Peterite opening batsman, Dineth Thimodya smashed a belligerent 146 in their quarter-final encounter against Richmond College at Bambalapitiya on Wednesday as St. Peter’s College advanced to the semi-finals of the under 19 all-island schools T20 tournament 2015.
St. Peter’s recorded a 23-run win in this high-scoring clash of the titans. Richmond skipper Sithara Gimhan elected to field after winning the toss. Left-handed Dineth clobbered a 64-ball 146 which enabled the home team to post a massive 213 for 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Dineth reached his ton in the 49th ball and took 15 deliveries more to reach the next 46 runs. The big-hitting opener cracked 14 huge sixes and 8 boundaries. Left-arm spinner Saveen Nanayakkara leaked 62 runs in his 4 overs to take 2 wickets while leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga claimed 2 scalps as well.
Chasing a mammoth 214 runs to win in 120 balls, Richmond responded positively with middle-order batsman, Pasindu Bimsara taking the fight against the Blue, White & Gold College. He stroked a counter-attacking 88 while left-arm spinner Ashanth Malka was the chief destroyer of the lads from Galle as the tall left-armer captured 3 wickets. Skipper Chandula Jayamanne also took 2 wickets while Dineth capped off his sensational day with 2 scalps.
St. Peter’s College will take on defending champions, S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia in the 2nd semi-final scheduled to take place on 4th April (Saturday) at R. Premadasa Stadium.
Chief Scores:
St. Peters College – 213/9 in 20 overs: Dineth Thimodya 146, Hashan Wanasekara 25, Wanidu Hasaranga 2/35, Charith Asalanka 2/44, Savin Nanayakkara 2/62.
Richmond College – 190/9 in 20 overs: Pasindu Bimsara 88*, Chamod Piyumal 22, Dhananjaya Lakshan 21, Ashanth Malka 3/29, Chandula Jayamanne 2/27, Dineth Thimodya 2/43.
