T.M. Dilshan, Dhananjaya de Silva first centurions in MCA Premier League 2018

T.M. Dilshan from MAS Intimates Unichela and Dhananjaya de Silva from LB Finance became the first two centurions at the ongoing 25th Singer-MCA Premier League 2018, which continued last weekend (16 and 17 September).

Skipper Dilshan hit a characteristic 105-ball 107 runs studded with 5 sixes and 11 fours, which helped Unichela put up a challenging 269 in 49.4 overs. 

Teejay Lanka was given a reduced target of 215 in 33 overs, as the match commenced late after lunch.  

As the game progressed, there was another rain interruption and it was reduced by two more overs, thus Teejay faced a revised target of 204 runs for victory. 

Teejay (126 for 3 at the rain stoppage) pushed the panic button a little too early and fell by the post, losing by 26 runs; the match-winning bowlers were Dilruwan Perera (3 for 30) and Lahiru Jayaratne (4 for 18).

Dhananjaya de Silva’s classic century of 118 runs for LB Finance came in vain as Commercial Credit, chasing 268 in 50 overs, comfortably reached their target in 45.3 overs, losing only five wickets, riding on a masterly unbeaten 84 from Jehan Mubarak, well supported by skipper Upul Tharanga  (48) and  Lahiru Madusanka (46 not out). 

The other three winners on Saturday were HNB, who beat John Keells by 19 runs, Sampath Bank who beat Hayleys by five wickets and DIMO who beat Kanrich Finance by 37 runs.  

Other notable performances came from Madhawa Warnapura from HNB (92 not out against John Keells); Kaushal Silva from Sampath Bank (82 not out against Hayleys) and Lahiru Gamage from Commercial Credit (4 for 52 against LB Finance). 

Sunday’s 

match results     

At Moratuwa, Commercial Credit won a doubleheader as they beat HNB by five wickets on the DLS system; this was Commercial Credit’s third win on the trot. 

HNB - 205/7 (50) (Madhawa Warnapura 71, Kosala Kulasekera 45, Imesh Udayanga 2/14, Asitha Fernando 2/40) 

Commercial Credit - given a revised target of 201 in 47 overs due to a rain stoppage 203/5 (45.3) (Wanidu Hasaranga 85, Dilshan Cooray 44 not out; Vimukthi Perera 2/22, Sajeewa Weerakoon 2/39). 

At Colts: In the battle of the debutants, LB Finance registered their first win, beating Hayleys by five wickets on the DLS system. 

Hayleys – 206 (48.4) (Sachithra Serasinghe 89, Andy Solomans 34, Shiran Fernando 4/51)

LBF – given a revised target of 141 in 25 overs, due to a rain stoppage – 141/5 (21.5) (Shehan Jayasuriya 54, Ali Khan 2/23 and Lasitha Embuldeniya 2/21)      

At P. Sara Oval: Sampath Bank suffered their first defeat, losing to John Keells by four wickets on DLS system. 

Sampath Bank – 198/7 (46.2)(Kaushal Silva 63, Avishka Fernando 39, Hasantha Fernando 32 not out, Chamikara Edirisinghe 2/32, Madushan Ravichandra Kumara 3/45) 

JK – given a revised target of 155 runs in 25 overs - 156/6 (21) (Lahiru Milantha 86, Jeevan Mendis 3/35) 

At Katunayake: Teejay Lanka gained their first win, beating debutants Kanrich Finance by six wickets. 

Kanrich Finance – 148 (49.2) (Kasun Vidura 44, Jeff Vandersay 5/26) 

Teejay Lanka - 151/4 (33.1) (Minod Bhanuka 60 not out) 

At MCA: MAS Intimates Unichela won a double header, with a comfortable 41-run win over DIMO (match reduced to 47 overs a side)

Unichela – 269/5 (47) (R. Rambukwella 62, Thilaksha Sumanasiri 59 not out, Ramesh Mendis 3/42)

DIMO – 161 (24.4) (Nipun Karunanayake 45, Ishara Amarasinghe 4/35) 

The tournament will be continued during this week and the weekend of 23 and 24 September.