The Tyronne De Soyza stadium in Moratuwa hosted an interesting fixture between Expolanka Holdings and Hatton National Bank, in which Hatton National Bank secured a comfortable 6 wicket victory.
On a warm Sunday morning after winning the toss HNB decided to put Expolanka to bat first. The HNB bowlers were off to a brilliant start as Mohammed Ikram picked up two early wickets to leave Expolanka in a spot of bother at 77 for the loss of 4 wickets by the 18th over. Vishwa Chathuranga was the only batsman who was able to get to double figures carrying the weight of his team at 24 not out.
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Madawa Warnapura and Buddhi Perera joined the party picking two wickets each to restrict Expolanka to a mere 123 in 35 overs. Chathuranga was Expolanka’s top scorer who fell two runs short of a half century. Hatton National Bank was off to a shaky start losing three early wickets before the lunch break with the score at 47 for the loss of 3 in the 10th over, with Ashen Fernando not out on 22.
The post lunch session seemed to be a more comfortable session for Hatton National Bank with Fernando reaching his fifty. It was the all-round efforts of Madawa Warnapura which sealed the victory for Hatton National Bank in the 37th over. Warnapura was not out on 22. Heshan Hewanayake was the only bowler who instilled some fear in the HNB top order picking up 2 wickets for 37 runs.
With this 3rd consecutive victory Hatton National Bank seals the top spot in Group A, whilst Expolanka Holdings drop one place lower to 4th in the Fair & Lovely Men – MCA B Division 50-Over Tournament.
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Brief scores
Expolanka Holdings 123 (36.2 overs)
Vishwa Chaturanga 48, Mohammed Ikram 2/26, Madawa Warnapura 2/27, Buddhi Perera 2/04, Naveen Gunawardana 2/23
Vs
Hatton National Bank 124/4 (26 overs)
Ashen Fernando 57, Madawa Warnapura 22*, Hashan Hewanayaka 2/37
HNB WON BY 6 WICKETS
