Western Province North overcame Eastern Province by 10 wickets, while remaining 3 matches in the group stage commenced today in the SLC U23 Inter-Provincial Two-Day Cricket Tournament 2017.
Eastern Province vs Western Province North
Eastern Province won the toss and opted to bat first as they got cleaned up for a disappointing 64 in 21.1 overs in the game played at Matara. Nuwan Thushara picked up 5 scalps, while left-arm seamer Binura Fernando chipped in with a 4-for to rattle Eastern Province. In reply WP North lads blasted the bowling attack as they posted 282/9 declared in 61.1 overs.
Kavin Bandara was the hero for WP North lads as he smashed 144 and he was ably supported by Salinda Ushan with a half-ton. Eastern lads coming in to bat in the second innings fought back with a respectable total. Ramesh Nilantha and Sachitha Jayathilake made valuable half-tons but it was all over as WP North cruised to victory by 10 wickets.
Brief scores
Eastern Province 64 (21.1) Woshantha de Silva 25, Nuwan Thushara 5/13, Binura Fernando 4/26 & 218 (51.5) Ramesh Nilantha 79, Sachitha Jayathilaka 59, Ramindu Nikeshala 22, Duvindu Thilakarathne 5/62, Binura Fernando 3/40
Western Province North 282/9d (61.1) Kavin Bandara 144, Salinda Ushan 50, Sammu Ashan 29, Sanjika Ridma 4/50, Ramesh Nimantha 2/56, Nimesh Vimukthi 2/61 & 4/0 (2.2)
Result – WP North won by 10 wickets.
Western Province Central vs North Western Province
Been asked to bat first Western Province Central got bunddled out for an average 204 inside 47 overs in the game played at the BRC grounds. In-form batsmen Himasha Liyanage and Lahiru Vimukthi were the main contributors with half-centuries. However, it was Tharindu Ratnayake who was outstanding with the ball in hand as he grabbed 5 scalps to restrict their counterparts. In reply North Western were struggling at 128/7 at close of play. Right-arm seamer Janith Liyanage controlled the bowling attack with 3 vital wickets.
Brief scores
Western Province Central 204 (46.1) Himasha Liyanage 72, Lahiru Vimukthi 60, Sadeera Samarawickrama 26, Tharindhu Rathnayaka 5/60, Asitha Fernando 3/52.
North Western Province 128/7 (32) Sachin Jayawardena 27*, Rukshan Fernando 27, Leo Fransisco 26, Sachintha Pieris 21*, Dishaka Manoj 2/45, Janith Liyanage 3/38, Sahan Nanayakkara 2/28.
North Central Province vs Northern Province
Northern Province won the toss and decided to bat first on a batting friendly surface at Bloomfield grounds. Former Anthonian skipper Mohommad Alfar made a classy 82 as the Northern lads got dismissed for a modest 190 in 51.5 overs. Akash Senarathna came up with a terrific spell as he claimed a well-deserved 5 wicket haul. In response, North Central lads were 138/7 at stumps as Northern Province taking the major honours on the opening day.
Brief scores
Northern Province 190 (51.5) Mohamad Alfar 82, G Jathushan 23, Sandeepa Nisansala 2/19, Akash Senarathna 5/65.
North Central Province 138/7 (36) Yohan Mendis 63, Dineth Hewathanthri 34, V Jathushan 3/18, K Kapilraj 2/39.
Uva Province vs Southern Province
After winning the toss Uva Province made slow progress in the game played at Hambantota. Harsha Rajapaksha was the main stay with the willow as he made a classy 88 to steer Uva Province to a respectable 198 in 76 overs. Off-spinner Ramesh Mendis was the chief destroyer with ball as he picked up four wickets to restrict the opponents on the opening day. In reply Southern Province were 78 for 3 wickets at stumps with right-hander Pasindu Isira making 35 runs.
Brief scores
Uva Province 198 (76) Harsha Rajapaksha 88, Meedum Dineth 26, Ramesh Mendis 4/53, Charith Asalanka 2/17, Tilanga Udeeshana 2/48.
Southern Province 78/3 (24) Pasindu Isira 35.
