Nalanda College, Colombo entered the semi-finals of the Singer U-15 cricket tournament when they defeated Holy Cross College, Kalutara based on points, as the match was stopped due to inclement weather.
Nalanda College resumed day 2 needing 197 more to gain a first innings lead with 9 wickets in hand. Overnight batsman Avishka Perera was dismissed after a splendid 63. The bowlers kept picking wickets at regular intervals but Raveen de Silva held up one end to take his team closer to the total.
Raveen played an exceptional knock of 81 not out as Nalanda were just two short of gaining the lead when the heavens opened up. Rain couldn’t prevent Nalanda from qualifying to the semi-finals as they edged out Holy Cross based on the points acquired. Umayanga Suwaris, Ruthila Akalanka and Vihanga Gunarathne picked up two wickets each.
Early on, Holy Cross managed to post 249 with Sheran Fonseka stroking a brilliant 92. Jithesh Wasala was impressive with the ball claiming 4 wickets for 38 runs.
Nalanda College joins Prince of Wales College, St. Sebastian’s College and S. Thomas’ College as the fourth semi-finalist with the tournament heading into the business end.
Holy Cross College
First innings – 249 all out in 72.4 overs (Sheran Fonseka 92, Umayanga Suwaris 44, Pathum Darshana 38, Jithesh Wasala 4/38, Ashen Walisundara 2/18)
Nalanda College
First innings – 248 for 7 in 80.5 overs (Raveen De Silva 81*, Avishka Perera 63, Rashan Dissanayake 36, Umayanga Suwaris 2/32, Ruthila Akalanka 2/71, Vihanga Gunarathne 2/79)
