Isipathana College’s hopes of securing their first ever under 17 cricket championship were dashed by Ananda College as they were beaten by a massive 151 runs in the final played at R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.
Both teams were very excited in this all-important final as Ananda College skipper Sammu Ashan won the toss and elected to bat first.
The boys from Maradana accumulated 269 for the loss of 7 wickets in their 50 overs. Their score was prompted by a useful 148-run stand between Sahan Suraweera and Dushan Hettige for the 2nd wicket.
Sahan smashed a brilliant 91-ball knock of 88 with 6 fours and 5 sixes while Dushan made a sound 58 from 92 balls with 7 fours. The hard-hitting Sammu Ashan gave the much needed boost in the final overs as he clobbered a vital 66 from 59 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes.
Right-arm fast bowler Niranjan Wanniarachchi captured 3 wickets for 57.
Chasing a massive 270 runs to win, Isipathana was bowled out for a mere 118. Their top batsmen, Pethum Nissanka, Sanjula Abeywickrama and Heshan Danushka failed to make sizeable contributions.
After being 60 for 2 in the first 10 overs, Isipathana innings was ripped apart by left-arm spinner Ashel Sigera, Achila Eranga and Supun Waragoda who shared 7 wickets amongst them.
Harsha Rathnayake and Kalana Perera scored 25 and 22 respectively for the losers.
Incidentally this is Ananda College’s first major schools cricket title in 2015 after losing the under 19 limited-overs championship final against D.S. Senanayake College few months back.
Ananda College – 269/7 in 50 overs: Sahan Suraweera 88, Sammu Ashan 66, Dushan Hettige 58, Supun Waragoda 21*, Neranjan Wanniarachchi 3/57.
Isipathana College – 118 all out in 40.5 overs: Harsha Rathnayake 25, Kalana Perera 22, Asel Sigera 3/14, Supun Waragoda 2/07, Achila Eranga 2/08.
