Nalanda ‘B’ emerge Under-17 cricket champs
View(s):Nalanda College ‘B’ fought all the way against a gallant Wadduwa Central outfit to emerge champions in the Schools Under 17 Division II cricket tournament at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium last Thursday.
Nalanda combined well as an all round side to overcome the stiff resistance of the Wadduwa lads who slowly and steadily marched towards victory target but failed with adrift of 34 runs. Though Wadduwa Central looked an inexperienced and a low key side, the way they raised themselves to the occasion signaled that they will be a side to be reckoned in time to come.
Defeating more fancied sides in the earlier rounds Wadduwa Central booked a berth in the finals and showed their worthiness of being a finalist to give the Colombo school a tough time.
Due to two worthy contributions from Lahiru De Silva (62) and Dineth Silva (50) Nalanda after put into bat collected 216 for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Lahiru Nishantha and Sandun Lakmal were the most successful bowlers to capture 2/12 and 2/45 respectively.Chasing a modest target of 216 Wadduwa Central batsmen failed to convert their good starts to big scores fell short by 34 runs. Sandun Lakmal (52), Dilshan Weeraratne (35), Shehan Madusanka (24n.o.) and Kusal Gayan (22) batted well to worry the Nalandians but due to lack of concentration they got out at regular intervals. Nalandian bowlers headed by Evinda Hettiarachchi (4/12) and Pumudita Wimalasiri (3/36) kept the batsmen in check to make mistakes to dismiss Wadduwa Central for 182 in 44 overs.
Nalanda “B’- 216/8 in 50 overs (Lahiru De Silva 62, Dineth Silva 50, Lahiru Nishantha 2/12 and Sandun Lakmal 2/45)
Wadduwa Central College- 182 in 44 overs (Sandun Lakmal 52, Dilshan Weeraratne 35, Shehan Madusanka 24n.o., Kusal Gayan 22, Evinda Hettiarachchi 4/12 and Pumuditha Wimalasiri 3/36) – LR