No decision at Pallekelle

SLC Super Provincial 50 over Tournament

Akila Dananjaya bowled well to take 5 wickets

By Shamseer Jaleel

Colombo and Galle had to settle for a no decision when heavy rain brought an early end at 3 p.m. to the SLC Super Provincial 50 over encounter at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Galle won the toss and elected to bat first. They were led by Lahiru Thirimanne with Lasith Malinga not playing in this game. The team from Down South never got into top gear where they lost regular wickets early in the game but recovered well in the end to score over 5 runs per over. Lahiru Thirimanne (6) and Kushal Mendis (11) both got out cheaply. 

Dhananjaya de Silva batted with some authority scoring 35 but threw away his wicket trying for a lofted drive. World Cup selection hopeful Milinda Siriwardena too fell cheaply at 8. A fine 6th wicket partnership of 67 runs between Vinod Bhanuka (36) and Wanindu Hasaranga (43) helped Galle to gain some respectability for their score. 

Wanindu Hasaranga stroked a brilliant 56 inclusive of 6 boundaries well supported by Lahiru Madushanka’s unbeaten 42. Akila Dhananjaya bowled well to capture 5 wickets for the Colombo outfit.

In reply Colombo were 55 for no wicket when rain stopped play at 3 p.m. Upul Tharanga (15) and Avishka Fernando (27) were batting without any trouble.  

• Galle 258 for 9 in 50 overs

Dushmantha Chameera 23, Dhananjaya de Silva 35, Vinod Banuka 36, Lahiru Madushanka 42 not out, Wanindu Hasaranga 56

Akila Dhanjaya 5 for 53, Chammika Karunaratne 2 for 48  

• Colombo 55 for 0 in 7 overs

Avishka Fernando 27 not out, Upul Tharanga 15 not out

 Pix credit Thushith Wijedoru, SLC