ODI discard Mathews warms up for Tests with century

Nisala Tharaka leads the SSC team off the field after taking 5/58 against Galle CC

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Former Sri Lanka Captain Angelo Mathews, overlooked for the World Cup Qualifiers, warmed up for next month’s two-Test series against Pakistan with a delightful century for Colts in their Major Club 3-day league match against Kandy Customs SC at Thurstan College grounds yesterday.

Batting at his customary position at four Mathews held the Colts innings together scoring 124 off 193 balls (10 fours, 6 sixes) as they were dismissed for 263. All-rounder Dhananjaya Lakshan chipped in with a hard hit 69 off 99 balls (5 fours, 4 sixes) while the rest of the Colts batting was consumed by spinners Gayan Sirisoma, Yohan Suresh and Mithun Jayawickrama, all three of whom took three wickets apiece. Kandy Customs SC were 63-2 at stumps. 

Moors SC were in a commanding position at the end of the first day of their match when they shot out Kurunegala YCC for 90 and scored 240-5 in reply by the close to enjoy a first innings lead of 150 at Moors SC grounds. Invited to bat first Kurunegala YCC batsmen struggled against the seam of Milan Ratnayake (3/18) and Lahiru Samarakoon (3/24) with four batsmen being dismissed for a duck. Moors SC in their turn lost their first four wickets for 85 before Sohan de Livera (96 off 109 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes) and Mohammad Shamaz (58* off 72 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) rescued them with a 101-run stand. 

Ragama CC boosted by Sanjaya Chaturanga’s second first-class century (102 off 164 balls, 9 fours, 4 sixes) and a fine half-century from Janith Liyanage (76 off 114 balls, 3 fours, 5 sixes) scored 305 against BRC who ended the day at 10-0 at BRC grounds. Pacie Mohammad Shiraz and veteran spinner Dilruwan Perera took three wickets apiece for BRC.

Half-centuries from national cricketers Kusal Perera (62 off 117 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes) who is leading Police SC this season and Ashen Bandara (74* off 120 balls, 6 fours) and, Gitansh Khera, overseas player from India (68 off 98 balls, 6 fours, 1 six), saw them reach 310-6 against NCC at the NCC grounds. Seamers Chamika Gunasekara and Nipun Ransika took five of the wickets between them.

Chilaw Marians CC spinners Lasith Lakshan (4/53) and Pulina Tharanga (3/62) helped dismiss Air Force SC for 242 at Air Force grounds, Katunayake. Opener Sahil Dias not only missed out on a century by six runs but also failed to carry his bat out when he was the last batsman dismissed for 94 off 236 balls (10 fours). Chilaw Marians CC were 1-0 at stumps.

Fast bowlers Nisala Tharaka (5/58) and Kalana Perera (3/45) combined to bowl out Galle CC for 244 of which Ruwantha Kellepotha made a determined 87* off 157 balls (9 fours) to lift the team from 73-5 at one stage. Hosts SSC had replied with 33-1 by the close.

In a low scoring game at Surrey Village grounds, Maggona, Sebastianites struggled to 85-7 by the close after dismissing Badureliya CC for 137. Bowlers held sway in this game where 17 wickets fell on the first day. Left-arm seamer Mohamed Dilshad took 5/47 for Sebastianites, and spinners Parvez Rasool (4/36), Indian overseas player and Chanaka Komasaru (3/49) were successful for Badureliya CC.

In a delayed start at Panagoda due to wet ground conditions Army SC dismissed Nugegoda SWC for 149 with off-spinner Shehada Zoysa returning career best figures of 6/46 in his seventh first-class game.

Hasitha Boyagoda’s solid knock of 93 off 205 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes) and contributions of 47 and 44 from Sandun Weerakkody and skipper Nipun Karunanayake saw Bloomfield invited to bat first by Ace Capital CC at Bloomfield grounds score 304. Off-spinner Roshan Jayatissa had figures of 7/70 – his 15th five-fer in first-class cricket. Ace Capital CC were 12-0 at close.

Negombo CC deciding to bat first after winning the toss were 177-4 against Panadura SC at Panadura. The start was delayed by rain and only 50 overs were possible for the day. Left-hander Dimuth Sandaruwan held the batting together with a career best 87* off 112 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes).