Saminda Fernando scored his 3rd first-class century, as Jaffna find themselves in a commanding position on day three of their Semi-Final against Colombo of the National Super League 4-day Tournament, played today (02nd April) at Hambantota.
Colombo vs Jaffna
After having been struggling at 204/8, Jaffna managed to rescue their innings and take a considerable first innings lead thanks to the brilliant century made by Saminda Fernando.
Fernando made 123 runs off 227 balls with 8 fours as Jaffna posted 339 for their first innings. Nipun Malinga also played a fine hand, scoring 80 runs off 84 balls with 6 fours and 6 sixes. The left arm spinner Kavika Dilshan was the star with the ball for Colombo as he snared 6 wickets for 124 runs.
Colombo began their second innings 67 runs behind, and a poor batting display restricted them to just 158 runs. The spinners Dilum Sudeera (3/35), Jeffrey Vandersay (2/22) and Dhananjaya De Silva (2/55) were the chief architects of an exceptional bowling display for Jaffna.
Chasing an easy target of 92 runs to win, Jaffna finished day three on 25/0, needing only 67 runs more to win with 10 wickets in hand.
Brief Scores
Colombo – 272 (110.5) K Mendis 114, M Warnapura 42, D Karunaratne 39, K Sanjula 39, D De Silva 5/48, J Vandersay 2/59, D Sudeera 2/92 & 158 (59.3) P Maduwantha 54*, K Mendis 39, D Sudeera 3/35, J Vandersay 2/22, D De Silva 2/55
Jaffna – 339 (93.3) S Fernando 123, N Malinga 80, N Paranavithana 42, S Samarawickrama 32, N Madushka 24, K Dilshan 6/124, N Priyadarshana 2/68 & 25/0 (4)
Stumps – Day 03
Kandy vs Galle
The overnight batter Lahiru Udara, who remained unbeaten on 76 runs, lost his wicket for 87 as Kandy finished their first innings on 458. The leg spinner Suminda Lakshan picked up 3 wickets for 65 runs, helping Galle wrap things up early in the day.
In reply Galle showed a much better batting display as well, putting on 147/1 before the rain interrupted the play once more, calling early stumps for day three. Pabasara Waduge top-scored for Galle, being unbeaten at the crease on 68 runs.
Brief Scores
Kandy – 458 (125.2) O Fernando 127, K Mendis 108, L Udara 87, K Vidura 45, N Dickwella 38, S Lakshan 3/65, D Lakshan 2/57, D Madushanka 2/83, A Dananjaya 2/85
Galle – 147/1 (48.1) P Waduge 68*, S Cooray 44, H Dumindu 24*
Stumps – Day 03
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