Devananda College Ambalangoda recovered from a middle order collapse to post a healthy 230 runs in their first innings on the opening day of their inter school under 19 cricket tournament match against Sri Sumangala College which commenced at Panadura today.
Devananda College lost half of their side for just 131 runs during a disastrous opening session of play as Sri Sumangala College took the initiative through some superb hostile bowling from their seamers.
Lahiru Vimukthi (4 for 72), Hashan Rangana (2 for 36) and Sudesh Sandamal (2 for 29) really exploited the home conditions to good affect as they showed signs of running through the Devananda College late order batsmen.
However during a dramatic turn of events Devananda College rallied around through their late order batting and tail-enders with a determined batting performance to finish with a decent first innings total of 230 runs.
All rounder Imesh Udayanga hit a top score of 67 but his occupation at the crease was even more important as he frustrated the Sri Sumangala College bowlers for more than three hours.
The back up support for Imesh Udayanga came from two other all rounders Nimesh Mendis and Mahesh Sanjeewa who kept one end occupied with their intelligent batting.
In reply Sri Sumangala College ended the day with an impressive 84 runs for one wicket with opener Geeth Sanjaya and Kushan Akalanka having already posted an unbeaten half century stand for the second wicket.
Devananda College: 230 (Imesh Udayanga 67, Sakun Kanchana 46, Nimesh Mendis 43, Mahesh Sanjeewa 29, Lahiru Vimukthi 4/72, Hashan Rangana 2/36, Sudesh Sandamal 2/29) Sri Sumangala MV: 84-1 (Geeth Sanjaya 41 n. o, Kushan Akalanka 21 n. o)
