pasindu Isira 35, Dulash Udayanga 24, Iwanka Sanjula 3/62, Harsha Rajapaksha 3/39.
Result – match drawn
Western Province Central vs North Western Province
Chasing 205 to notch up 1st innings points, North Western Province were bowled out for 187 in 61.3 overs in the game worked off today at BRC grounds. All-rounder Sachintha Pieris was the only batsman who got to a half-ton, while Janith Liyanage was impressive with ball as he picked up four wickets to dismantle the opponents. After gaining 1st innings points, WP Central came out to bat and had a good batting practice as dashing right-hander Sadeera Samarawickrama who scored a brilliant century to guide them to 283 all out in their second innings as the game ended in a draw.
Brief scores
Western Province Central 204 (46.1) Himasha Liyanage 72, Lahiru Vimukthi 60, Sadeera Samarawickrama 26, Tharindhu Rathnayaka 5/60, Asitha Fernando 3/52 & 283 (71.3) Sadeera Samarawickrama 133, Manelkar de Silva 33, Himasha Liyanage 26, Dishaka Manoj 21, Tharindu Rathnayake 5/114, Sachin Jayawardena 4/30.
North Western Province 187 (61.3) Sachintha Pieris 51, Sachin Jayawardena 31, Rukshan Fernando 27, Leo Fransisco 26, Janith Liyanage 4/64, Dishaka Manoj 2/49, Sahan Nanayakkara 2/51 & 42/2 (8) Leo Francisco 22*, Vishad Randika 0/1.
Result – Match drawn
Northern Province vs North Central Province
Resuming on 138/7 in pursuit of 191 to earn 1st innings points, North Central Province got out from jail as Sandeepa Nisansala stroked a match winning 66 to steer North Central Province 235 all out in the game worked off at Bloomfield grounds. Coming in to bat in the 2nd innings Northern batters posted 275/9 in only 49.3 overs. Dulaj Ranatunga was the highlight of the 2nd essay as he cracked a brisk 73 to set up a target of 231 for NC Province. They came ever so close as Dineth Hewathanthri scored his second century of the tournament as the game ended in a draw.
Brief scores
Northern Province 190 (51.5) Mohamad Alfar 82, G Jathushan 23, Sandeepa Nisansala 2/19, Akash Senarathna 5/65 & 275/9d (49.3) Dulaj Ranathunga 74, Parakkrama Thennakoon 42, A K Tyron 33, Risith Upamal 25, Chathuranga Abeysingha 4/36, Sandeepa Nisansala 3/36.
North Central Province 235 (55.3) Sandeepa Nisansala 66*, Yohan Mendis 63, Dineth Hewathanthri 34, Akash Senarathna 28, V Jathushan 3/40, Mohommed Alfer 3/54, Sachith Lakshan 2/54, K Kapilraj 2/62 & 200/2 (38.5) Dineth Hewathanthri 121*, Yohan Mendis 59, A K Tyrone 2/64.
Result – Match drawn
The final match between Central Province and Western Province North in the SLC U23 Inter-Provincial Cricket Tournament 2017 will be played on 31st July and 1st August at CCC grounds.
Watch live action on Dialog Television – Channel No.1, Dialog MyTV and ThePapare.com on both days from 9.30am.
