The last quarter final of the Singer U19 Division I League Tournament kicked off today between St Peter’s College and S. Thomas’ College at Thurstan Grounds.
The decider for the final spot in the top four started today after a long delay due to the big match season. Thurstan College, Richmond College and Ananda College secured their spots earlier this month and the decider for the final spot took place today between S. Thomas’s College and St Peter’s College. The overnight rain had a major effect on the game as it took more than 3 hours to start the match.
S. Thomas’ won the toss and elected to field first given the fact that there was a lot of overnight rain which would have affected the pitch conditions. The Peterites had a stiff task ahead as Kalana Perera started off with the ball for the Thomians. The opening pair of Santhush Gunathilaka and Bhanuka Silva showed grit against the new ball. It was left arm spinner Pavith Rathnayake who drew first blood, dismissing Bhanuka for 15 runs.
Santhush Gunathilaka continued his fine form in the season with yet another half-ton for his side. His was the second wicket to fall for a well-made 59 runs. The scoring rate dropped down drastically after the loss of Santhush. Manelker and Vinul could not get the scoreboard running and ultimately both batsmen lost their wickets cheaply giving the Thomians the edge.
Skipper Lakshina Rodrigo and Shalith Fernando got together and consolidated the innings for the Peterites after those two wickets. Shalith went on to reach his half century in 100 balls and at the close of play he was unbeaten on 51 runs. When bad light stopped play, St Peter’s was 180 for 4 in 60 overs. Pavith Rathnayke was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 34 in his mammoth spell of 21 overs while Shannon Fernando took 2 scalps for 29.
St. Peters College, Colombo 180/4 (60) Santhush Gunathileka 59, Shalith Fernando 51*, Pavith Rathnayake 2/34, Shannon Fernando 2/29
