Pasindu, Sachindu shine as Dharmapala dominate
Left-arm spinner Pasindu Keshan and left-hand batsman Sachindu Vinod shone as Dharmapala Pannipitiya dominated the opening day’s play
Ashen Abeykoon in action - Pic by Ranjith Perera
of the 4th Battle of Golden Lions big match against Rahula Matara at De Zoysa Stadium in Moratuwa yesterday.
Rahula Matara skipper Kalana Hansa winning the toss and elected to take first lease of the wicket. They were made to struggle for their runs by Dharmapala bowlers Pasindu Keshan who was supported by right-arm pacie Ashen Abeykoon.
The duo combined with effect and had Rahula in tatters after the first session of play as they went into the lunch break badly placed on 66 for 5. Rahula did not last long in the post lunch of play as they lost their remaining five wickets for the addition of 47 runs being bowled out for 113.
Pasindu ended with impressive figures of 4 for 10 while Ashan grabbed two wickets. Dharmapala in their turn was a given a sound by with the openers adding 50 runs before Sachindu came into the crease and had his own way. Sachindu accumulated runs at will and went on to slam an 83-ball knock of 89 which included ten boundaries and two sixes to end the day in a strong position of 195 for 5. The match will end today. – MSA
Rahula Matara 113 (Yasiru Hewanadragala 38, Piyuma Hewamadduma 23, Dinuka Madushan 21: Pasindu Keshan 4 for 10, Ashen Abeykoon 2 for 40)
Dharmapala Pannipitiya 195 for 5 (Sachindu Vinod 89, Tharindu Maduwantha 20, Harsha Gallage 19 n.o.: Dinuka Madushan 2 for 19)