Former Dharmapala College, Pannipitiya left-hander Himasha Liyanage smashed a century for Sri Lanka Army Sports Club as they demolished Ragama Cricket Club by 156 runs in the SLC Under 23 Division 1 Tournament 2016 opener played at Thurstan College grounds today.
The much-awaited 50-over tournament kicked off on a hot and humid day when Ragama CC skipper Lahiru Milantha won the toss and elected to field first.
Photo Album – Army SC vs Ragama CC – U23 One-Day tournament
The Soldiers’ completely took control of the match after their openers, Leo Francisco and A Randika fell cheaply inside the first 15 overs. Two-drop batsman, Liyanage hammered 14 fours and 2 sixes in a brutal batting display to score 127 off 110 balls.
Under 23 One-Day tournament to kick off on 4th July
Right-handed Nalin Perera and former Lumbini College top-order batsman Shashin Dilranga chipped in with 37 and 30 respectively as the visiting Army batsmen posted a massive 299 for 7 on the scoreboard. Fast-bowler Uditha Madushan was the pick of the bowlers claiming 3 for 51 off his 10 overs.
U23 Division 1 Tournament Fixtures
In chase of a daunting target of 300, Ragama CC never looked like in the hunt as they were bundled out for just 143 runs inside 36 overs. Australian opening batsman Simuel Kerber top-scored for the hosts’ with a fluent 31 while Shaminda Fernando made 27. Former Lyceum International School right-arm seamer, Sanjeev Kumaraswamy captured 3 wickets while left-arm spinner Sanjika Ridma and medium seamer, Nalin Perera took 2 wickets apiece.
Army SC – 299/7 in 50 overs: Himasha Liyanage 127*, Nalin Perera 37, Shashin Dilranga 30, Leo Francisco 26, Yohan De Silva 22, Uditha Madushan 3/51.
Ragama CC – 143 all out 35.5 overs: Shaminda Fernando 27, Simuel Kerber 31, Sanjeev Kumaraswamy 3/31, Sanjika Ridma 2/17, Nalin Perera 2/26.
