Mohamed Najath bagged 4/33 as Zahira College surprised one and all, managing a first innings win over hosts S. Thomas’ in their U19 Division 1 encounter played in Mount Lavinia.
Winning the toss and electing to field, S. Thomas’ managed to restrict the visitors to a modest 141 for 7 at the end of the first day’s play as inclement weather conditions interrupted the game and the umpires called off play at 4.05pm.
Day two resumed with Zahira on 141 for 7 but the final 3 wickets fell for no runs. Sajith Sameera top scored for the visitors with 38 while Mohamed Dilhan scored 33 and Mohamed Najath contributed a valuable 20.
Shalin De Mel was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts as he picked up 3/19 while Ravindu Sasanka (2/26) and Dinura Gunawardena (2/25) picked up four wickets between them.
With a rather low total on board, S. Thomas’ looked like favorites to chase it down and register first innings points. Zahira College had other ideas, however as they dismissed hosts for just 110 runs in 49 overs to register a surprise first innings win.
Romesh Nallaperuma top scored for STC with 38 while Mohomad Ishaq scored 29 and Ravindu Sasanka made 20 runs. Mohamed Najath was inspiring with ball in hand picking up 4/33. Mohamed Dilhan 2/16, Sajith Sameera 2/20 and Mohamed Hashmi 2/26 all bagged 2 wickets each as the bowlers rattled the hosts to register a first innings win as the game came to a premature end on day two.
Brief Scores
Zahira College 1st Innings: 141 all out in 57.5 overs. (Sajith Sameera 38, Mohamed dilhan 33, Mohamed Najath 20, Shalin De Mel 3/19, Ravindu Sasanka 2/26, Dinura Gunawardena 2/25)
St. Thomas’ 1st Innings: 110 all out in 49 overs. (Romesh Nallaperuma 38, Mohomad Ishaq 29, Ravindu Sasanka 20, Mohamed Najath 4/33, Mohamed Dilhan 2/16, Sajith Sameera 2/20, Mohamed Hashmi 2/26)
Result: Zahira College won 1st Innings.
