Left-arm spin duo, Harin Cooray and Malshan Rodrigo orchestrated the 4th outright victory for St. Joseph’s College when they beat Mahinda College by an innings and 6 runs in in the first round match of ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 inter-schools cricket tournament played at Galle International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
The Josephian skipper Sandaruwan Rodrigo won the toss and elected to bat first. They mustered 263 for 8 before declaring at the completion of the 65th over. Third-year Coloursman Vimukthi Peiris and fresher Dineth Madurawala hammered stylish 61 and 60 respectively while wicket-keeper batsman Shewon Fonseka made 48. Vinura Dulsara captured 3 wickets for the hosts.
The home team in their first-innings were bowled out for a paltry 91 in just 48 overs. Harin Cooray was the chief destroyer taking 7 for 23 while skipper Sandaruwan chipped in with 2 scalps.
The visitors enforced the follow-on on the hosts and they were stalled by a gritty unbeaten 99 by Reshan Kavinda but it was not enough as Malshan Rodrigo pioneered the third innings victory for the Josephians. Malshan picked up 6 for 65 as Mahinda College were bowled out for 166.
St Joseph’s – 263/8 declared in 65 overs (Vimukthi Peiris 61, Dineth Madurawala 60, Shevon Fonseka 48, Revan Kelly 26, Sachitha De Silva 20* Vinura Dulsara 3/44, Pasindu Dilshan 2/45, Krishan Rangajith 2/104.
Mahinda – 91 all out in 48 overs: Mitheesha Ekanayake 35, Ravindu Menaka 21, Vinura Dulsara 20*, Harin Cooray 7/23, Sandaruwan Rodrigo 2/8.
Mahinda (2nd inn F/O) – 166 all out in 73 overs: Reshan Kavinda 99*, Hansika Welhinda 25, Malshan Rodarigo 6/65, Dineth Madurawala 2/21.
