Jack of all trades, Tillakarathne Dilshan started off his post-international career with a bang as he made a scintillating century for MAS Unichela in their opening fixture against Hatton National Bank in the 24th Singer-MCA Premier League today (11th September).
MAS Unichela vs HNB
Former champions, MAS Unichela claimed an easy 166-run win over the lackluster HNB outfit at P.Sara Oval grounds.
HNB skipper Madawa Warnapura won the toss and elected to field first. The star-studded MAS Unichela batting lineup consisting of only national stars posted a mammoth 388 for 9 in their 50 overs. Danushka Gunathilake opened the batting and smashed 81 runs while Dilshan batting at number four scored 144 in 132 balls with 2 sixes and 19 fours.
Number five batsman, Kusal Janith Perera made a quick-fire 64 while useful contributions came off Mahela Udawatte and Chathura Peiris. Left-arm fast-bowler Vimukthi Perera and veteran left-arm spinner Sajeewa Weerakoon picked up two wickets each for the bankers.
HNB could only muster 222 in their reply. Former Thurstanite Minhaj Jaleel top-scored with 55 while off-spinner Dilruwan Perera and young fast-bowler Asitha Fernando making his Mercantile debut picked up 2 wickets apiece.
MAS Unichela – 388/9 in 50 overs: Danushka Gunathilake 81, Mahela Udawatte 23, TM Dilshan 144, Kusal Janith 64, Chathura Peiris 27, Vimukthi Perera 2/59, Sajeewa Weerakoon 2/57.
HNB – 222/9 in 50 overs: Minhaj Jaleel 55, Heshan Gunathilake 42, Sachin Jayawardena 27, Hasitha Madushan 35, Dilruwan Perera 2/31, Asitha Fernando 2/35, Chathura Peiris 2/38.
Commercial Credit vs John Keells
Chathuranga De Silva’s all-round brilliance helped Commercial Credit and Finance PLC record a 4-wicket win over John Keells Holdings at De Soysa Stadium.
After electing to bat first, John Keells Holdings led by Bhanuka Rajapaksa struggled their way towards a below-par score of 166 all out in 44.4 overs. Sri Lanka ‘A’ middle-order batsman Roshane Silva made a fighting knock of 58 while his former schoolmate and national cap, Dimuth Karunarathne scored 30 at the top of the order.
De Silva brothers, Chathuranga and Wanindu claimed 6 wickets between them to excel with the ball for Commercial Credit. Chasing 167, Ashan Priyanjan made a solid 72 with the bat for the winners while Chathuranga contributed with the bat as well scoring a vital 38.
John Keells – 166 all out in 44.4 overs: Roshane Silva 58, Dimuth Karunarathne 30, Chathuranga De Silva 4/28, Wanindu Hasaranga 2/51.
Commercial Credit – 167/6 in 27.4 overs: Ashan Priyanjan 72, Chathuranga De Silva 38, Maduka Liyanapathirana 2/30.
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