The 33rd Limited Overs Encounter between Sri Sumangala College, Panadura, and Moratu Maha Vidyalaya ended in a commanding 90-run victory for the Panadura boys, as a clinical all-round performance stifled Moratu’s hopes of a successful chase. Despite a resilient effort from their middle order, the Sumangalians displayed immense control under pressure to secure the win.
Sri Sumangala College started the innings with clear intent, posting a formidable total of 289 for 7 in their 50 overs. The star of the first innings was undoubtedly Neksha Iddamalgoda, who anchored the side with a masterful 83 off 96 balls, including six boundaries and a six.
Sensing a massive total, the Sumangalians played with a license to thrill. Bihanga Silva turned the ground into his personal playground with a steady 54, while Mevindu Kumarasiri matched him for intensity. Kumarasiri played a triple-threat role, blazing a rapid 72 off just 42 balls, punctuated by 11 boundaries and striking at a staggering rate of 170.
The Sumangala innings concluded at 289, setting Moratu Maha Vidyalaya a daunting target of 290 for victory. This injected a high level of intensity into the match as the Sumangala bowlers prepared to hunt for the ten wickets required.
The second innings proved to be a gruelling test of nerves. Moratu Maha Vidyalaya began their chase disastrously, sliding to 32 for 3. The collapse continued as they struggled against the pressure applied by the Sumangala spinners and seamers, led by Mevindu Kumarasiri, who threatened to run through the side.
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However, the Moratu middle order refused to buckle. Deneth Sithumina played a vital, stabilising knock of 75 off 104 balls, but the true resistance came from Sanjana Senavirathne. In a display of counter-attacking cricket, Senavirathne scored a fluent 58, including four boundaries and a six. His innings was supported by a gritty yet underrated cameo of 22 off 30 balls from Sithum Silva.
The match saw individual brilliance from both sides, but it was Mevindu Kumarasiri who stole the spotlight. Following his high-tempo 72 that set up the daunting target, he earned top honours for his devastating bowling spell of 3 for 24 in 10 overs, which included three maidens.
His teammate Bihanga Silva also stood out, contributing a vital half-century and taking 2 for 46 with the ball. For Moratu Maha Vidyalaya, Sasindu Peiris was recognised for his bowling effort, claiming 2 for 46 to keep the target within reach.
The clinical Sumangalian performance ensured that victory remained firmly with Panadura at the end of the 33rd Limited Overs Encounter between Sri Sumangala College and Moratu Maha Vidyalaya.
Match Summary
Sri Sumangala College, Panadura – 289/7 (50)
Neksha Iddamalgoda 83, Mevindu Kumarasiri 72, Bihanga Silva 54
Sasindu Peiris 2/46
Moratu Maha Vidyalaya – 199/10 (47.2)
Deneth Sithumina 75, Sanjana Senavirathne 58, Sithum Silva 22*
Mevindu Kumarasiri 3/24, Bihanga Silva 2/46
Sri Sumangala College Panadura, won by 90 runs.
