Sunday Feb 22, 2026
Sunday Feb 22, 2026
Friday, 6 February 2026 01:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
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| Nipun Dananjaya scored his third century of the season for SSC | Pasindu Thirimadura helped Negombo CC to 316-6 with a century | Nirmala Rathnayake | (left) and Mithun Jayawickrama routed Galle CC for 76 |
Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) have crowned themselves as indisputable champions of the Tier B 3-Day League with two weekends of matches yet to be played.
The club had dominated the League to the extent that they remain unbeaten after nine matches and hold onto an unassailable 52-point lead over their nearest rival United Southern SC.
SSC’s victory means that they will return to the SLC Major Club 3-Day League from next season.
Yesterday, the newly crowned champions began their 10th match of the season against Navy SC at Welisara and, invited to bat first, scored 242-7 when bad light and rain halted play. Navy SC are one of two teams at the bottom of the standings fighting to avoid relegation to the Governor’s Cup.
Nipun Dananjaya scored his third century of the season – 128 off 127 balls (14 fours, 3 sixes) and shared a seventh wicket stand of 134 with Lakshitha Manasinghe (52* off 89 balls, 5 fours) to help SSC recover from 107-6. Left-arm spinner Dilanka Auwardt took five SSC wickets for 95.
Bottom-of-the-table Colombo Malay CC had a tough opening day in office against Negombo CC at the BRC Grounds.
A century from skipper Pasindu Thirimadura (115 off 123 balls, 15 fours) saw Negombo CC, choosing to bat first, end the day at 316-6 off 63 overs. Thirimadura was involved in an opening partnership of 112 with Kaveen Fernando (41) that laid the foundation for their total. Dimuth Sandaruwan (54 off 70 balls, 8 fours, 1 six) and Sheshan Fernando (68* off 69 balls, 6 fours, 4 sixes) continued the good work with another useful stand of 88. Tall left-arm spinner Chanaka Devinda had figures of 4/120.
Kandy Customs SC has already taken a first innings lead by dismissing Galle CC for 76 and ending the day at 76-4 at Army Ground, Dombagoda. Galle CC were rattled by spinners Nirmala Rathnayake (4/22) and Mithun Jayawickrama (4/18).
Leo CC managed to prize out seven Ragama CC batsmen for 202 before bad light ended play early at Salawa Army Ground, Kosgama. Maleesha Silva made a top score of 62 (off 90 balls, 4 fours, 3 sixes) and Manisha Rupasinghe and Chanaka Wijesinghe contributed 47 and 46*, respectively. Off-spinner Malshan Gunasinghe ended the day with 4/71.
Gavin Boteju struck 6 fours and 1 six in a 68-ball 50 to help Moratuwa SC end the day at 199-4 against Sebastianites at the De Soysa Stadium, Moratuwa. Bad light ended play early.
Today, United Southern SC commence their match against Army SC at Panagoda. All the other matches will continue on their second day today. – [ST]
