Defending champs SSC bounce back with resounding win

Leading run-getter Nishan Madushka scored 68 to enable CCC to beat Moors SC

Ace Capital CC’s Wanuja Sahan took four wickets in their win against Tamil Union

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Defending champions SSC recovered from their shock loss to Ace Capital CC with a resounding eight-wicket win against Panadura SC in their SLC Major Clubs Limited Overs tournament match played at Panadura yesterday.

Panadura SC put into bat were dismissed for 163 by spinners Gishan Balasuriya, Nuwanidu Fernando and Kavindu Nadeeshan who took six wickets between them. Test opener Oshada Fernando (40) and Lahiru Dawatage (51) were the principal scorers. SSC raced to their target in 27.1 overs riding on an opening stand of 90 between Shevon Daniel (46) and Krishan Sanjula (44) and a brisk 46* off 39 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes) by former Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne.  

Chilaw Marians CC who downed NCC three days ago continued their winning vein with an eight-wicket demolition of Negombo CC at Katunayake. Negombo CC were shot out for 47 in 25.4 overs by the seam combination of Ashan Randika (3/8), Rajinda Punchihewa (2/12) and Kavindu Nirmana (2/15) and the off-breaks of Amitha Perera (3/10). Chilaw Marians CC knocked the required runs off in 7.3 overs.

NCC came back strongly from their loss to Chilaw Marians CC with a 77-run win over Bloomfield at the NCC grounds. All round contributions from the top and middle order saw NCC reach 238-8 and then dismiss Bloomfield for 161 with the bowlers playing their part.

Ace Capital CC continued their giant-killing spree by defeating Tamil Union by seven wickets at the P Sara Oval. Earlier, they had beaten current champions SSC and yesterday’s win saw them top Group A with a clean sheet of three wins out of three. Put into bat first Tamil Union scored 196 with Sandun Weerakkody making 98 off 100 balls (12 fours, 2 sixes) before getting run out. The damage to the Tamil Union innings was done by spinners Wanuja Sahan (4/22) and Pawatha Weerasinghe (3/29). Following an opening stand of 81 by skipper Thanuka Dabare (62 off 75 balls, 5 fours, 3 sixes) and Sithara Gimhan (35) Ace Capital CC reached their target in 38 overs with Sammu Ashan (37*) and Sakuna Liyanage (32*) figuring in a 67-run unbroken stand.     

In their Group B top of the table clash CCC outwitted Moors SC by 74 runs at Bloomfield grounds to stabilize their position at the top. In a match reduced to 22 overs CCC scored 161-7 with Test opener Nishan Madushka continuing his good form with a scintillating knock of 68 off 43 balls (5 fours, 4 sixes). Moors SC succumbed to the wrist spin of Lakshan Sandakan (4/15) and replied with only 87-9 with more than half the runs coming off the bat of Janishka Perera (50 off 46 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes).  

Kurunegala YCC suffered their third straight loss when Kandy Customs CC beat them by 12 runs in a closely contested low scoring match played at the Welagedara Stadium. Left-arm spinner Kavika Dilshan’s maiden fifer in a one-day game (6/21) saw Kandy Customs CC put out for 109 despite a valiant unbeaten 48 off 108 balls from Nadun Dilshan. Kurunegala YCC were also in trouble against spin with leg-spinner Yohan Maddege following in Dilshan’s footsteps with a maiden fifer haul of 6/32 as the home side folded up for 97.

Colts secured their second win in as many matches beating Park rivals BRC by 42 runs at Dombagoda. Sri Lanka Test batsman Dinesh Chandimal top scored with 71 off 65 balls (3 fours, 5 sixes) in Colts’ total of 163. BRC’s batting was rattled by the leg-spin of Sanoj Darshika who came up with career best one-day figures of 4/34 to put out the opposition for 121.

Badureliya CC pulled off a thrilling one-wicket win with seven balls to spare over Nugegoda SWC at Maggona. When the ninth Badureliya CC wicket fell for 116 chasing 140, it seemed that Nugegoda SWC had the match well and truly in their bag. But staunch resistance from the last wicket pair Lahiru Gamage (29*) and Ruchira Koshitha (10*) saw Chilaw Marians sneaking through to a win. Off-spinner Sadeep Kavishka playing in only his third match took four Nugegoda SWC wickets.