Stylish right handed wicket-keeper batsman Malindu Maduranga hit a swashbuckling half century against John Keels Holdings to guide Power Tech Cement to the final of the 01st Fair & Lovely Men – MCA “B” Division 50 Over League Tournament.
The match was reduced to a 47 over encounter after some overnight rain at the FTZ grounds in Katunayake. Power Tech Cement skipper Lahiru Jayakody won the toss and elected to field first on a rank turner which had plenty of moisture on it before John Keells Holdings ‘B’ built a solid base to be placed at 97/2 at the half way stage.
Right arm leg spinner Lahiru Fernando initiated a dramatic collapse from there on, picking up five wickets, as JKH lost their last 8 wickets for just 52 runs to be bowled out for 149. Kavin Bandara was the only shining light once again for JKH, making a useful 39.
Malindu Maduranga and Dineth Thimodya came out all guns blazing as they raced to a century stand to put Power Tech Cement well in control of the run chase. Maduranga’s innings had plenty of innovation as he swept and reverse swept the JKH spinners brilliantly before he eventually fell looking to play a switch hit on 50. Thimodya chipped in with 39 before Manelkar De Silva added the finishing touches with an explosive unbeaten 28* as they cruised to a 7 wicket win.
They will now meet either Commercial Credit ‘B’ or MAS Silueta in the final after their semi-final scheduled for today at the MCA grounds in Colombo was washed out due to rain.
John Keells Holdings (B)149 (44.5) Ravindu Kodituwakku 24, Kaveen Bandara 39, Lahiru Fernando 5/29, Dasun Senevirathna 3/15
vs
Power Tech Cement151/3 (21.3) Malindu Maduranga 50, Dineth Thimodya 39, Manelka de Silva 28*, Dasun Senevirathna 20*, Sasindu Perera 2/47
