SLC Invitational Media XI registered a hard-fought win over San Francisco Bay Select XI in the opening match of the San Francisco Bay Select XI tour of Sri Lanka 2026 played at the NCC Grounds in Colombo.
Batting first, Media XI posted a competitive total of 232 runs, thanks to impressive contributions from Damith Weerasinghe and former Sri Lanka Test cricketer turned media personality Sanjeewa Ranatunga.
Weerasinghe top-scored with a fluent 67 off 56 deliveries, striking 11 fours and a six, while Ranatunga rolled back the years with a classy 53 off 49 balls, which included 10 boundaries.
Despite the hosts’ strong batting display, Shezad Lakdawal produced an outstanding bowling performance for the visitors, claiming 6 wickets for just 29 runs to keep his side in the contest.
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Chasing 233 for victory, the San Francisco Bay Select XI fought valiantly but were eventually restricted to 218, falling 14 runs short of the target.
Sudip Shah led the visitors’ resistance with a well-made 69 off 58 balls, featuring 10 fours, but lacked enough support from the rest of the batting line-up.
For the Media XI, Sameera Peiris starred with the ball, finishing with figures of 4 for 45, while Weerasinghe capped off an excellent all-round outing by picking up 3 wickets for 25 runs.
Ranatunga also made a valuable contribution with the ball, returning economical figures of 1 for 30 from 8-over spell. His all-round display, scoring 53 runs and delivering a disciplined spell at the age of 57, earned him the Player of the Match award.
The San Francisco Bay Select XI are currently on a 21-day tour of Sri Lanka and are scheduled to play nine matches at venues across the country during their stay.
Brief Scores
SLC Invitational Media XI – 232 (37) Damith Weerasinghe 67, Sanjeewa Ranatunga 53, Umer Wolid 29, Shezad Lakdawal 6/29
San Francisco Bay Select XI – 218 (37.3) Sudip Shah 69, Manoj Rodrigo 25, Sameera Peiris 4/45, Damith Weerasinghe 3/25
Result – SLC Invitational Media XI won by 14 runs
