Despite the inclement weather around the country, the 25th Singer – Mercantile Premier League is running smoothly in a highly competitive manner. Here’s a round up of the matches which took place today.
Commercial Credit vs Sampath Bank
This match took place at the MCA grounds. Due to the dampness in the outfield the umpires had to reduce the match to 36 overs. Sampath Bank won the toss and elected to bat first. In-form Dilshan Munaweera opened the batting for Commercial Credit and scored a blistering 85. Apart from Munaweera the only notable contribution came from young star Wanindu Hasaranga who made 27 runs. Commercial Credit were bowled out for 182 in just 33.2 overs with Prabath Jayasuriya and Tharindu Kaushal claiming 3 wickets apiece.
From the beginning of the run chase, Sampath Bank was put under immense pressure by the Commercial Credit seamers. Lahiru Gamage and Asitha Fernando struck early with the new ball to put the breaks on the run chase. Sampath could never recover from the horrible start and they were ultimately bowled out for just 121 runs which gave Commercial Credit a comfortable win by 61 runs.
Commercial Credit (A) – 182 (33.2) Dilshan Munaweera 85, Wanindu Hasaranga 27, Tharindu Kaushal 3/23, Prabath Jayasuriya 3/26, Kasun Rajitha 2/66
vs
Sampath Bank -121 (29.3) Sameen Kandanarachchi 25, Lahiru Gamage 2/16. Asitha Fernando 3/22, Imesh Umayanga 2/01, Sachith Pathirana 2/19
John Keels vs LB Finance
Dimuth Karunarathne’s composed 77 guided JKH to a 4-wicket victory against LB Finance at Katunayake FTZ grounds. JKH won the toss and sent the strong, league debutants LB Finance team into bat.
LB’s top order consisting Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, Shehan Jayasuriya and Dhananjaya De Silva failed against the seam of Vikum Sanjaya but thanks to a valuable cameo of 43 from Isuru Udana, they somehow reached 159 runs before losing all their wickets. Vikum Sanjaya was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 25 while all rounder Bhanuka Rajapaksha bagged 3 wickets.
In reply, JKH started off well with Dimuth Karunarathne leading from front. Lahiru Milantha, Sandun Weerakkody, Roshen Silva and Banuka Rajapaksha could not get the scoreboard going but Dimuth took responsibility and shepherded his team until the finishing line. They reached the target in the 34th over with 4 wickets in hand. Rajeewa Weerasinghe, Shehan Jayasuriya, Isuru Udana, Charith Sudaraka and Keshan Wijerathne picked up a wicket apiece for the losing side.
LB Finance (A) – 159 (37.1) Isuru Udana 43, Charith Sudaraka 32, Vikum Sanjaya 4/25, Bhanuka Rajapaksha 3/31
vs
John Keells Holdings (A) – 162/6 (33.2) Dimuth Karunarathne 77*, Isuru Udana 1/13
MAS Unichela vs Kanrich Finance
MAS Unichela had a walk in the park against league debutants, Kanrich Finance at De Soyza Grounds Moratuwa. Kanrich won the toss and elected to bat first. Things did not go according to plan for the debutants as the MAS spinners started rattling through the line up with ease.
Former Trinity College left-arm spinner, Duvidu Thilakarathne bagged 6 for 30 while the far more experienced Dilruwan Perera took 2 wickets. Kanrich were rattled for a solitary 126 in just 38.2 overs.
It was a relatively easy target for MAS Unichela. They took only 17 overs to reach it with 8 wickets in hand. Ramith Rambukwella scored an unbeaten 68 to guide his team over the line
Kanrich Finance (A) – 126 (38.2) Pathum NIssanka 27, Duvindu Thilakarathne 6/30, Dilruwan Perera 2/11
vs
MAS Holdings – Unichela – 129/2 (17) Ramith Rambukwella 68*, TM Sampath 45,
