Royal College claimed first innings points against Zahira College in their U 19 tournament fixture at Reid Avenue today. The game almost lost its entire first day due to a wet outfield.
Torrential rains on the previous day resulted in a wet outfield forcing a late start at 3.30pm yesterday as Royal won the toss and elected to bat first.
The continuing batting woes for Royal took its toll as they were muddled at 111/7 at stumps but however Ronuka Jayawardena’s priceless half ton took the home side to 176. For Zahira College, Ishan Samsudeen took 4 for 42 while Sajith Sameera took 3 for 28.
The Royal bowling armoury then took care of the proceedings by subduing the visitors for 128. Once again, Lasith Embuldeniya spearheaded the damage capturing 5 for 12.
In their second innings, the Royalists posted a quick fire 108 in just 10 overs before declaring as openers Naveen Withanapathirana and Ronuka Jayawardena scored unbeaten half centuries.
Chasing a target of 157 in 20 overs, Zahira College stood at 52/2 in 16 overs at close.
Chief Scores
Royal College 1st innings – 176 all out (48.5 overs) (Ronuka Jayawardena 50, Thiran Dhanapala 27, Lasith Embuldeniya 24; Ishan Samsudeen 4 for 42, Sajith Sameera 3 for 28, Mohommad Najath 3 for 64)
Zahira College 1st innings – 128 (45.3 overs) (Thilanka Rupasinghe 26, Sajith Sameera 26, Ishan Samsudeen 23; Lasith Embuldeniya 5 for 12, Helitha Vithanage 3 for 25)
Royal College 2nd innings – 108/0 dec. (9.3 overs) (Ronuka Jayawardena 54*, Naveen Withanapathirana 52*)
Zahira College 2nd innings – 52/2 (16 overs) (Mohommad Najath 24*, Lasith Embuldeniya 1 for 14)
Result – Match drawn
