Exchanges even on day one of top of the table clash

National Super League 4-day tournament

In a repeat of the National Super League Limited-Over final, Kandy and Jaffna ended the first day of the four-day League tournament on equal terms at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Invited to bat first Kandy assisted by half-centuries from Oshada Fernando and Lahiru Udara reached 243-5 off 68 overs before bad light brought an early finish to the day. At the wickets were Sahan Arachchige (41*) and Kasun Vidura (22*) having figured in an unfinished sixth wicket stand of 50.

Fernando struck nine fours in his 65-ball fifty and Udara was more circumspect, striking four fours in his 80-ball half-century.

Occasional bowler Santhush Gunathilaka was Jaffna’s most successful wicket-taker dismissing Kamil Mishara and Kandy skipper Kamindu Mendis conceding 30 runs.

At the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Dambulla making their first appearance in the tournament was dismissed for 277 by Colombo. 

Ashan Priyanjan and Chamindu Wijesinghe struck fifties apiece to help Colombo to their total after electing to bat first. Priyanjan scored 61 off 88 balls (8 fours, 1 six) and Wijesinghe nine fours in his unbeaten 54 off 98 balls. Colombo made 46 without loss by the close.

Both matches will be continued on the second day today. – (ST)

DAY ONE SCORES

At Pallekele: Kandy 243-5 (68) at close (Kamil Mishara 35, Oshada Fernando 50, Kamindu Mendis 24, Lahiru Udara 50, Sahan Arachchige 41*, Kasun Vidura 22*, Santhush Gunathilaka 2/30) v Jaffna.

At R Premadasa Stadium: Dambulla 277 (Leo Fransisco 36, Ashan Priyanjan 61, Lahiru Samarakoon 35, Chamindu Wijesinghe 54*, Malinda Pushpakumara 35, Kasun Rajitha 2/32, Nisala Tharaka 2/57, Lakshitha Manasinghe 3/78, Prabath Jayasuriya 2/57)

Colombo 46 for no loss at close (10) (Nipun Dananjaya 24*)