Sachira and Lahiru star for STC Matara in drawn game
Sachira Dilshan
A century by Lahiru Dilshan and a match bag of nine by right arm spin bowler Sachira Dilshan were the highlights of the traditional cricket encounter between St. Thomas’ College Matara and Devapathiraja College Rathgama which was played at the Uyanwatta stadium.
The first session of the game was lost due to damp ground conditions. Tharusha Kavindya leading STC Matara elected to bat first when play commenced after lunch. The home team anchored by a 139 run fourth wicket partnership between Mihisal Amoda (75) and Lahiru Dilshan were 297/4 at stumps on day one with Lahiru Dilshan unbeaten on 92 and skipper Kavisha unbeaten on 20 as night watchmen. Lahiru scored 115 runs before nicking one to keeper Tharindu Rukshan off the bowling of Raveen Yasas and Tharusha declared the innings at the fall of his wicket with the score at 347/6. Pathum Madushanka leading Devapathiraja this season captured three wickets.
Devapathiraja scored 205 runs in their first essay anchored by a 98 run sixth wicket partnership between Pawan Sandesh (41) and Pathum Madushanka (73). Sachira Rashmika was rewarded with a five wicket haul while left arm spinner Sineth Sithara captured two wickets.
On being asked to follow on an unbeaten 25 by Jeewaka Shasheen helped Devapathiraja to avert an innings defeat to end the game on 92/8. Sineth Sithara and Sachira Rashmika captured four wickets each.
STC Matara 347/6 dec in 91.4 overs (Maleesha de Seram 36, Mihisal Amoda 75, Lahiru Dilshan 115, Tharusha Kavindya 40; Pathum Madhushanka 3/86)
Devapathiraja 205 in 65.5 overs (Shehan Hasaranga 24, Pawan Sandesh 41, Pathum Madushanka 73; Sachira Rashmika 5/84, Sineth Sithara 2/36) and 92/8 in 37 overs (Pathum Madushanka 21, Jeewaka Shasheen 25 not out; Sineth Sithara 4/42, Sachira Rashmika 4/29)