Galle registered a convincing win over Kandy, with Dambulla closing in on recording a win against Jaffna in the other clash played on day 3 of the second week’s matches of the National Super League 2023.
Kandy began their 2nd innings 75 runs behind on day three and failed to make an impression with the bat, being bowled out for 198 runs. Kandy’s No. 3 batter Sandun Weerakkody came good with the bat again, scoring 71 runs to top the batting card.
The speedster Mohammed Shiraz and the left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama picked up 3 wickets each for Galle.
Galle were set a modest target of 124 runs, which they chased down quite comprehensively without losing a single wicket. The opening pair Sangeeth Cooray and Hashan Dumindu steered Galle to win with scores of 75* and 54* respectively.
Dambulla came close to securing a win over Jaffna in the other encounter played today at SSC Grounds. After being 208/6 at stumps on day two, Jaffna managed to post a solid 2nd innings total on the board (349), setting a target of 199 runs for Dambulla.
Dambulla opening pair Navod Paranavithana, Ron Chandraguptha and No. 7 batter Ravindu Fernando starred with the bat, scoring crucial half-centuries. The speedster Asitha Fernando once again impressed with the ball for Jaffna, picking up 4 wickets for 63 runs.
Chasing 199 runs to win, Dambulla posted 154/4 at stumps on day 3, needing only 45 runs on the final day tomorrow. The Skipper and wicket-keeper Mindo Bhanuka stroked 55 runs off 61 balls including 9 fours.
