Galle and Colombo Joint champions

By Shamzeer Jaleel

Galle had to settle for the joint championship against Colombo in their Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Super Provincial 50 over final when heavy rain around 2 pm prevented any further play in their final encounter which concluded at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium yesterday.

Fine century by Lahiru Thirimanne

Wanindu Hasaranga scored a fine 87

Galle won the toss and elected to bat first. They were in  trouble early in the game when they lost their on form player, Sandun Weerakody for zero. But good batting from Dananjaya de Silva (32) and Milinda Siriwardena (32) took them to some what a safe position. Lahiru Thirimanne played a gem of an innings with wide range of strokes ,scored a magnificent century. He had 9 boundaries in his knock which was well supported by Wanindu Hasaranga who scored 87 before being run out. Hasaranga hit 11 boundaries looked more attacking than Lahiru in his brisk cameo innings. Both Lahiru and Hasaranga put on 144 runs for the 5th wicket which took the Southern Province team in to a commanding position after winning the toss. In the end Minod Banuka and Lahiru Madushanka scored some quick runs to see them well over 300 run mark.

In reply Colombo did not have a chance to take the lease of the wicket as heavy rain prevented them from batting even a single delivery. Dananjaya De Silva was judged as Man of the Tournament. Dambulla beat Kandy to end on number 3 in the tournament. Sri Lanka national selectors headed by former fast bowler, Ashantha De Mel will now need to name the touring 15 members before the end of the month which is the ICC (International Cricket Council) deadline. ICC Cricket World Cup will take place in England during June and July this year.