The final two quarter finals of the Singer U17 Division 1 Cricket tournament concluded last night with Nalanda and Royal grabbing the last two slots.
Nalanda College went up against Mahanama College at the Royal grounds. Royal College was matched up against Thurstan College at the S.Thomas College grounds.
Nalanda College v Mahanama College
In a low scoring encounter Nalanda College beat Mahanama College by 3 wickets in what seemed like a one-sided match. Nalanda College won the toss and elected to field in conditions that suited the bowlers. Pawantha Weerasinghe was the only shining light for the Mahanama lads as he scored a fighting 47 runs. The Mahanama boys were eventually bowled out for 137 in the 41st over.
Photo Album – Nalanda College v Mahanama College – U17 Quarter Finals
Nalanda College coming into bat after a good first session were confident to take this game easily. However, Mahanama College were reluctant to give up without a fight as they too exposed the bowling conditions that caused them trouble. The Nalandians held their nerve to the end to ensure that they walk away with the win and reach the low target of 138 with 3 wickets remaining.
Summary
Toss: Nalanda College and elected to field
Mahanama College – 137 (41 overs) Pawantha Weerasinghe 47, Dileesha Thuduwage 23, Chamindu Wijesinghe 2/14, Rusara Banuka 2/18
Nalanda College – 138/7 (45.4 overs) Chamindu Wijesinghe 50, Ranindu de Silva 23*, Mahima Weerakoon 23, Shonal Dinusha 2/21
Nalanda College win by 3 wickets and advance to the semifinals
Royal College v Thurstan College
In another closely contested quarter final Royal College beat Thurstan College by 2 wickets at the S.Thomas College grounds. Winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Thurstanites were bundled out for a modest 202 with all credit going to the Royalists for their economical bowling. Nimesh Perera (49) and Rashmika Hiripitiya (35) were off to a good start but were unable to convert it to a big score. Thurstan College was eventually bundled out for 202 runs.
The second session was looking promising for the Royalists as they seemed to be cruising at one point to win the game and then the momentum shifted with Thurstan College grabbing quick wickets in succession to put the Royalists under immense pressure. In the 47th over the Royalists were able to seal the win and reach the target with 2 wickets remaining.
Summary
Toss: Thurstan College and elected to bat
Thurstan College – 202 (49.1 overs) Nimesh Perera 49, Rashmika Hiripitiya 35, Dimal Wijesekara 4/39, Manula Perera 4/41
Royal College – 205/8 (47 overs) Devindu Senarathne 53, Harindu Palihawadana 45, Shalaka Bandara 2/33, Sandaru Dias 2/55
Royal College win by 2 wickets and advance to the semi finals
