St. Servatius’ College, Matara beat Nalanda College by 11 runs in the Singer Schools U17 Division I Limited Over tournament, semi-finals which was worked off today at Moors grounds. St. Servatius’ College, Matara will meet St. Anthony’s College, Kandy in the finals which is schedule to be played on 30th of August at Moors grounds.
U17 Cricket – St. Anthony’s beat Royal to enter finals
St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota overcame Royal College, Colombo by 4 wickets in the Singer Schools U17 Division I semi-finals
Having been invited to bat first St. Servatius’ College were troubled by some quality bowling earlier on as they were 49/4 in the 15th over, however, skipper Keshara Nuwantha and Shahika Dulshan added 117 runs for the 5th wicket to rescue the lads from Matara.
Keshara Nuwantha made an excellent 70 off 77 balls that included 8 boundaries and a massive six, while Shashika Dulshan supported him with a classy half-ton as they got bowled out for a respectable 206 in 49.3 overs.
Janith Jayarathne was impressive for Nalanda College as he picked 3 wickets along with Warsha Ananda and Jayod Caldera who both chipped in with 2 wickets a piece to give the Nalandians a below-par target to chase in 50 overs.
Chasing 207 to reach the finals, Nalanda College started off steadily as they were 95 for 3 at the end of 25 overs. The game got interesting and tense as the lads from Matara kept on fighting taking crucial wickets at regular intervals and Nalanda were 160/6 at the end of 41 overs. Nalanda however was bundled out for 195 all out, with Sachitha Gunathilaka being the unbeaten batsman with 66.
All-rounder Sashika Dulshan and left-arm spinner Naveen Sahith changed the game with impressive bowling as they ran through the Nalanda low-order to take their team to the U17 division I finals.
Brief scores
St. Servatius’ College, Matara – 206 all out in (49.3) Keshara Nuwantha 70, Shashika Dulshan 51, Janith Jayarathne 3/23, Warsha Ananda 2/23, Jayod Caldera 2/33.
Nalanda College, Colombo – 195 all out in (45.3) Sachitha Gunathilaka 66*, Rusara Banuka 32, Chamindu Wijesinghe 32, Shashika Dulshan 4/21, Naveen Sahith 3/31.
Result – St. Servatius’ College, Matara won by 11 runs.
