Ananda 244 for 3 in 40 overs (Tiran Yahathugoda 104 not out, Thivanka 45)
Nalanda won with 5 balls to spare (Sudham Perera 64, Jeewana Perera 59, Chaminda Jayaweera 45 not out)
Jeevana and Sudham bat for Nalanda. (Pictures courtesy Rajinda Gunasena)
The annual big match between Ananda & Nalanda was held at Ajax Cricket Club, on 5th July under beautiful sunny skies. Winning the toss Ananda elected to bat first. On a fast outfield and wicket they scored a mammoth total of 244 for 5 in their allotted 40 overs. Tiran Yahathugoda scored 104 not out for Ananda with Thivanka supporting with 45, Mahinda 19 & Roshan 16 not out. Chasing the massive target Nalanda lost their star batsman Sudarsha Perera early for 10 runs. However Jeewana Perera scored 59 and put on a great partnership with veteran star Sudham Fernando who top scored with 64.
Captains toss ahead of the match.
Their partnership brought Nalanda to 130 for 4 in 29 overs, with an asking rate of 10 runs an over with the remaining 11 overs. Chaminda Jayaweera, Nalanda skipper known for his explosive finish, scored an aggressive 45 not out with 3 sixes and many boundaries to reach the target with 5 balls to spare. Sampath Edirisinghe chipped in with 11 runs to what was one of the most exciting, edge of the seat end to a great match. The man of the match for Ananda was Tiran Yahathugoda, while Nalandian Jeewana Perera was man of the match for his contribution of valuable 59 runs for Nalanda. Chaminda Jaywaeera received the Winners trophy as the Nalandians celebrated their historic chase. Both presidents of the Associations, Chandana Ranasinghe of Nalanda and Shanaka Weerasinghe thanked all that were there, helped & volunteered to make the event a success.
Nalanda skipper with the trophy.
Nalanda Team: L-R: Sudarsha Perera, Chandana Ranasinghe, Jeewana Perera, Sudham Fernando, Veranja Perera, Jayantha Abeyesekera, Chaminda Jayaweera (Capt.), Amal Wijemuni (V. Capt.) Rajinda Gunasena, Ramesh De Silva, Janith Edirisinghe (reserve) & Sampath Edirisinghe.
