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Expolanka MCA F Division champs – Pix by P.D. De Silva
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Expolanka’s Hashan Hewanayake was named Man of the Final and Man of the Tournament
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Two half centuries by opening batsman, Lahiru Lakshitha and middle order batsman, Heshan Hewanayake, steered Expolanka Holdings to a 13-runs win, on the DLS method over HNB “B” in the Final of the 5th Fairfirst Insurance, sponsored MCA “F” division 25-Over League Tournament 2023 concluded on Saturday, 29 April, at the MCA grounds.
Expolanka, sent into bat, made a solid start with their openers, Lahiru Lakshitha (69 runs in 48 balls, inclusive of 04 sixes and 04 fours) and Seniru Mapatuna (25 runs in 40 balls, inclusive of 01 four) putting on 86 runs in 79 balls.
HNB “B” got back to the game grabbing 04 quick wickets including the openers in a space of 11 runs. (97 for 047 in 16.2 overs).
Heshan Hewanayake with a cameo 52 runs, in 24 balls, inclusive of 04 sixes and equal number of fours, steadied the ship with fighting 66 runs stand in 39 balls, partnered by Madhawa Chathuranga (10 not out), thus speeding the total to 163.
HNB “B” chasing a victory target of 178 runs in 25 overs was up against the DLS method, as rain was imminent
They slid to 33 for 3 in 5.5 overs, but recovered to 91 in 14 overs to be on par with the DLS method.
As rain was knocking at the door, HNB “B” panicked and lost the wickets of skipper, Dinesh Panditharatne (44) and Madushan Pathirage (27) at 91 and 94 as the DLS method sped to 108 in 15 overs.
After 65 minutes of batting time, the heavens opened with lashing rain at 1.13 pm signaling the end of the match.
It was a sad ending for HNB “B” as they fell short by 13 runs (95 for 5 in 15 overs) thus losing their unbeaten status and the title.
MCA appointed Match Referee, Sena Nandiweera adjudged Expolanka’s, Heshan Hewanayake as his Man of the Match. Heshan Hewanayake picked up a double as he won the Man of the Series award (10 matches, 252 balls, 150 runs, 18 wickets and scoring 143 runs, up to the Semi Finals)
The other two special awards went to Roscoe Thattil (Best Bowler /08 matches, 196 balls, 188 runs, 18 wickets); and Kavidu Piyadasun Perera (Best Batsman / 10 innings, 455 runs, inclusive of 01 century and 02 half centuries) – both from 3DH International.
Fairfirst Insurance Ltd. Chief Sales Officer Sanjaya Siriwardena (Chief Guest), together with MCA Senior Vice President Mahesh de Alwis and MCA Chairman Tournament Committee Lakmal de Silva gave away the awards.
Chief Scores:
