Zahira College managed to pull off a nail biting 1st inning victory over the mighty Josephians in their drawn encounter on Wednesday.
Photo Album – St.Joseph’s College V Zahira College – U19 Cricket 2015/16
Zahira College hosted their hometown rivals, St. Joesph’s College in their ‘Singer Cup’ under 19 division one tournament 2015/16 match at Zahira College grounds.
Batting first, Joes made a fighting 203 after losing half of their side for just 58 runs. Skipper Sandaruwan Rodrigo and in-form Malshan Rodrigo got involved in a healthy 94-run partnership before Sandaruwan was bowled for 78 runs and soon afterwards, Malshan fell cheaply for 34. Mohamed Najath and Ishan Shamsudeen shared 7 wickets among them.
In reply to 203, Zahira lost their highest run scorer this season, Sajith Sameera when he gifted his wicket in the very first ball of the innings by trying to pull a well-directed bouncer from the Josephian pacemen Ruchira Ekanayake.
After being 2 down for 4 runs, opener Mohamed Ahnaf hammered a run-a-ball 41. Iroshan and Ramzan scored 27 runs and 19 runs respectively to carry the home team but they were in dire straits at 113 for 7.
Ishan Shamsudeen and Ahmed Adheel added 65 runs for the 8th wicket giving home side a very good chance to win the game on first-innings but the Josephians clawed back into the game by restricting the hosts’ to 189 for 9. A brave 20-run stand by the last pair, Thilanka and Dilhan Ramees managed get Zahira over the line in a thrilling game.
St. Joseph’s posted 154 runs on the board in their second innings losing only 5 wickets. Left-handed opener Revan Kelly top-scored with 61 while Malshan Rodrigo contributed with 48. Shamsudeen pair, Azlan and Ishan bagged 3 wickets apiece.
St. Joseph’s – 203 all out in 40.2 overs: Sandaruwan Rodrigo 78, Malshan Rodrigo 34, Dario Dassanayake 27, Harin Corray 25, Mohamed Najath 55/4 , Ishan Shamsudeen 76/3.
Zahira College – 209 all out in 70.3 overs: Ahmed Adheel 46, Mohamed Ahnaf 41, Iroshan Lakruwan 27, Ishan Shamsudeen 27, Harin Cooray 61/3, Ruchira Ekanayake 23/2, Sachitha De Silva 40/2.
St Joseph’s (2nd inn) – 154/6 in 36 overs: Revan Kelly 61, Malshan Rodrigo 48, Azlan Shamsudeen 31/3 Ishan Shamsudeen 33/2
