Pawan Pathiraja struck a magnificent century for Ace Capital Cricket Club in their two-day encounter against Colombo Malay Cricket Club in the U23 Emerging Club Cricket Tournament 2025 commenced today (21st August) at Air Force Grounds, Katunayake.
Having won the toss, Ace Capital Cricket Club posted a solid first innings total – 378/8 courtesy of Pathiraja’s century – 153 runs off 205 balls with 17 fours and 3 sixes. His century was a masterclass in controlled aggression, anchoring the innings while capitalizing on loose deliveries.
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The opening batter Tanuja Rajapakse played a crucial role with a well-made 53, providing stability at the top. Theeraka Ranatunga (47) and Ranesh Silva (45) added valuable runs in the middle order, ensuring Ace Capital maintained momentum throughout their innings.
For Colombo Malay Cricket Club, Niman Umesh was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 90 runs. In reply, Colombo Malay Cricket Club reached 35/1 at the close of play on Day 1, facing a steep challenge to match Ace Capital’s total on Day 2.
In another exciting match, Colombo Cricket Club (CCC) showcased their batting strength against Leo Cricket Club at the Salawa Army Grounds in Kosgama. Choosing to bat first, CCC posted 327 runs in their first innings, driven by three key performances.
Anjala Bandara led with a stylish 74, while Inuka Karannagoda (68) and Sahan Kosala (60) played crucial roles in building a strong total. Their disciplined yet attacking approach overwhelmed Leo Cricket Club’s bowling attack.
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For Leo Cricket Club, Vishwa Rajapakse took 4 wickets for 101 runs, while Oshada Gimhan claimed 3 wickets for 68 runs. Despite their efforts, Leo CC struggled to disrupt CCC’s batting momentum. In reply, Leo Cricket Club were 25 runs for no wicket at the close of play on Day 1.
Brief Scores
Ace Capital Cricket Club – 378/8d (76.3) Pawan Pathiraja 153, Tanuja Rajapakse 53, Theeraka Ranatunga 47, Ranesh Silva 45, Lahiru Abeysinghe 33, Niman Umesh 3/90
Colombo Malay Cricket Club – 35/1 (11) Hirantha Jayasinghe 31
Stumps – Day 1
Colombo Cricket Club – 327 (77.5) Anjala Bandara 74, Inuka Karannagoda 68, Sahan Kosala 60, Sethru Fernando 27*, Dulnith Sigera 27, Pawan Sandesh 27, Vishwa Rajapakse 4/101, Oshada Gimhan 3/68, Githmin Colombage 2/57
Leo Cricket Club – 25/0 (6)
Stumps – Day 1
 at Air Force Grounds, Katunayake. ){kind=link}