Harindu makes half century as day one witness 40 maidnes   

Sri Lanka Under 19 player Harindu Jayasekara was the only batsman to make a positive impact as the Battle of the Blues of Matara witnessed as many as 40 maiden overs being bowled on day one of the historic encounter at Uyanwatta Stadium on Friday.

Analysts were predicting a result at the annual Big Match between arch rivals St. Thomas’ and St. Servatius’ as batsmen had struggled for runs at the  Uyanwatta Stadium during recent weeks.

With St. Thomas’ deciding to bat first, Jayasekara and Dumindu Sakshara put on a first wicket stand of 73 runs but from then on scoring was at snail’s pace. From being 73 for one wicket at one stage, St. Thomas’ were bowled out for 132 runs. The last nine wickets added just 59 runs but they occupied the crease for more than 40 overs.

Except Jayasekara who stroked nine fours and a six in his half century, no other batsman could top 20 runs for St. Thomas’. As many as six batsmen were out without reaching double figures. Skipper Sineth Dissanayake was out without scoring a single run though he faced as many as 43 balls.

For St. Servatius’ Tharusha Dhamindu and Wiran Chamuditha shared seven wickets between them.

In reply St. Servatius’ were 48 for two wickets at stumps. (RF)