Sloppy batting display in both innings by Wesley College helps St. Benedict’s College record a massive 10 wicket outright win.
On a bright day in Campbell Park in Colombo St. Benedict’s College won the toss and elected to field first.
Wesley got off to a reasonable start as openers Senavirathna and Bambarenda built a 46 run partnership for the first wicket. Bambarenda was the first to depart for a well made 23. His fellow opening partner Senavirathna soon followed for 22 runs. With the loss of the opener it triggered a massive collapse as Wesley was reduced to 8 for 98.
The Wesley tail-enders managed to add valuable runs as the 9th wicket partnership yielded 36 runs and it helped Wesley end their first innings with 135 runs on the board for the loss of 10 wickets. Geethika Jayathilake stared with the ball for Bens as he picked up 5 for 28.
St. Benedict’s College did not get off to the dream start as they lost their first wicket as the score read 14 runs. A good show from the upper and middle order batsmen helped Bens outscore Wesley in the first innings as they managed 216 for 10 in 39 overs. Jason de Silva managed a hard earned 5 wicket haul but it was not enough to stop the Benedictine batting.
The second innings did not start as planned for Wesley as their top order was ripped apart by opening bowler Geethal Fernando. Wesley were struggling at 30 for 5 in 14 over, as Captain Jonathan Caderamanpulle tried his best to revive the Wesley innings but he too fell victim to Geethal Fernando for a well made 31.
The Wesley second innings was cut short to 105 as Ruwinda Newnhella joined the party and dismantled the Wesley batting. Wesley set a simple 24 run target for St. Benedict’s College.
St. Benedict’s scored 26 in 2.1 overs as Bens powered home to win the game with ease.
Chief Scores:
Wesley (1st innings) 135 all out in 60.5 overs.
Babaranda 23, Senavirathne 22, Geethika Jayathilake 5/28
Benedict’s (1st Innings) 216 all out in 39 over’s.
Mahela Jayalath 62, Geethika Jayathilake 33, Jason de Silva 5/37
Wesley (2nd Innings) 105 all out in 57.1 overs.
Jonathan Caderamanpulle 31, Geethal Fernando 4/18, Ruwinda Newnhella 3/19
Benedict’s (2nd Innings) 26 for 0 in 2.1 overs.
