Melwire Rolling (Pvt) Ltd., led by 35 year old veteran, Mahendran Seshankumar bagged their very first Mercantile Cricket title, the 04th Ceylon Biscuits Ltd., sponsored, “CBL-Munchee” Trophy – MCA “D” division 40 Over League Tournament 2024.
In the Final concluded at the MCA Grounds on Saturday, 06th January, Melwire Rolling snatched a heart stopping 01 wicket win over Nations Trust Bank PLC “A”.
The match was dominated by bowlers, where 19 wickets fell for a mere 242 runs under 74 overs.
The bankers who won the toss and opt to bat was restricted to 121 runs in 39.2 overs by Melwire Rolling’s varied bowling attack of Malinda Perera (8-3-12-2), Sachin Senanayake (6.2-28-3) Aravinth Rajendran (7-26-2) & Jason Charles (8-11-2)
Melwire Rolling chasing an easy target of 122 runs in 40 Overs (RPO 3.05) lost one of their openers, Pasindu Sasanka for no-score.
Dimunitive, No. 3 batsman, Sanesh Nadeeshan (50 in 80 balls, inclusive of 06 fours), who anchored the batting, was engaged in 02 partnerships, 47 runs in 59 balls for the 02nd wicket with Lester Jayaweera (24) & 41 runs in 74 balls for the 06th wicket with Ishan Hansika (15).
NTB’s opening bowler, Madushan Chathuranga (8-31-5) turned the match upside down by getting rid of Sanesh Nadeeshan & Skipper, Mahendran SeshanKumar, as Melwire Rolling slid to 113 for 9 in 32 overs ; their last pair, Malinda Perera & Sachin Senanayake hung on grimly, as they took them over the line, 122 for 9 in 34.2 overs.
Match Referee, TH Wijewardena picked Sanesh Nadeeshan from Melwire Rolling, as the Man of the Match.
The other 03 special awards went to Madushan Chathuranga from NTB “A” .
Best Bowler, (performance up to the Final : 07 matches, 187 runs, 19 wickets) ; Nadun Pathirana from NTB “A”, Best Batsman ( performance up to the final: 07 innings 281 runs , inclusive of 01 century & 02 half centuries ) ; Lakshina Rodrigo from Hayleys Group “B”, Man of the Series (performance up to the semi finals: 07 matches, 209 runs, 18 dismissals behind the stumps, also bagged 04 for 23)
At the post tournament awards presentation, the trophies, medallions, cash awards & CBL gift packs were given away by the chief Guest, Mrs. Kushani Peiris, General Manager, Ceylon Biscuits Limited, MCA President, Mahesh de Alwis, MCA General Secretary, Rohan Somawansa & MCA Chairman Tournament Committee, Lakshan de Silva.
Brief Scores
NTB “A” – 121 (39.2) Vikum Kalhara 25, Lashane Rodrigo 24, Nadun Pathirana 18, Sachin Senanayake 3/28, Jason Charles 2/11, Malinda Perera 2/12, Aravinth Rajendran 2/26
Melwire Rolling – 122/9 (34.2) Sanesh Nadeeshan 55, Lester Jayaweera 24, Ishan Hansika 15, Madushan Chathuranga 5/31, Anjula Fernando 2/23
Result – Melwire Rolling won by 1 wicket
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