Dambulla, Colombo end Day One on even terms

Tuesday, 5 May 2026 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

National Super League 4-day final

Fascinating contest on the cards today

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Colombo did well to restrict the strong Dambulla batting line-up to 222-9 declared, but found themselves also in a spot of bother when they lost two early wickets to end the opening day of the National Super League (NSL) 4-Day final on 12-2 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Dambulla failed to make use of the toss when they lost their first four wickets for 85, largely to some loose shots which they could have done without.

Sonal Dinusha and Anjala Bandara staged a recovery of some sort, producing a stand of 53 for the sixth wicket. But once the pair was dislodged by Test off-spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, there was hardly any resistance from the rest of the batting.

Dinusha struck 3 fours in his 51 off 95 balls and Bandara also 3 in his 40 off 78. Jayasuriya, who had a rather lean run in the tournament – his 6 wickets costing 424 runs – came back to his own to finish with 4/54 off 18 overs. Seamers Dhananjaya Lakshan and Janith Liyanage picked up two apiece.

Colombo lost both openers with only a run on the board. Lakshan was run out by Dinusha without troubling the scorers, and Ravindu Rasantha went edging a catch behind the wicket with his score on one. Jayasuriya, sent as night watchman, struck it out for 14 balls with Nuwanidu Fernando and prevented any further mishap.

Although he has been struggling with his bowling, Jayasuriya has nevertheless proved to be a more than capable batsman with scores of 54, 25, 24, and 28 in his last four innings. Dislodging him early will be Dambulla’s number one priority when play continues on its second day today.

A fascinating duel is on the cards as both teams will vie for the crucial first innings lead. The over rate throughout the day was rather slow, with only 75.3 of the 90 overs being bowled.

Scores:

Dambulla 222-9 decl. (Pavan Rathnayake 39, Vishad Randika 23, Sonal Dinusha 51, Anjala Bandara 40, Dhananjaya Lakshan 2/42, Janith Liyanage 2/18, Prabath Jayasuriya 4/54)

Colombo 12-2 at close.