St. Sebastian’s College skipper Avishka Fernando’s belligerent century knocked down the fighting Sammu Ashan and Ananda College by 6 runs in their ‘Singer Cup’ under 19 schools limited overs semi-final at R. Premadasa International Stadium on Monday.
Sri Lanka U19 representatives, Avishka Fernando and Sammu Ashan excelled with the bat for their schools smashing 136 and 97 respectively but the latter could not guide his school to a consecutive final.
After opting to bat first, the Sebastianite opening pair of Praveen Perera and Avishka Fernando got off to a solid 65-run start caressing the Ananda bowling to all parts of the ground before former skipper Sammu Ashan got the better of Perera for 15. One-drop batsman Nuwanidu Fernando and the hero of 31st Battle of the Gold’s encounter yesterday made only 18 during a stunning 103-run stand for the 2nd wicket as Avishka Fernando blasted a 107-ball 136 with 14 fours and 6 sixes.
After the departure of Avishka at a crucial juncture of the match, St. Sebastian’s lost their way as left-arm spinner Asel Sigera ran through their middle-order to end with excellent figures of 4 for 57. Vice-captain Sandaruwan Fernando made a useful 34 off 42 balls to steer the lower middle order as they posted a commanding 256 on the board.
Chasing 257 runs to win, the Ananda College chase got off to a flying start as their opener Sahan Suraweera made a 47-ball 32 with 3 fours but the real impetus was made by their last year’s captain Sammu Ashan as he bludgeoned 97 off 79 deliveries smashing 5 fixes and 6 fours to take Ananda closer to victory.
Photos – Ananda College v St. Sebastian’s College – U19 S/F
The boys from Maradana needed 30 off 36 balls when Asher Warnakulasooriya inflicted a superb run-out to dismiss Sammu Ashan as Anandians were once again in deep trouble. The tail led by number 7 batsman, Nipun Haggalla failed to achieve the target as they fell short by 6 runs.
The Anandians needed 8 runs off the final over but last-man Achila Eranga was stumped off left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickramain the second ball of the over who ended with exceptional figures of 3 for 40 while fast-bowler Mishane Silva took 2 scalps.
St.Sebastian’s College have now qualified for the finals which will be played on 1st of April at the same venue and their opponents will be the winner of second semi-final between Trinity College and Nalanda College which will be played tomorrow.
St. Sebastian’s College – 256 all out in 49.4 overs: Avishka Fernando 136, Sandaruwan Fernando 34, Nuwanidu Fernando 18, Asel Sigera 4/57, Sammu Ashan 2/46.
Ananda College – 250 all out in 49.2 overs: SahanSuraweera 32, SammuAshan 97, Nipun Haggala 21*, Praveen Jayawickrama 3/40, Mishane Silva 2/36.
