MCA Veterans clinches Bandula Warnapura Memorial Challenge Trophy

Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA) Veterans, led by former MCA President, Rohana Dissanayake, took charge of the glittering, Bandula Warnapura Memorial Challenge Trophy for the first time as they beat the  Sir Henry Steel Olcott Sports Foundation  (SHSOSF) by 08 wickets, in their 03rd Annual 20+20 Cricket Encounter 2024, concluded on Sunday at the MCA Grounds.

The match winners for MCA were opening batsman, Wasanthalal Fernando, who carried his bat out, after remaining 56 not out in 43 balls, inclusive of 03 sixes and 04 fours, and off spinner, Anush Perera, who finished with impressive figures of 04/18/03.

Olcott foundation, led by Arjuna Ranatunga for the third time, won the toss and opted to bat; they were severely shackled by the MCA bowlers, medium pacemen,    Duminda Pinto (4/20/01) and the two spinners, Anush Perera and Punnyakantha Abeygunasekera (04/27/01) to restrict them to their lowest total in the series- 115/5 in 20 overs.

MCA chasing a victory target of 116 runs in 20 overs got off to a solid start with Old Cambrian, Wasanthalal Fernando and Old Sebastianite, Widara Abeywardena (27 in 36 balls and inclusive of a six and 03 fours) engaged in an opening stand of 66 runs in 63 balls. 

The nucleus of MCA’s win was due to Wasanthalal and Vidara and later  Sanjaya Attanayake (18 not out) being able to successfully negotiate the strong Olcott spin attack of Ajith Ekanayake (Maliyadeva/Kurunegala), Lal Ranasinghe  (Dharmasoka/Ambalangoda) and Prasanna Uyanhewa (Rahula /Matara).

Late Bandula Warnapura’s family members, Hemamali (wife), Madhawa (son) and Upali (brother) who graced the occasion, presented the Challenge Trophy to the MCA Veterans Captain, Rohana Dissanayake.   

Chief Scores

SHSOSF – 115 for 05 in 20 overs (Thilan Wijesinghe 23, Sudarshan Guruge 13, Duminda Wickramasinghe 20 not out, Duminda Somaweera 20 not out, Anush Perera 3/18)

MCA Veterans – 119 for 02 in 16.5 overs (Wasanthalal Fernando 56 not out, Vidara Abeywardena 27, Sanjaya Attanayake 18 not out).