DS Senanyake College managed to bag first innings points in their first match for this year against Thurstan College.

The under 19 ‘Singer Cup’ Schools Cricket Tournament 2015/16 got underway after the Christmas break with matches being played around the island. DS Senanyake College took on Thurstan College in their own backyard with both teams having moderate seasons so far.

Thurstan skipper won the toss and elected to field. His decision worked out fine for them when the DS batting collapsed drastically with wickets falling regularly. The only batsman who managed to stay on the crease for a long time was right-handed Torin Pitigala who top scored with a brilliant 87. He missed out on a well-deserved century but he made sure that his team post a reasonable first innings total of 196 from 66 overs. With the ball for the visitors, Thushal Madushanka bagged 3 for 20 while Yeshan Wickramarachchi took 2 for 29.

Thurstan came on to bat with hope of surpassing the first innings score by the home side but DS were determined on making the job harder for the visitors. Thurstan scored at a brisk pace with few players chipping in with cameos. Isitha Wijesundara top scored with 47 while right-hander Kasun Abeyrathne chipped in with a valuable 40. Their efforts were not enough to prevent a first innings defeat as they were bundled out for 162 in just 43.2 overs. Muditha Lakshan bagged 4 for 40 while Anjana De Silva took 3 for 34 helping their team to secure first innings points.

DS Senanyaka came on to bat in their second innings on the second session of Day 2. Their target was clear from the start as they showed no intent on reaching for an outright victory. Before the close of play, they managed to score 145 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 52 overs. Left-handed Shehzad Ameen scored an unbeaten 53 while all-rounder Anjana De Silva remained unbeaten on 22. Off-spinner Ayesh Weerathne and left-arm spinner Naveen Goonawardane chipped in with 2 wickets each.

DS Senanyaka College first innings
196 all out in 66 overs
( Torin Pitigala 87, Yeshan Wickramarachchi 2/29, Thushal Madushanka 3/20 )

Second innings
149 for 7 in 52 overs
( Shehzad Ameen 53, Anjana De Silva 22, Ayesh Weerarathne 2/46, Naveen Goonawardane 2/36 )

Thurstan College first innings
162 all out in 43.2 overs
( Isitha Wijesundara 47, Kasun Abeyrathne 40, Muditha Lakshan 4/40, Anajana De Silva 3/34 )