Dambulla bounce back to beat Jaffna

Captain Minod Bhanuka (left) and Sanoj Darshika hit fifties apiece in Dambulla’s successful run chase against Jaffna

Dambulla bounced back from their three-day innings defeat to Galle last week by beating Jaffna by five wickets in their National Super League 4-day match concluded at the SSC grounds yesterday.

Dambulla requiring 199 to beat Jaffna required a further 45 when play resumed on the fourth and final day. They lost the wicket of Ashan Priyanjan for 12 bowled by Dilum Sudeera, before reaching their target using up 11 overs.

Ranitha Liyanarachchi ended the run chase in style hitting Ravindu Fernando for a six leaving Sanoj Darshika unbeaten on 60 scored off 112 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes). Minod Bhanuka, the Dambulla skipper had earlier contributed a stroke-filled 55 off 61 balls (9 fours) to follow his first innings contribution of 67. – (ST)  

Scores:

• Jaffna 62 and 349
• Dambulla 213 and 204-5 (o/n 154-4) (Dilan Jayalath 34, Sanoj Darshika 60*, Minod Bhanuka 55, Ravindu Fernando 2/73, Dilum Sudeera 2/56)