Ananda College demolished their brother’s school Nalanda College by 118 runs in the 1st under 15 division 1 semi-final played at Moors grounds on Wednesday.
The Junior Battle of the Maroons commenced when Nalanda won the toss and sent their opposition to bat first. Top order batsman Dushan Hettige played the anchor role for the Anandians as he made a classic 64 runs to help his team get over 200 runs. Lahiru Hiranya contributed with a valuable 25 runs as Ananda posted 202 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Nalanda bowlers excelled throughout the innings with Lakshitha Rasanjana capturing 3 wickets for 47 runs while spinner Nadil Jayampathi captured 2 wickets conceding 44 runs.
Chasing 203 runs to book their place in the final, Nalanda collapsed dramatically as they were bowled out for a mere 84 runs inside 30 overs after being 50 for 5 at one stage. Damindu Roshan and Chamika Gunasekera were the chief destroyers as they shared 5 wickets among them. Damindu took 3 scalps for only 9 runs while Chamika scalped 2 wickets for 5 runs. Middle-order batsman Himesh Liyanapathirana was the only batsman to show resistance as he made 33 runs.
Ananda College will now take on the winners of the 2nd semi-final between St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa vs President’s Colllege, Rajagiriya which will be worked out on 22nd Friday at MCA grounds. Earlier in the tournament, Ananda overcame St. Peter’s College in the pre-quarter finals and Royal College in the quarter finals.
Chief Scores:
Ananda – 202 for 9 in 50 overs: Dushan Hettige 64, Lahiru Hiranya 25, Lakshitha Rasangana 3-47, Nadil Jayanpathi 2-44.
Nalanda – 84 all out in 28.1 overs: Himesh Liyanapathirana 33, Damidu Roshan 3-09, Chamika Gunasekara 2-05.
