Left-handed batsman Heshan Danushka slammed a powering unbeaten century to help Isipathana College beat the strong St. Sebastian’s College by 7 wickets (D/L method) in the under 17 division one tournament’s second semi-final which took place at R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday.
Skipper Avishka Fernando won the toss and elected to bat first in this 42-over encounter. The future Sri Lanka star and current Sri Lanka under 19 vice-captain, Avishka Fernando stroked a stunning 82-ball 101 with 9 fours and 6 sixes to guide his team to a commendable score of 225 for 6 at the end of their allotted overs. Malintha Peiris contributed with 38 as well.
Isipathana’s target was readjusted to 258 from 42 overs and their openers got off to a flying start scoring 76 runs in the first 13 overs. One drop batsman, Heshan Danushka was involved in two very good partnerships to anchor the chase.
Firstly it was for the third wicket with his skipper Sanjula Abeywickrama, as they added 85 runs. Later for the fourth wicket Heshan added 99 runs in 61 balls with Ayana Siriwardana to guide their team to victory.
Heshan’s brilliant knock of 131 came in just 91 balls and it had 5 fours and 10 sixes. The boys from Havelock Town reached the target with 22 balls to spare.
Isipathana College will now meet Ananda College in the grand final scheduled on 27th August at R. Premadasa International Stadium.
Incidentally, this was Avishka Fernando’s 5th century in the under 17 tournament. Avishka has amassed 1060 runs from 14 matches with 5 fifties and as many centuries. He scored his centuries against Holy Cross College, Moratu Vidyalaya, De Mazenod College, Dharmapala College and Isipathana College.
St. Sebastian’s College – 225/6 in 42 overs: Avishka Fernando 101, Tharusha Fer nando 21, Malintha Pieris 38, Sanjula Bandara 2/33, Ayana Siriwardana 2/33.
Isipathana College – 261/3 in 38.2 overs: Heshan Danushka 131*, Sanjula Abeywickrama 30, Ayana Siriwardana 37*.
