S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia steam rolled their way to an innings victory over President College in their Under 19 division 1 cricket fixture this weekend.
Winning the toss, the Thomians invited the visiting team to bat first and were paid rich dividends for they’re choice. Captain Helakamal Nanayakkara broke the opening stand for just 14 runs before his fello opening bowler Senal de Silva ripped through the President College line up scalping seven wickets for just 29 runs in nine overs. Five batsmen were dismissed for ducks, and only Navodh Kalansooriya managed to put up any resistance, scoring 33 runs and comfortably outstripping the rest of his teammates. President College were ultimately bowled out for 76 runs, having faced less than 20 overs.
Taking their turn to bat, the Thomians suffered an early setback as they lost their opener Ravindu Sasanka before putting any runs on the board. It turned out to be just a minor glitch in the overall scheme, as Rashmika Opatha continued his fine form form the previous match, blasting 79 runs off just 47 deliveries. He was aided by a quick half century from Chenutha Wickramasinghe, and although the rest of the Thomian batsmen did not offer too much, they still managed to secure a 122 run lead when they were finally dismissed for a total of 202. Nethmina Kodippili was the most successful bowler for President College, bagging four wickets.
The visitors were unable to cope with the Thomian bowlers much better in the scond innings, as they were only able to better their first innings total by 6 runs. Tharindu Ratnayake was the chief destroyer this time around, bagging a 5 wicket haul as President College folded for just 82 runs, giving the Thomians an innings and 44 run victory.
Chief Scores
President College 1st Innings 76 (Senal de Silva 7-29)
S. Thomas’ College 1st Innings 202 (Rashmika Opatha 79, Chenutha Wickramasinghe 55, Nethmina Kodippili 4-57)
President College 2nd Innings 82 (Tharindu Ratnayake 5-31)
