Avindu Theekshana decimated the Mahindian lower order for just 26 runs ripping out 4 wickets and his mates Dhananjaya Lakshan, Charith Asalanka and Thilanga Udeeshana took 2 wickets each to halt Mahinda College at 121 in their first innings on day one in the 111th Lovers’ Quarrel at Galle International Cricket Stadium on today.
Richmonds’ and Sri Lanka U 19 skipper Charith Asalanka decided to field first after winning the toss on 18th morning. Invitees Mahinda College came to the crease with big hopes of avoiding their hat-trick loss in their annual big match. But Mahindian batting order collapsed to the strong Richmond bowling attack sending very ominous signals to Mahindian.
Early in the morning batting first Mahindian openers played a patient game against some very strong bowling. The first run with the bat came only in the 5th over giving you an idea of how lethal Richmond bowled. Dhananjaya and Udeeshana sent 3 batsmen back to the dressing room for just 7 runs. The falling of 3 early wickets increased the pressure on the rest of the Mahinda line up which was in search of a steady partnership. Navod Paranavithana and Gihan Dhanushka settled themselves for 150 minutes to build a decent score. But this was short lived as Gihan Danushka left the ground when he was at 21 runs. The 13 year old young boy Navod Paranavithana was next to go caught behind off the bowling of Charith Asalanka. At this point the Richmond skipper introduced his triumph card as Avindu Theekshana threatened the rest of the Mahindian batsmen. He ran through the final 5 wickets for just 26 runs by sharing a wicket with Charith Asalanka. At the end of the Mahindian 1st innings the score board showed 121 /10.
Richmondites came back to chase the target of 121 and started scoring at a terrific rate. They put on 96 runs in just 18 overs as openers of Richmond College contributed 36 runs to the board when captain Charith Asalanka fell victim to Asanka Lakshan. As the next fast hitting batsmen Dhananjaya Lakshan was captured by Asanka Lakshan on the boundary line, when he was trying to loft the ball out of the ground. At the end of the day, the home team Richmond Collee scored 96 runs for loss of 3 wickets in 18 overs.
Summary
MCG-121/10 (75 OVERS) Vinura Dulsara 35(4*5),Navod Paranavithana 28(4*5),Avindu Theekshana 4/44(20 overs),Charith Asalanka 2/38(21 overs)
RCG-96/3 (18 OVERS) Charith Asalanka 25(4*4),Chamikara Hewage 23( 4*4),Krishan Rangajith 2/26(4 overs)
Wicket taker Avindu Theekshana shared his views exclusively with ThePapare.com after the game, “I’m so glad for being the best performer of the day and it’s not the best thing. Taking the trophy home is actual happiness for me”
