Wijetunga, 10th Anandian to notch a Maroons 100

By Bernie Wijesekera

The 78th Battle of the Maroons between Ananda and Nalanda produced entertaining cricket on the first day at the SCC grounds yesterday.

Ananda’s Ranganath Wijetunge who made a fine half century drives one ( Pic Ranjith Perera)

Ananda skipper Malith Gunatilleke won the toss and elected to bat under overcast skies at 10.30 am. Ananda lost opener Udara Jayasundare for a duck in the first over.

The next wicket fell at 40 when Seneviratne was well held in the covers off Ashan Priyanjana. Ranganath Wijetunga,the elegant lefthander then joined opener Dinesh Chandimal (the former Dharmasoka wicket-keeper batsman). This big match is being sponsored by GSM Dialog for the first time.

Chandimal cut, drove and pulled effortlessly to thrill the sparse crowd while Wijetunga turned in some sweetly timed strokes. This pair hoisted the 100 in 24 overs. Chandimal reached his 50 in 69 balls with nine fours. At lunch the score was 158 for 2. This pair put on 118 runs for the unbeaten third wicket.

In the second over after lunch left arm leggie Amal Atapattu had Chandimal bowled for 75. Wishwa Wijesuriya joined Wijetunga to cane the Nalanda attack.

Wijetunga and Wijesuriya batted with authority to add 85 runs for the fourth wicket. Wishwa stroked the ball with assurance to make 39 while Wijetunga made an accomplished 104 in 141 balls with 14 fours.

Ananda declared at 287 for 6 at tea.Nalanda in reply made 66 for 2 in 24 overs with opener Primosh Perera making an unbeaten 24. Fading light suspended play at 5.45 pm and was eventually play was called off with 10 overs still to be bowled.
Today’s play is scheduled to commence at 9.30 am.