Thurstan College, Colombo qualified for the Final of U19 Division 1 Tier B Inter-Schools Limited Overs Tournament 2023/24 as they beat St. Peter’s College, Colombo by 11 runs in the Semi-Final encounter, which was worked off today (20th November) at Army Camp Grounds, Panagoda.
Thurstan College’s Skipper Vihas Thewmika won the toss and opted to bat first. However, Thurstan College were unable to get off to a good start as they lost the opening pair for 21 runs inside the first 7 overs.
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Thanuja Rajapaksha and wicket-keeper batter Shanikya Deshapriya gave some impetus to the innings, adding a 79-run partnership for the 3rd wicket, but thereafter it was Shennon Rodrigo’s show with the ball which stole the limelight.
Rodrigo produced a superb bowling performance to dismiss four Thurstan middle order batters, which included a hat-trick. After being 100/2, Thurstan College witnessed a major batting collapse to lose 8 wickets for just 48 runs to be bowled out for 148.
On their turn with the bat, St. Peter’s College also faced a similar fate as they continued to lose wickets in a cluster against some quality bowling display from Thurstan College.
Rodrigo, who impressed with the ball early in the day, showcased his batting skills, scoring a fighting 40 for St. Peter’s College, but Thanuga Palihawadana and Sethru Fernando turned the tables in favor of Thurstan College, claiming 3 wickets each.
Thurstan College will now take on Lumbini College in the Final of the tournament.