David Pieris Group clinches MCA “D” division 40 Over League

Champions David Pieris Group of Companies Captain Manjula Gannile (left) receives the trophy from Chief Guest Ceylon Biscuits Marketing Manager Romesh Jayatillaka. Others from left: MCA General Secretary Tarindra Kaluperuma, President Nalin Wickramasinghe and Senior Vice President Mahesh de Alwis

Opening batsman, Madushan Fernando with a sterling batting performance (89 runs in 69 balls, inclusive of 2 sixes and 11 fours) steered David Pieris Group of Companies “A” to a thrilling two wickets win over Airport and Aviation Services in the third Ceylon Biscuits Ltd sponsored “CBL Munchee” Trophy – MCA “D” division 40 Over League Tournament 2023 Final, concluded on Sunday 8 January at the MCA Grounds.

Airport and Aviation Services, sent into bat, posted a challenging total of 206 all out in 39.4 overs, helped by the fifth wicket partnership of 96 runs in 83 balls between, Captain Tharaka Dushantha (73 in 77 balls, inclusive of 3 sixes and 4 fours) and Kalpa Umayanga (50 in 49 balls, inclusive of 1 six and 05 fours).

Captain Manjula Gannile (7.4-35-05) and Akila Elabodage (8-34-3) bowled their hearts – out for DPGC “A”.

In reply, DPGC “A” was in a spot of bother, after the departure of Madushan Fernando, with the scoreboard reading 150 for 5 in 24.5 overs.

Late order batsman, Captain Manjula Gannile (26) and Akila Elabodage  (21 not out) grimly held the fort and took DPGC “A” pass the finishing line, 211 for 08 in 37.4 overs; Chinthaka Karunaratne (08 -31-2) and Nuwan Sameera Yapa (08-31-03) were the pick of the bowlers for Airport and Aviation Services.

MCA appointed Match Referee Tyrone H. Wijeyawardena picked DPGC “A” Madushan Fernando as his Man of the Match.

The other three special awards, based on performances up to the Semi Finals.

• Best Bowler and Man of the Series: Nimesh Malinda Perera from Melwire Rolling Ltd. (performance 40.4 overs, 107 runs, 21 wickets, Avg. 5.10, Economy 2.63, best 6.2 overs; 03 maidens, 14 runs 07 wickets vs. Hemas Group)
• Best Batsman: Madushan Fernando from DPGC “A” (performance, 06 innings, 281 runs; best 143 in 102 balls inclusive of 10 sixes and 10 fours vs. Trelleborg Lanka in the quarter finals)

The awards were presented by the Chief Guest CBL Marketing Manager Romesh Jayatillake and MCA Officials, President Nalin Wickramasinghe, Senior Vice President  Mahesh de Alwis and General Secretary Tarindra Kaluperuma.

Chief Scores:

• Airport and Aviation Services – 206 all out in 39.4 overs (C. Dilhara 21, Nuwan Yapa 15, Tharaka Dushantha 73, Kalpa Umayanga 50, Manjula Gannile 5/35, Akila Elabodage 3/34)
• DPGC “A” – 211 for 08 in 37.4 overs (Madushan Fernando 89, S. Roshen 18, Manjula Gannile 26, Akila Elabodage 21 not out, Chinthaka Karunaratne 2/31, Nuwan Yapa 3/31)