MAS Unichela, Dimo, John Keells Holdings and Commercial Credit booked their places in the semi-finals of the 24th Singer-MCA Knockout Tournament when they won their respective quarter-final fixtures today.
MAS Unichela vs MAS Active
A clinical performance enabled the recently-crowned League champions; MAS Unichela beat their arch-rivals, MAS Active by 7 wickets in their quarter-final worked out at P. Sara Oval grounds.
After opting to bat first, MAS Active innings was pioneered by a fine half-century by opening batsman Dilshan Munaweera who slammed 55 while skipper Jehan Mubarak made a pivotal contribution of 44. Fast-bowlers Lahiru Jayarathne and Farveez Maharoof grabbed 3 wickets apiece as Active was curtailed for 201.
Chasing a below-par 202 runs to win, Unichela cruised to victory as their opening batsman, Danushka Gunathilaka slammed 96 off 72 balls with 10 fours and 6 sixes. Experienced TM Dilshan made an unbeaten 28 while young Tilaksha Sumanasiri remained unbeaten on 20 as they reached the target in the 31st over.
MAS Active – 201/9 in 50 overs: Dilshan Munaweera 55, Jehan Mubarak 44*, TM Sampath 26, Sachithra Serasinghe 20, Lahiru Jayarathna 3/37, Ferveez Mahroof 3/47.
MAS Unichela – 204/3 in 30.3 overs: Dhanushka Gunathilake 96, Mahela Udawatta 37, Tilaksha Sumanasiri 28*, TM Dilshan 20*.
John Keells vs HNB
Manoj Sarathchandra and Janaka Gunarathne slammed centuries as John Keells crushed Hatton National Bank by 155 runs in their pre-quarter final game played at Tyronne Fernando Stadium in Moratuwa.
A stunning 169-run stand for the 5th wicket between two right-handers, Sarathchandra and Gunarathne helped John Keells reach 358 for 9 from their 50 overs. Sarathchandra clobbered 133 off 121 balls with 14 fours and 3 sixes while Gunarathne smashed an 89-ball 123 which included 9 fours and 8 sixes.
In reply, HNB was only able to muster 203 all out in 42.5 overs. Former Wesley College skipper Sachin Jayawardena top scored with 67 for HNB while fast-bowler Vikum Bandara and leg-spinner Madushan Ravichandrakumar picked up 3 wickets apiece for the winners.
John Keells – 358/9 in 50 overs: Manoj Sarathchandra 133, Janaka Gunarathna 123, Chandula Weerarathna 2/79, Sajeewa Weerakoon 2/69, Madhawa Warnapura 2/55, Sachin Jayawardena 2/56.
HNB – 203 all out in 42.5 overs: Sachin Jayawardena 67, Sajeewa Weerakoon 27, Vikum Bandara 3/34, Madushan Ravichandrakumar 3/21, Shanuka Dulaj 2/25.
Commercial Credit vs Textured Jersey
Chathuranga De Silva’s all-round brilliance led Commercial Credit to a famous 35-run win over Textured Jersey in their quarter-final worked out at NCC grounds.
Left-handed De Silva top scored with a valuable 60 as Commercial Credit posted 229 on the board despite three-wicket hauls by skipper Milinda Siriwardana and leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersey.
Chasing 230 runs to victory, Commercial Credit fell 35 runs short as De Silva worked his magic with the ball taking 5 for 36 bowling his orthodox left-arm spinners. Siriwardana made a valiant 79 while opening batsman Dilan Jayalath cracked 46.
Commercial Credit – 229 all out in 46.5 overs: Chathuranga De Silva 66, Suraj Randiv 28, Imesh Udayanga 23, Upul Tharanga 20, Milinda Siriwardane 3/51, Jeffery Vandersay 3/54.
Textured Jersey – 194 all out in 36.4 overs: Milinda Siriwardane 79, Dilan Jayalath 46, Chathuranga De Silva 5/36.
Sampath Bank vs Dimo
Dimo coasted to a 6-wicket victory over the strong Sampath Bank outfit in their quarter-final worked out at FTZ grounds in Katunayake.
After being sent into bat, Sampath Bank was bundled out for just 149 as leg-spinner Pulina Tharanga was the pick of the bowlers taking 3 for 35. Dimo chased down the solitary 150-run target in just 17.2 overs. Nipun Karunanayake raced to 68 while wicket-keeper batsman Lasith Abeyrathne made 44.
Sampath Bank – 149 all out in 32.4 overs: Kaushal Silva 34, Dasun Shanaka 32, Pulina Tharanga 3/35, Nisala Tharaka 2/47.
Dimo – 152/4 in 17.2 overs: Nipun Karunanayaka 68, Lasith Abeyrathna 44, Kasun Rajitha 3/40.
Semi-final lineup
MAS Unichela vs Dimo – 15th October at NCC grounds.
Commercial Credit vs John Keells – 15th October at FTZ grounds.
