Hamilton by two wickets
View(s):Hamilton Lions guided by the performances of Roshan Perera and Chakranga Rajapaksha beat Rotorua Sri Lankans in a thrilling encounter to regain the Big Match challenge trophy after a lapse of two years by two wickets. The annual big match which played for the sixth successive year between two Sri Lankan cricket teams based in New Zealand was played on January 12 in the northern island capital of Rotorua.
Rotorua SL who won the toss and elected to bat first was bowled out for 208 in 35 overs while in reply Hamilton Lions reached the target with three deliveries to spare after losing eight scalps. The Hamilton Lions did well by rotating bowlers regularly and introducing their rookie left-arm spinner Chakranga Rajapaksha during the latter stage. Rajapaksha eventually claimed 5 wickets conceding 15 runs from four overs while Gayan Hasitha claimed two quick wickets with man-of-the-match Roshan Perera grabbing two important catches.
Hettiarachchi made an unbeaten 40 inclusive of three boundaries and a six and N. Lasith hit an identical 40 inclusive of four boundaries to put on 110 runs for the third wicket to reach a total of 208. According to information from New Zealand, the specified tournament features rules that a batsman should retire upon reaching 40 runs.
Hamilton Lion openers Darshana Bandara who is also the skipper and Sarath Pathirana gave a good start by putting on 50 while Sudesh Herath made 10 not out to help Perera seal the game in favour of Hamilton Lions. Anjana Hettiarachchi who was adjudged the best batsman of the encounter and P. Joel took two wickets each. Hamilton’s Chirantha Abeygunawardena was named the best fielder of the match. With this year’s win Hamilton Lions lead the winners tally by four games to two. – NA
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