Defending champions Galle have their nose ahead

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 02:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Galle opener Oshada Fernando strokes his way to his 25th first-class century

Mohamed Shiraz was the pick of Dambulla bowlers with 4/92

Dambulla opener Ron Chandraguptha pulls on his way to 65

Galle’s Nimsara Atharagalla celebrates wicket of Nishan Madushka

Dambulla struggle to gain first innings lead
4th National Super League 4-day final

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Sri Lanka Test opener Oshada Fernando scored his 25th century in first-class cricket and Nimsara Atharagalla produced an inspired spell of right-arm fast bowling for defending champions Galle to end the second day of the 4th National Super League 4-day final in a strong position to gain the vital first innings lead at the SSC grounds yesterday.

At the end of the day Dambulla, replying to Galle’s first innings of 370, had lost half their side for 154 and trail by 216 runs going into the third day today.

The day was first dominated by Fernando who came back to resume his innings at the fall of the sixth wicket at 222. With Fernando showing no signs of cramps that forced him to retire hurt on day one at 52 Galle resuming from 210-5 rode on the back of his century to add a further 160 to their total.

Fernando in sublime touch went onto score 120 off 188 balls (14 fours) forging useful partnerships of 65 with captain Ramesh Mendis (31) and 49 with Santhush Gunathilake (39) to enable Galle get past the 350-run mark.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ quick Mohamed Shiraz was the most impressive of the Dambulla bowlers ending with 4/92.

Atharagalla who came in as first change made early dents in the Dambulla batting with the wickets of Nishan Madushka (17) and Dinura Kalupahana (0). A partnership of 85 between Ron Chandraguptha (65 off 95 balls, 9 fours) and Sammu Ashan (35) steadied the Dambulla innings. But after Ramesh Mendis had broken the standby dismissing Chandraguptha, Atharagalla returning for a new spell captured the wickets of Dhananjaya de Silva (8) and Ashan off successive overs to push Dambulla onto the backfoot and give Galle the upper hand towards the end of the day. Atharagalla had figures of 4/50.

Scores:

Galle 370 (o/n 210-5) (Oshada Fernando 120, Dinesh Chandimal 80, Avishka Perera 26, Dunith Wellalage 34, Ramesh Mendis 31, Santhush Gunathilake 39, Mohamed Shiraz 4/92, Akila Dananjaya 2/92)
Dambulla 154-5 at close (Ron Chandraguptha 65, Sammu Ashan 35, Nimsara

Atharagalla 4/50)

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.