4th National Super League 4-Day final: Dambulla make late surge in final session

Monday, 28 April 2025 03:45 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Galle pair Dinesh Chandimal and Oshada Fernando during their century partnership

Dambulla pacie Mohamed Shiraz is congratulated by teammates after making the first breakthrough

Galle lose their way 140-1 to 210-5

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Dambulla hit back in the final session of play of the opening day of the National Super League 4-Day Tournament final played at the SSC grounds yesterday, grabbing four Galle wickets for 70 runs to somewhat redress the balance.

Following a late start due to rain, Galle, invited to bat first by Dambulla, were heading for a big score courtesy a second wicket partnership worth 114 between Oshada Fernando and Dinesh Chandimal. When things were going smoothly for Galle, Fernando suffered cramps in his body and was forced to retire hurt with his score on 52.

Following his retirement, Nipun Dananjaya, who replaced him, was dismissed for four, and soon afterwards, Chandimal, who was on 74 when Fernando retired and was batting superbly, added only a further six runs to his score before losing his wicket to Chamindu Wijesinghe for 80 (105 balls, 7 fours, 1 six).

Before stumps were drawn for the day, Akila Dananjaya, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, snapped up two quick wickets that of Avishka Perera (26) and last week’s centurion Nisala Tharaka (1) to end the day with figures of 2/53.

Speedster Mohamed Shiraz, fresh from his successful stint with the champion Sri Lanka ‘A’ side in Abu Dhabi, also ended with two wickets (2/63), helping Dambulla somewhat justify their decision to field first. Dunith Wellalage is unbeaten on 27 and with him is his in-form Captain Ramesh Mendis (3*). There is some batting yet to come, with Santhush Gunathilake in next and Fernando expected to resume his innings. Galle will be looking to these four to come up with a competitive first innings total to give their bowlers something to bowl at.

The match continues on its second day today.

Scores

Galle 210-5 at close (Oshada Fernando rtd ht 52, Dinesh Chandimal 80, Avishka Perera 26, Dunith Wellalage 27*, Mohamed Shiraz 2/63, Akila Dananjaya 2/53)

v Dambulla

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