Former Thurstanite seamer Charana Nanayakkara dismantled Western Province South, while Charith Asalanka and Himasha Liyanage smashed centuries as the Under 23 Inter Provincial Two-day Tournament organized by SLC commenced today around the Island at four venues.
Western Province South vs Western Province North
Former Thurstanite seamer Charana Nanayakkara was outstanding with the ball as he grabbed 7 scalps to rattle Western Province South for a disappointing 39 in 15.2 overs before the lunch break. Lanky left-arm seamer Binura Fernando also came in to the party with a 3-for in the opening day at Police Park. In response, Western Province North got bundled out for 155 in difficult batting conditions. Left-hander Sahan Arachchige scored a valuable 41, while Mishen Silva captured four wickets with lively pace bowling to make the opening day interesting. Western Province South once again lost four wickets in their second essay at stumps.
Brief Scores
Western Province South 39 (15.2) Charana Nanayakkara 7/22, Binura Fernando 3/17 & 58/4 (21) Rashmitha Opatha 20.
Western Province North 155 (53.3) Sahan Arachchige 41, Salinda Ushan 25, Binura Fernando 24, Nishan Pieris 22, Mishen Silva 4/41, Sandakan Pathirana 3/54, Lakshitha Manasinghe 2/12.
Southern Province vs Eastern Province
Former Sri Lanka U19 skipper Charith Asalanka smashed a magnificent century for Southern Province while Pasindu Isira and Sithira Gimhana made crucial half-tons as they dominated the opening day against Eastern Province in Hambantota. Southern Province declared their innings on 350/5 setting up a mammoth task for Eastern Province. The Eastern lads got off to a shaky start losing an opener at stumps.
Brief scores
Southern Province 350/5d (89) Charith Asalanka 103, Pasindu Isira 66, Sithara Gimhana 50, Adeesha Thiranjana 43*
Eastern Province 19/1 (6)
Central Province vs North Western Province
Having been asked to bat first Central Province was knocked out for a below-par 114 at BRC grounds. Former Trinity skipper Shanogeeth Shanmuganathan and Sri Lanka ‘A’ team representative Ron Chandragupta made 30s for Central Province, while Tharindu Rathnayaka bagged 4 scalps to restrict the counterparts. In reply Minod Bhanuka scored a classy 72 to make sure they went past 114 made by Central Province in their 1st innings. Mohommad Shiraz was exceptional with ball as he ran through North Western batting line-up with a six-wicket haul. However, right-hander Dilan Jayalath scored a superb half-ton in the second innings as Central finished the day on a high.
Brief scores
Central Province 114 (33.2) Shanogeeth Shanmuganathan 36, Ron Chandraguptha 32, Tharindu Rathnayaka 4/23, Shehan Madushanka 3/41, Aravinda Akurugoda 2/12 & 112/4 (23) Dilan Jayalath 63, Shehan Madusanka 2/30
North Western Province 139 (34.5) Minodh Banuka 72, Aravinda Akurugoda 23, Mohomed Shiraz 6/45, Pramodya Abeykoon 3/12.
Northern Province vs Western Province Central
Collective effort from Western Province Central bowlers restricted Northern Province for a modest 166 at Moors grounds today. Josephian left-hander Revan Kelly was the top scorer for Northern Province, while Ragama CC seamer Janith Liyanage was the pick of the bowlers with 3/38. In response Himasha Liyanage scored a remarkable century as Western Province Central ended the day with a huge advantage.
Northern Province 166 (49.4) Revan Kelly 39, Salith Fernando 30, Tharusha Fernando 30, Janith Liyanage 3/38, Sahan Nanayakkara 2/15, Manelkar de Silva 2/15, Lasith Embuldeniya 2/38.
Western Province Central 205/3 (41) Himasha Liyanage 120*, Akhil Inham 30, Janith Liyanage 28*.
