Thurstan College managed to trounce Nalanda College by 57 runs in the semi-finals of the Singer Under 19 Division I limited overs competition worked off at the Surrey Village grounds in Maggona. The 2014 champions, Thurstan took on a Nalandian outfit which was brimming with confidence after their recent triumph over their arch rivals Ananda College a couple of days prior.
Winning the toss the Nalandians invited their counterparts to take first lease of the wicket. Thurstan obliged as skipper Kasun Abeyrathne top scored for the Thurstanites with a sublime 62. Imesh Viranga chipped in with a brisk half century of his own. Charana Nanayakkara missed out as the hard hitting middle order batsman managed only 25 on the day. Umeshka Dilshan was the chief destroyer for the maroon and silver with a crafty three-for.
In response Nalanda struggled unable to gain any sort of momentum to their innings losing wickets at regular intervals. Lakshitha Rasanjana, the man who saved the Nalandians during their two day big match with a scintillating hundred was the top scorer with 44 runs. Skipper and opening batsman Dasun Senevirathne contributed with 31, while Kalana Kathriarachchi managed 23.
Naveen Gunawardena was the chief destroyer of the Nalandian innings as he bagged three scalps while Sandaru managed the same feet for the Thurstanites. Nalanda eventually folded for 151 handing a 57 run victory as the Thurstanites, who will once again have a chance to emulate their championship heroics from 2014.
Match Summary
Thurstan College 208 all out in 47.4 overs – Kasun Abeyrathna 62, Imesh Viranga 51, Charana Nanayakkara 25, Umeksha Dilshan 3/35
Nalanda College 151 all out in 40.2 overs – Lakshitha Rasanjana 44, Dasun Senavirathne 31, Kalana Kathriarachchi 23, Naveen Gunawardena 3/16, Sandaru Dias 3/20
