Teejay crowned champions of Mercantile Premier League ‘A’ Division tournament

Wednesday, 1 November 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Teejay Lanka Plc, the region’s largest multinational textile manufacturer, emerged champions of the 25th Singer Mercantile Premier League cricket tournament, beating talented finalists LB Finance by 82 runs at the MCA grounds on Sunday.

Led by world cup-winning Captain Lasith Malinga, Teejay dominated the match thanks to some outstanding contributions from different team members. Play started late due to unfavourable ground conditions caused by overnight rain, with the match restricted to 42 overs per side. LB Finance won the toss and invited Teejay to make first use of the wicket.

Teejay scored 266 runs in just 38.4 overs with a powerful partnership of 101 for the seventh-wicket between Sachithra Senanayaka and Shallika Karunanayake. Earlier Dilan Jayalath scored a solid 51 runs in 62 balls but Teejay were in a bit of trouble, going six wickets down before their two power hitters took centre-stage. Their aggressive counterattack took the game away from LB Finance, with the ball sailing over the screens and trees quite often. Senanayaka scored a fluent 67 runs in 45 balls with 6 fours and 4 big sixes while Shalika provided the best fireworks, scoring 68 runs in just 40 balls with one four and eight towering sixes.

LB Finance, chasing down the formidable total, lost early wickets at continual intervals, despite a short fight-back from Kusal Mendis. They were finally 125 for 7 wickets when bad light stopped play during the 25th over and they found themselves well short of the massive asking rate.

According to the Duckworth and Lewis method, Teejay easily won the match by 82 runs. Teejay opted to open with spin bowling in their attempt to beat the fading light and threatening dark clouds.

Vice-Captain Sachithra Senanayaka once again performed well for Teejay with the ball, capturing three wickets for 35 runs and skipper and pace bowling icon Malinga had the best bowling figures, capturing three wickets for 22 runs.

Interestingly, this was while bowling right-arm off-spin and not his usual slinging pace bowling. Shalika Karunanayaka was adjudged Man of the Match in the finals for his blistering score of 68 runs.

Teejay’s bowling line up for the final included Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Chalana De Silva, Milinda Siriwardana, Lakshan Sandakan and Sachithra Senanayake, and they helped trouble LB Finance’s batsmen, who included Kusal Mendis.

The batting line-up for Teejay included Dilan Jayalath, Nilushan Nonis, Kithruwan Vithanage, Shalika Karunanayake, Siriwardana and Senanayake. The final saw a great atmosphere, especially within the Teejay camp, with many costumed dancers, bands and colourfully dressed Teejay employees cheering their side.

Three young members of the Teejay team have been selected to be on the national team - Minod Banuka, Lahiru Kumara and Lakshan Sandakan. This has resulted in a positive outlook among team members and a working environment that is both constructive and progressive. Teejay emerged champions after just two years in the Premier League ‘A’ Division and their progress is a testament to the company’s vision for growth and progression, coupled with solid employee engagement and a modern culture.