The 23rd MCA Premier League Tournament 2015/16 finally got underway on 23rd September with three key matches being worked out in Colombo and its suburbs.
The pre-tournament favourites, MAS Unichela and MAS Active recorded comprehensive victories while Sampath Bank recorded a thrilling win.
The biggest highlight of the day was when Seylan Bank team was bowled out for 30 by MAS Active courtesy world-class bowling by Lasith Malinga and Sachithra Senanayake.
MAS Active vs Seylan Bank
Sri Lanka’s leading fast-bowler and spinner, Lasith Malinga and Sachithra Senanayake shared 7 wickets amongst them to completely crush Seylan Bank by 10 wickets in an one-sided game at NCC grounds.
After the game was delayed by an hour, Seylan Bank won the toss and opted to bat first in a 47-over contest. ‘Slinga’ Malinga bowled 5.4 overs to take 4 for 9 while Senanayake bowled 5 overs to take 3 for 4. Left-arm pacer Isuru Udana grabbed 2 wickets as Seylan Bank lasted only 16.2 overs.
Left-handed Udara Jayasundara blasted 26 in 10 balls to end the game before noon.
Seylan Bank – 30 all out in 16.2 overs: Lasith Malinga 4/09, Sachithra Sennanayake 3/04, Isuru Udana 2/14.
MAS Active – 31 for no loss in 2 overs: Udara Jayasundara 26*.
MAS Unichela vs Hatton National Bank
Defending champions, MAS Unichela got their campaign to a winning start as they beat Hatton National Bank by 71 runs (D/L method) at MCA grounds.
After a hefty overnight rain, the game started as a 31-over affair with Unichela batting first. They raced to 211 for 9 with Mahela Udawatta stroking 53 while Farveez Maharoof and TM Dilshan chipping in with 47 and 38 respectively. Fast-bowler Kosala Kulasekara and spinner Saman Jayantha claimed 3 wickets each.
Chasing a daunting target, HNB faltered against a top-quality bowling attack. Farveez Maharoof picked up 3 wickets for the winners while left-handed Deshan Dias made 29 when bad light brought a pre-mature end to the game.
MAS Unichela – 211/9 in 31 overs: Mahela Udawatta 53, Farveez Maharoof 47, T M Dilshan 38, Kosala Kulasekara 3/30, Saman Jayantha 3/30, Vimukthi Perera 2/63.
HNB – 98/7 in 23 overs: Deshan Dias 29*, Saman Jayantha 20*, Farveez Maharoof 3/11.
Sampath Bank vs Commercial Credit
Sri Lanka Test opener Kaushal Silva stroked a valuable 82 to help Sampath Bank beat Commercial Credit by 4 wickets in a thrilling game at FTZ grounds in Katunayake.
Commercial Credit after being asked to bat first made 222 all out with 59 balls to spare in their innings. Hard-hitting Chamara Kapugedara and Chathuranga De Silva slammed quick-fire half-tons while Shehan Jayasuriya made 41. Speedster Dushmantha Chameera took 3 wickets with his fierce pace.
Chasing 223 runs to win, Sampath innings was anchored by a solid 82 by diminutive Kaushal Silva. Primosh Perera stroked a valuable half-century while experienced campaigner Thilina Kandamby finished off the chase with an unbeaten 24.
Commercial Credit – 222 all out in 40.1 overs: Chamara Kapugedara 57, Chathuranga De Silva 52, Shehan Jayasuriya 41, Dushmantha Chameera 3/36, Nuwan Perera 2/46, Rangana Herath 2/44.
Sampath Bank – 223/6 in 48.5 overs: Kaushal Silva 82, Primosh Perera 54, Thilina Kandamby 24*, Chathuranga De Silva 2/39.
Three more matches will be worked out on 27th September at three venues.
Commercial Credit vs HNB at MCA grounds.
Sampath Bank vs MAS Unichela at Surrey Village grounds.
John Keells Holdings vs MAS Active at FTZ grounds.
