Skipper Danushka Gunathilake and all-rounder Dasun Shanaka hit blistering half-centuries as SSC defeated Galle CC by 35 runs (D/L method) in their AIA Premier Limited Overs Tournament 2015/16 encounter played at Galle International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
In another rain-affected match day, only the game in Galle produced a result while two matches – Army SC vs Badureliya SC in Panagoda and Saracens SC vs Ragama CC in Kalutara ended without a result. Three other matches – Chilaw Marians vs Moors, NCC vs SL Ports Authority and Tamil Union vs Colts were abandoned without a ball being bowled.
SSC vs Galle
The strong SSC batting unit blasted 278 for 6 in their allotted 30 overs. Danushka stroked 5 sixes and 5 fours during his whirlwind knock of 58 off 24 balls while Dasun hit 60 in 28 balls with 1 four and 5 sixes. The 2014 Peterite skipper Kavinda De Thissera stroked a belligerent 69 in 58 deliveries to help the visitors.
TN Sampath and Rumesh Buddhika made attacking half-centuries to lead the chase but they were 35 runs short when rain stopped play in the 24th over. Fast-bowler Dilhara Fernando picked up 3 wickets for SSC.
SSC – 278/6 in 30 overs: Danushka Gunathilaka 58, Kavindu De Thissera 69, Dasun Shanaka 60*, Minod Bhanuka 35, Chalana De Silva 2/40.
Galle – 185/6 in 23.4 overs: TN Sampath 55, Rumesh Buddhika 66*, Dilhara Fernando 3/34.
SL Army vs Badureliya
Shalika Karunanayake slammed a superb 47-ball 71 as Sri Lanka Army posted 190 for 9 in 28 overs. Shanaka Shaninda was the most impressive bowler with 3 scalps for the visitors. Badureliya were 14 for 3 when rain intervened play.
Army SC – 190/9 in 28 overs: Shalika Karunanayake 71, Sanjika Ridma 23, Janith Silva 36*, Shanaka Shaninda 3/33, Kasun Rajitha 2/39, Dulanjala Mendis 2/43.
Badureliya SC – 14/3 in 4.4 overs: Danusika Bandara 2/12.
Ragama vs Saracens
Left-arm fast bowler Chathura Peiris’ four-wicket haul ensured Ragama restrict Saracens to only 179 even though they could not chase down the target due to rain. Former Sri Lanka under 19 player, Umesh Karunarathne top-scored for Saracens with a fine knock of 79 in 139 balls. Left-arm spinner Amila Aponso grabbed 3 wickets as well. In reply, Ragama was cruising on 46 for no loss in 6 overs.
Saracens – 179 all out in 47.5 overs: Umesh Karunarathne 79, Geeth Kumara 46, Nilanka Premarathne 2/40, Chathura Peiris 4/30, Amila Aponso 3/25.
Ragama – 46 for no loss in 6 overs: Lahiru Milantha 23*, Nilushan Nonis 23*.
