‘Rest of Sri Lanka’ grabs President’s Trophy

Rest of Sri Lanka emerged victorious over Sri Lanka Cricket Combined XI, in the finals of the 50-over triangular President’s trophy held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium earlier in the week. Winning the toss, ‘Rest of Sri Lanka’ Captain Dinesh Chandimal opted to bat first, after which his team put up a defendable score of 205 in 48.5 overs.

SLC Combined had an impressive start as they bagged the wicket of opener Kusal Mendis with only 18 runs on the scoreboard. The second-wicket partnership between Upul Tharanga and Lahiru Thirimanne failed as Tharanga was caught by Isuru Udana off the bowling of Dilhara Lokuhettiege, having made just 11 runs to his name.

The third-wicket partnership of Chandimal and Thirimanne came to the rescue of the team as the duo hammered 62 runs off 78 balls to all parts around the ground, giving fans plenty to cheer about. Unfortunately the partnership was broken by Udana who took the crucial wicket of Chandimal.

The batting onslaught continued as a 42-run partnership off 75 balls was put up when Thirimanne was joined by Thilina Kadamby. Thirimanne was successful in scoring a 50, soon after which he was dismissed by the right arm off-break provided by Danushka Gunathikala.

Kadamby who stood unbeaten on 65 managed to get his team to a respectable score of 205 while the lower order batsmen faltered due to the impressive skills shown by Gunathilaka who was able to claim four wickets to his name.

SLC combined run chase had a disappointing start as their skipper Dimuth Karunaratne who upto now was having a successful tournament was dismissed off the bowling of Dilruwan Perera for just five runs. Notable contributions were made by Kaushal Silva and Chaturanga de Silva while the highest partnership of SLC combined XI came courtesy of the sixth wicket by Gunathilaka and de Silva.

Rest of Sri Lanka’s bowling was just too good on the day as they managed to bowl out SLC Combined in just 32.5 overs for 129 runs. Perera and Rangana Herath bagged three wickets each to their names.