St. Benedict’s College booked their place in the under 19 schools T20 tournament semi-finals when they outplayed Ananda College by 19 runs in their quarter-final fixture played at R. Premadasa Stadium on Monday.
St. Benedict’s won the toss and elected to bat first. The Benedictine opening batsman and their leader, Mahel Jayalath led his team from the front with a blistering 81 in 53 balls which comprised 7 sixes and 3 fours. Mahel’s innings paved the way for their team total of 134 for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs. Sahan Arachchige continued his good 50-over form into the shorter format as he grabbed 3 wickets while his skipper Sammu Ashan picked up 2 scalps.
Ananda College lost wickets at regular intervals chasing 135 runs to win the match. The prized scalp of their hard-hitting skipper Sammu Ashan derailed the chase. Left-handed top order batsman Kavishka Anjula managed to score 27 runs with the bat as Ananda innings came to an end in the 19th over with 19 runs behind. Tall right-arm seamer Geethal Fernando and right-arm off spinner Geethika Jayathilake captured 3 wickets apiece.
St. Benedict’s College will now take on Lumbini College in the 2nd semi-final scheduled to be played on 8th April at R. Premadasa Stadium.
Chief Scores:
St. Benedicts College – 134/9 in 20 overs: Mahela Jayalath 81, Sahan Archchige 3/22, Sammu Ashan 2/19.
Ananda College – 115 all out in 18.3 overs: Kavishka Anjula 27, Geethal Fernando 3/15, Geethika Jayathilake 3/25.
