Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda was crowned the under 19 girls cricket champions for the 2nd consecutive year when they beat Devapathiraja MMV, Rathgama by 6 wickets in the final played at Wesley College grounds on Tuesday.
Second ever under 19 girl’s cricket tournament was organized and coordinated by Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association and last year’s winners, Anula Vidyalaya continued to dominate Sri Lanka school girls cricket arena by winning the championship for the 2nd consecutive year.
The honorable Minister of Education, Mr Bandula Goonawardane together with other dignitaries graced the momentous occasion of the final and the award ceremony.
Over 200 girls from 19 different schools took part in the competition which spanned for nearly a month and all the games were played as 25-over encounters except the final which was a 30-over affair.
Anula captain Hasini Perera won the toss of coin and elected to field first on a bright afternoon. Devapathiraja lasses made only 117 runs as they were bowled out in the final over of their innings. Sathya Sandeepani was the top run-getter as she made a valuable 36 runs while Rashmi Rangana chipped in with 17 runs. Best bowler of the tournament Janadi Anali was terrific with the ball once again for the girl’s from Nugegoda as she grabbed 5 wickets for only 5 runs.
Chasing 118 runs to win, Skipper Hashini Perera and Janadi Anali steered their team home after an early collapse. Hashini made an unbeaten 41 runs while Janadi contributed with a well-made unbeaten 23 runs. Anula got to their target losing only 4 wickets and 28 more balls to spare. Seamer Nilakshana Sandamini was by far the best bowler for the Rathgama girls as she took 2 wickets.
Anula Vidyalaya beat Ratnavali Balika Vidyalya, Gampaha by 9 wickets in the 1st semi-final while Devapathiraja MMV, Rathgama won their semi-final encounter against Vijayabahu MV, Okkampitiya by 67 runs.
Earlier in the day, Vijayabahu MV claimed the 3rd place play-off match when they beat Ratnavali girls by 46 runs.
Chief Scores:
Devapathiraja – 117 all out in 29.3 overs: Sathya Sandipani 36, Rashmi Rangana 17, Janadi Anali 5/5.
Anula Vidyalaya – 118/4 in 25.2 overs: Hashini Perera 41*, Janadi Anali 23*, Nilakshana Sandamini 2/21.
Player of the match Hasini Perera of Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda Player of the tournament Kaveesha Dilhari of Devapathiraja MMV, Rathgama Best batswoman Sathya Sandeepani of Devapathiraja MMV, Rathgama Best bowler Janadi Anali of Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda
