Moratuwa SC continued their dominance over Colombo Cricket Club in their SLC Under-23 Division I league tournament as the visitors need only 4 more wickets to record an astonishing outright win over the fancied hosts, CCC at Maitland Crescent.
Moratuwa SC posted a sub-par score of 188 in their 2nd innings, just 14 runs better than their 1st innings score. Left handed Shanuka Dulaj outshone with another classic half-century for the visitors while Vihanga Kalhara made 34 runs. Left arm chinaman spinner Lakshan Rangika continued his wicket taking spree with another 5 wicket haul.
Chasing 281 runs to victory, CCC are currently on the brink of a shocking defeat as they ended the day 2 on 136 for 6 wickets with Lasith Abeyrathne top scoring with 62 runs. Nipun Peiris and Krishan Weerarathne shared 4 wickets amongst them.
Negombo SC took the upper hand in their game against Bloomfield CC registering a first innings win at close of play on day 2 in an exciting SLC Under-23 Division I league tournament match being played at Bloomfield grounds.
Home team, Bloomfield CC resuming from their overnight score of 10 for 1 added another 184 runs before they were all out for 194 runs with right arm off spinner Malshan Gunasinghe ripping through the Bloomfield batting lineup with a brilliant 5 wicket haul while Chanura Fernando and Shehan Madusanka captured 2 wickets each for the visitors. Left handed middle order batsman Damith Priyadarshana top scored for Bloomfield CC with an elegant 69 runs while Vishwa Fernando and Thilaksha Sumanasiri contributed with 21 and 23 runs respectively.
Negombo SC started their 2nd inning with a lead of 52 runs and their impressive youngster Akeel Inham once again guided the Negombo inning with an unbeaten 61 runs while Malinga Gunarathne made a fluent 52 runs as Negombo ended the day on 126 for the loss of 4 wickets with left arm speedster Vishwa Fernando scalping three wickets.
Dushan Vimukthi stroked a brilliant 131 runs in 172 balls which included 12 boundaries and 7 maximums as Air Force SC got the 1st inning lead against the defending champions, Tamil Union at P.Sara Oval grounds.
Tamil Union made 294 in their 1st innings and Air Force in their reply made 329 runs thanks to a superb ton by Dushan Vimukthi as he continued his dream all-round game after he captured 6 wickets with his right arm off spin for the visiting Air Force team.
Ramith Rambukwella was the most impressive bowler for Tamil Union as he bowled exceptionally well to pick up 3 wickets while Devin Padmanathan and Pulina Tharanga took 2 wickets apiece. Tamil Union opening pair watchfully ended the day on 9 runs batting out nervy 4 overs in their 2nd innings.
All-rounder Lahiru Madusanka smashed an eye pleasing knock of 134 runs as NCC took the first innings honours against Moors SC in their SLC Under-23 Division One League Tournament match being played at Moors grounds.
Nondescript Cricket Club resumed play on day 2 from their overnight score of 110/3 in reply to the Moors SC first innings score of 263. Number 6 batsman, Lahiru anchored his team to victory as he scored his runs on an aggressive note. Sandun Weerakkody and Tharindu Kaushal scored half-centuries to help the cause as NCC ended their innings on 361 runs all out in 84 overs. Shehan Jayasuriya and Kaushalya Gajasinghe captured two wickets each for the home team. Moors SC batted sensibly in their 2nd innings till stumps as they made 92 runs for the loss only 2 wickets in 24 overs. Shehan Jayasuriya remained unbeaten on 36.
Sinhalease Sports Club is in driver’s seat at the end of day 2 in their SLC Under-23 Division One League Tournament match against Ragama CC at SSC grounds.
Skipper Sanka Ramesh and Kasun Madusanka made 73 and 65 runs respectively to put their team in a winning position total of 300 runs after SSC added another 140 runs to the overnight score of 160/6. Sanka Ramesh consumed 148 balls for his 73 runs while number 10 batsman Kasun Madusanka played out only 66 balls for his attacking 65 runs. Left arm leg spin bowler Amila Aponso picked up 3 wickets for Ragama CC.
Ragama CC commenced their 2nd inning with 173 runs behind and they finished day 2 on a challenging score of 164/7 with an outright win hugely favoring the hosts. Left handed Lahiru Milantha made a fighting 61 runs for the visitors while Charith Fernando remained on the crease on 31 runs. Pasindu Madushan struck thrice to haunt Ragama in their match saving effort.
All five matches will be continued tomorrow.
