St. Peter’s College, Colombo registered a stunning 19-run victory over Richmond College, Galle in their ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 All-Island T20 Tournament 2015/16 quarter-final encounter worked out at R. Premadasa International Stadium on Monday morning.
The Peterite skipper Vinu Mohotti won the toss and had no hesitation in opting to bat first on a placid surface. The hard-hitting Peterite opening pair of Inesh Fernando and Chandula Jayamanne were undone within the first 4 overs by the Richmondite opening bowling duo, Thilanga Udeeshan and Hashan Umendra for 5 and 18 respectively.
The elegant left-hander Hashan Wanasekara made a blistering 30-ball 40 with 5 fours and a six before he was stumped by wicket-keeper Pasindu Bimsara off Charith Asalanka’s bowling. After being 72 for 3 at the half-way mark, the Peterites were soon restricted to 73 for 5.
Photo Album – Richmond College vs St. Peter’s College – U19 Schools T20
Left-handed Manelkar De Silva played a blinder of an innings along with the lower order to help his alma-mater reach a competitive score of 132. De Silva hammered 3 fours and a six during his excellent 32-ball 42. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga picked up 2 scalps at the latter part of the innings while fast-bowlers Udeeshana and Umendra also managed to take 2 wickets each.
Defending 132 runs, the Peterite off-spinner Taneesha Weerakoon struck in the very first ball when left-hander Dhananjaya Lakshan was dismissed for a golden duck. One-drop batsman, Chamikara Hewage made a run-a-ball 12 before he was caught behind by Lakshina Rodrigo off Chandula Jayamanne.
After being 17 for 2, skipper Charith Asalanka and Thaveesha Abishek resurrected the Richmond innings with a stunning 44-run stand for the 3rd wicket before the young off-spinner Chathura Obeysekara got the prized scalp of Asalanka for a well-made 33 off 38 deliveries.
The Richmondites lost wickets at regular intervals in the middle overs as left-arm spinner Sadish Pathiranage picked up 2 crucial wickets of Avindu Theekshana and Pasindu Bimsara. Abishek fought a lone battle scoring 43 off 47 balls but he eventually ran out of overs as the lads from Galle were only able to score 113 for 6 from their allotted 20 overs.
The Peterites will next take on Prince of Wales’ College tomorrow (5th) at 10am in the 1st semi-final at the same venue.
St. Peter’s – 132/9 in 20 overs: Hashan Wanasekara 40, Chandula Jayamanne 18, Manelkar De Silva 42, Vinu Mohotti 12, Thilanga Udeeshana 2/21, Hashan Umendra 2/46, Wanindu Hasaranga 2/14.
Richmond – 113/6 in 20 overs: Charith Asalanka 33, Chamikara Hewage 12, Thaveesha Abishek 43*, Sadish Pathiranage 2/25.
