Shanaka (68* off 35 balls) lights up rain-hit day

Sanoj Darshika rescued Kurunegala YCC with an undefeated 64, gets runs on the off side watched by Tamil Union wicket-keeper Sithara Hapuhinna

Dasun Shanaka on the offensive for SSC against Kandy Customs CC

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Heavy afternoon rain ensured that all nine matches of the SLC Major 50-over tournament ended in a no-decision yesterday.

The best batting for the day came from SSC against Kandy Customs CC at the SSC grounds, where former white ball National Captain Dasun Shanaka lit up an overcast day with a quickfire 68* off 35 balls inclusive of seven sixes and a four that enabled his team to race to 301-7 off their 50 overs. It was a total that SSC did not look like achieving at one stage when they lost their seventh wicket at 235 in the 47th over. But Shanaka renowned for his big hitting finished the innings with three consecutive sixes off the last three balls off seamer Kasun Madushanka who went for 80 runs off his 10 overs. The early part of the SSC innings was dominated by former De Mazenod College and Sri Lanka Under-19 batsman Krishan Sanjula who scored a refined 93 off 116 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes). Kandy Customs CC did not bat.

Janith Liyanage’s 83-ball knock for 76 (4 fours, 4 sixes) saw Ragama CC score 248 against Police SC at Police Park. Police SC did not bat.

In a low scoring match at Army grounds Dombagoda, Army SC with as many as five national caps in their side – Dinesh Chandimal, Maheesh Theekshana, Seekkuge Prasanna, Thisara Perera and Asela Gunaratne were dismissed for 158 by Nugegoda SWC, who replied with 35-4 before rain put an end to proceedings.

Sanoj Darshika (64* off 106 balls, 7 fours) and Naveen Fernando (44 off 58 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) rescued Kurunegala YCC from total disaster from 30-6 to 160-7 off 42 overs against Tamil Union at P Sara Oval before the rains set in.

At BRC grounds, only 34 overs were possible in a match reduced to 42 overs a side, during which period Panadura SC put into bat by BRC made 148-7 with Raminda Wijesooriya contributing an unbeaten 69 off 86 balls, 6 fours, 1 six.

At Katunayake in a match reduced to 43 overs, Air Force SC scored 86-3 off 28.1 overs against Moors SC, while at Colts grounds rain prevented spinner Akila Dananjaya (3/20) from running through the Sebastianites batting. Play was halted after 35.5 overs with Sebastianites 114-5.

Only 2.3 overs were possible at NCC grounds where Chilaw Marians CC put into bat first scored 26 without loss against NCC.

Not a ball was bowled in the match between Bloomfield and Ace Capital CC at Bloomfield grounds.