Panadura big one fizzles out at the Esplanade
The 25th Battle of the Greens encounter between Panadura Royal and St. John’s Panadura petered into a drab draw at the Panadura Esplanade yesterday.
Continuing from their overnight score of four for no loss in reply to Royal’s first innings score of 221, the Johnians never found things going on their way as they were rattled by the off spin combination of Prashan Kalhara and Kavinda Dilshan to be dismissed for 162 off 41.1 overs just after the lunch break.
Nilan Fernando square cuts on his way to 64 n.o. - Pic by Anuradha Bandara
Except for a 47 run partnership for the third wicket by Sithum Pramoda (36) and Sukun Rukshan (25) none of the other batsmen showed any easiness in facing the two off spinners Kalhara and Dilshan capturing 4 for 29 and 4 for 47 respectively.
Going into bat in their second innings Royal were aided by an opening partnership of 96 runs for the first wicket by Prashan Kalhara (50 inclusive of seven boundaries) and Sachin Aminda (43 with seven hits to the ropes) and a fine innings of 64 n.o. by their skipper Nilan Fernando reached 187 for the loss of three wickets when play was called off at 5.20 p.m.
Fernando’s inning infused some life into the game with elegant stroke play to remain unbeaten on 64 off 57 deliveries. His innings was studded with six hits to the ropes and one over it. Left arm orthodox spinner Gihan Anjana who was the main wrecker of Royal Panadura in their first innings went off colour failing to capture any wicket off 12 overs giving away 47 runs.
Royal Panadura 221 (89.3) (Ishara Dilshan 45, Nilan Fernando 39, Sachin Aminda 20, Prasan Kalhara 37, Gihan Anjana 5 for 51,Thaminda Nivarthana 3 for 42) and 187 for 3 at close (46) (Prashan Kalhara 50, Sachin Aminda 43, Nilan Fernando 64 n.o.)
St. John’s Panadura 162 (41.1) (Sithum Pramoda 36, Sukun Rukshan 25, Malitha Gunawardene 20, Prashan Kalhara 4 for 29, Kavindu Dilshan 4 for 47)