The Sri Lanka Cricket under 23 division one tournament started on August 7th with three matches being worked out in Colombo and its suburbs.
The biggest highlight on the opening match day was the swashbuckling unbeaten ton by Ragama CC opener, Jason Perera.
Ragama vs CCC
Former Benedictine left-hander Jason Perera’s 255-ball unbeaten 158 helped Ragama CC post 336 for 3 at the end of day one against CCC at Maitland Crescent.
Jason smashed 15 fours and 3 sixes in a gallant innings and he was involved in two hundred plus partnerships with Shaminda Fernando (155) and Janith Liyanage (144) for the first two wickets. Fernando cracked 74 while right-handed Liyanage made 76.
Ragama CC – 336/3 in 90 overs: Jason Perera 158*, Shaminda Fernando 74, Janitha Liyanage 76.
SL Ports Authority vs SL Air Force
Sri Lanka under 19 player, Wanindu Hasaranga De Silva excelled with a brilliant all-round performance to help Sri Lanka Ports Authority Cricket Club take first innings points against the Airmen at Katunayake.
Wanindu captured 3 wickets with his leg-spinners and combined with left-arm spinner Damitha Silva (5 wickets) they ripped through the Air Force batting and limit them to only 116.
Ports Authority made a bold reply scoring 162 for 7 with Wanindu chipping in with an unbeaten half-century. Gayashan Silva captured 3 wickets.
Air Force – 116 all out in 48 overs: Avishka Rathnayake 33*, Lahiru Kumara 30, Wanidu Hasaranga 3/18, Damitha Silva 5/43.
Ports Authority – 162/7 in 39 overs: Wanidu Hasaranga 51*, Lasindu Nimsara 23*, Sasindu Alwis 25, Gayashan Silva 3/44, Sachika Udara 2/51.
SSC vs Moratuwa SC
Defending champions, SSC bowled out Moratuwa SC for 249 courtesy some disciplined bowling at SSC grounds.
Sanka Ramesh won the toss and opted to field. Former Thomian left-arm fast-bowler Aftab Cader took 4 wickets with the new ball while skipper Sanka and off-spinner Ramindu Kumarasinghe also known as ‘Murali’ captured 2 wickets apiece.
Left-handed Nipuna Gamage stroked a patient 40 while tailender Thilan Nimesh made a fighting 56. The hosts’ were in some trouble when play was stopped as they were 63 for 4.
Moratuwa – 249 all out in 67.2 overs: Thilan Nimesh 56, Nipuna Gamage 40, Aftab Cader 4/50, Sanka Ramesh 2/30, Ramindu Kumarasinghe 2/33.
SSC – 63/4 in 17 overs: Sanka Ramesh 20.
All matches will be continued on August 8th, Saturday.
