Nuwanidu, Udara score centuries in opening weekend of NSL 4-day

Colombo’s Nuwanidu Fernando celebrates his century against Jaffna

Colombo’s Nuwanidu Fernando joined Kandy’s Lahiru Udara scoring a century in the opening weekend of the National Super League 4-day tournament yesterday.

Udara scored his hundred on the opening day for Kandy. Fernando hit seven fours and two sixes in a solid display of batting to make 105 off 259 balls to help Colombo to a total of 348 against Jaffna at the SSC grounds on the second day. By stumps Jaffna had made a bold reply scoring 81-1 with Test opener and acting captain Nishan Madushka unbeaten on 52 scored off 57 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes).

Galle did well to dismiss Kandy for 365 at Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Hambantota, capturing the last four wickets for 26 runs with right-arm seamer from Debarawewa NS, Udith Madushan capturing his first five-fer in first-class cricket (5/46). Kandy skipper Sahan Arachchige who was unbeaten on 81 overnight added only seven to his score before being dismissed for 88 scored off 135 balls (9 fours, 2 sixes). Galle in reply lost three early wickets to be 39-3 when rain ended play for the day. Both matches will be continued on the third day today. – (ST)

Day Two scores:

+At Hambantota: Kandy 365 (o/n 339-6) (Kasun Vidura 45, Lahiru Udara 100, Sahan Arachchige 88, Ahan Wickramasinghe 63, Milan Ratnayake 2/56, Ramesh Mendis 2/75, Udith Madushan 5/46)

Galle 39-3 at close

+At SSC: Colombo 348 (o/n 275-4) (Shevon Daniel 78, Nuwanidu Fernando 105, Himasha Liyanage 56, Chamindu Wickramasinghe 22, Lahiru Madushanka 3/39, Ravindu Fernando 2/74, Jeffrey Vandersay 2/77)

Jaffna 81-1 at close (Nishan Madushanka 52*)