The quarter-finals of the SLC U23 Emerging Club Tournament 2025 got underway today across Colombo and Maggona, promising intense multi-day encounters as emerging talents vie for supremacy in domestic cricket.
In one of the quarter-finals at P. Sara Oval, the Sinhalese Sports Club – a powerhouse in Sri Lankan domestic cricket – found themselves in a precarious position against the spirited Nugegoda Sports & Welfare Club.
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Batting first, SSC’s innings crumbled under pressure, as they were bowled out for a modest 127 runs. The demolition job was led by Nugegoda’s pace bowler Abdul Hakam Shirad, a 21-year-old right-arm medium pacer from Kandy, who ripped through the SSC lineup with a fiery five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5/65.
In response, Nugegoda S & WC capitalized emphatically, ending the first day’s play in a commanding position at 186/2. The standout performer was opener Pulindu Perera, the 19-year-old batting prodigy who smashed an unbeaten 110 off 171 balls, adorned with 14 fours and a six.
Negombo Cricket Club set a formidable tone in their quarter-final against Chilaw Marians Cricket Club by amassing a strong first innings total of 286. The innings was anchored by two crucial half-centuries: Kaveen Fernando’s gritty 91 and Shafni Deen’s unbeaten 63.
Mohamed Thabith of Moors Sports Club was another standout batter of the day as he crafted a fluent 89 runs, providing his team with a solid foundation in their first innings.
In a standout bowling performance, Bloomfield Cricket & Athletic Club’s Dulaj Samuditha claimed a remarkable six-wicket haul against Ace Capital Cricket Club, dismantling their batting lineup and giving Bloomfield a strong advantage early in the game.
Brief Scores
Sinhalese Sports Club – 127 (29.2) Shevon Daniel 54, Chamindu Wickramasinghe 24, Abdul Hakam Shirad 5/65, Nirmala Rathnayake 3/14, Abhishek Anandakumara 2/9
Nugegoda Sports & Welfare Club – 186/2 (58) Pulindu Perera 110*, Kavishka Botheju 40*, Abhishek Anandakumara 26
Stumps – Day 1
Negombo Cricket Club – 286 (80.2) Kaveen Fernando 91, Shafni Deen 63*, Thathsara Eshan 33, Hasindu Sewmina Kavirathne 30, Dilana Damsara 4/67, Thimira Irushika 2/65, Melan Hansaka 2/99
Chilaw Marians Cricket Club – 29/1 (7)
Stumps – Day 1
Ace Capital Cricket Club – 171 (46.5) Ranesh Silva 51*, Vinushka Silva 36, Dulaj Samuditha 6/53, Tharinda Nirmal Guruge 2/50
Bloomfield Cricket & Athletic Club – 132/4 (40) Mineth Premarathne 52, Savindu Rodrigo 44, Bawantha Jayasinghe 26*, Traveen Mathew 2/40
Stumps – Day 1
Moors Sports Club – 235 (65.2) Mohamed Thabith 89, Omesh Mendis 32, Hasindu Perera 27, Vishara Fernando 26, Dinal Anuradha 20, Inuka Karannagoda 4/54, Thisaru Wanninayake 4/71
Colombo Cricket Club – 88/2 (19) Arosha Sithumina 38*, Pavan Rathnayaka 23*, Dulnith Sigera 23, Lahiru Amarasekara 2/27
Stumps – Day 1
