Wicket keeper batsman Aruna Dharmasena came low down in the batting order and smashed a sensational 53 off 24 balls as he propelled Panadura SC to 245 on a rain affected day in the Tier ‘B’ segment.
A total of four games was worked off around the country but due to adverse weather conditions only two games were played as matches between Police Sports Club v Lankan Cricket Club and Kalutara Town Club v Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club did not begin.
Panadura SC v Kurunegala YCC
Kurunegala YCC won the toss and elected to field first with the intention of making use of overcast conditions.
Captain Chamara Silva made a valuable contribution of 49 after a quick blitz by the opening pair of Mohamed Shilmi (37) and Lasith Fernando (20). Aruna Dharmasena came in low down in the batting order and smashed a valuable 53 off 24 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes as he revived the Panadura innings.
Anurudda Rajapakse made use of the new ball as the right arm medium paceman managed 3 for 56. Right arm off spinner Thilina Herath complemented the quick man with four (4/64) wickets as the hosts kept league leaders to a modest 245 with one wicket in hand as the day was curtailed due to adverse weather conditions.
The game will continue for day two tomorrow at Panadura Esplanade grounds.
Brief Scores
Panadura SC 245/9 (46.3) Aruna Dharmasena 53, Chamara Silva 49, Mohamed Shilmi 37, Anurudda Rajapakse 2/16
Navy Sports Club v Ports Authority
Navy won the toss and inserted the visitors to bat at Welisara. The game was played for just 59.3 overs as rain interrupted day’s proceedings.
Captain Yohan De Silva made an unbeaten 81 as he propelled the visitors Ports Authority to a total of 171 for the loss of just 4 wickets.
Leg-spinner Ishan Abeysekara was the pick of the bowlers for the host managing 2 for 44 in 13 overs.
The game will continue for day two tomorrow at Welisara Navy grounds.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka Ports Authority 171/4 (59.3) Yohan de Silva 81*, Ishan Rangana 35, Ishan Abeysekara 2/44
The games between Police Sports Club v Lankan Cricket Club and Kalutara Town Club v Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club were abandoned for the day without a ball being bowled due to bad weather.
Police Sports Club v Lankan Cricket Club will continue on day three while the game between Kalutara Town Club v Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club is scheduled to continue tomorrow for day two.
