Mendis’s 110 trumps Lakshan’s 104 as JK beat CDB in Singer-MCA Premier League 2021

Kusal Mendis from John Keells (JK) and Muditha Lakshan from CDB hogged the limelight with centuries for their respective teams at the 28th Singer-MCA Premier League 2021, continued on Tuesday, 27 April.

Kusal Mendis

Mendis, playing his first game for John Keells, immediately sparkled with a masterly 110 in 106 balls, inclusive of three sixes and eight fours, which propelled them to 314/8 in 50 overs against CDB. Skipper Bhanuka Rajapaksa supported Mendis with a quickfire 71 in 49 balls, hitting five sixes and five fours.

The CDB run chase was spearheaded Muditha Lakshan (104 in 115 balls with five fours) and Lahiru Udara (47), but fell short by 54 runs, all out for 260 in 45.5 overs, shackled by excellent bowling at the hands of Ishan Jayaratne (5/31) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (3/40)

Hayleys maintained their unbeaten position, recording a fourth successive win with a narrow two-wicket over HNB. 

HNB, who won the toss and batted, was restricted to 175 runs in 43.3 overs by the Hayleys bowlers; Dilruwan Perera (5/33) and Kalana Perera (3/19). HNB’s new recruit, Jehan Daniel, top scored with a gutsy 76 runs in 95 balls, inclusive of three sixes and six fours.

Hayleys in reply were looking down the barrel, being 81/7 at one stage. They were rescued by a fighting eighth wicket stand of 95 runs between Vishad Randika (63* in 77 balls with five fours) and Kavishka Anjula (48), as they went past the winning post with two wickets in hand with 20 balls to spare.

Due to the prevailing situation in the country, the rest of the league matches scheduled for 30 April and 4 May were indefinitely postponed.

RESULTS

At NCC 

John Keells 314/8 (50) (Kusal Mendis 110, Bhanuka Rajapaksha 71, Ashen Bandara 41, Lahiru Milantha 24, Madushan Ravi Chandrakumar 3/65, Tharindu Rathnayaka 2/48, Lahiru Gamage 2/53) beat CDB 260 (45.5) (Muditha Lakshan 104, Lahiru Udara 47, Damitha Silva 33, Lahiru Madusanka 26, Ishan Jayarathne 4/31, Bhanuka Rajapakshe 3/40, Dhananjaya Lakshan 2/46) by 54 runs. 

At P. Sara Oval 

HNB 175 (43.3) (Jehan Daniel 76, Madawa Warnapura 26, Sandun Weerakkody 21, Lakshitha Rasanjana 20, Dilruwan Perera 5/33, Kalana Perera 3/19 ) lost to Hayleys 176/8 (46.4) (Vishad Randika 63*, Kavishka Anjula 48, Avishka Fernando 26, Madawa Warnapura 3/32, Lakshitha Rasanjana 2/31) by two wickets.