Josephian leg-spinner Aravinda Akurugoda claimed a 9-wicket match bag to trounce St. Anthony’s College by 10 wickets in their 103rd annual cricket encounter played for the Murali-Vaas Trophy in Katugasthota.
Batting first, St. Joseph’s posted a healthy 271 for 7 wickets declared with stylish right-hander Vimukthi Peiris slamming a career-best 141 accompanied by his skipper Pathum Madusanka’s knock of 43. Vimukthi’s knock came in 146 balls and it comprised 16 fours and 3 giant sixes. Off-spinner Dilan Bandara and left-armer Uditha Mahindraratne captured 2 scalps each.
The hosts were 34 for 2 overnight and they were eventually bowled out for 145 runs in the 33rd over. Right-hander Buwaneka Wijetunga compiled a superb 53 in a lone battle while leg-spinner Aravinda Akurgoda picked up 3 wickets. Fast-bowling pair of Ruchira Ekanayake and Jehan Daniel captured 2 wickets apiece.
With 126 runs ahead, the Josephians enforced the follow-on to the Anthonians and in their 2nd essay; they struggled to cope up with Aravinda’s leg spinners. The 18-year old national youth player claimed 6 wickets for just 38 runs. Fast-bowler Ruchira took another 2 wickets with Dilan Bandara stroking a valiant 31 runs. St. Joseph’s needed 28 runs to win and skipper Pathum Madusanka scored a risk-free 20 to guide his team unscathed.
Chief Scores:
St. Joseph’s – 271/7 declared in 64.2 overs: Vimukthi Peiris 141, Pathum Madushanka 43, Sandaruwan Rodrigo 20, Dilan Bandara 2/57.
St. Anthony’s – 145 all out in 32.5 overs: Buwaneka Wijetunga 53, Aravinda Akurugoda 3/18, Jehan Daniel 2/46, Ruchira Ekanayake 2/40.
St. Anthony’s (2nd inn) – 153 all out in 60.1 overs: Dilan Bandara 31, Buwaneka Wijetunga 28, Aravinda Akurugoda 6/38, Ruchira Ekanayake 2/30.
St. Joseph’s (2nd inn) – 28 for no loss in 5.5 overs: Pathum Madusanka 20*.
Man of the Match – Vimukthi Peiris (SJC)
Best Batsman – Vimukthi Peiris (SJC)
Best Bowler – Aravinda Akurugoda (SJC)
Best Fielder – Buwaneka Wijetuna (SACK)
