Holy Cross record thrilling one wicket win to reach final  

Under 19 Division II Tier ‘A’ cricket 

Holy Cross College, Kalutara pulled off a thrilling one wicket victory over Sri Sumangala College, Panadura to reach the final of the Under 19 Division II Tier ‘A’ cricket tournament at Dombagoda on Monday(5).

Chasing a target of 127 runs to win, the boys from Kalutara were precariously placed at six wickets down for 72 runs at one stage but an unbeaten 38 runs by Pasindu Wimansa helped them reach the target with a wicket to spare. Wimansa faced 48 balls and scored a six and a four in his decisive knock.

Earlier on, Holy Cross were rocked by Imalka Fernando who took four wickets including back to back wickets in one over before skipper Sasindu Kaushan helped them ease nerves by adding crucial runs.

Wimansa who was anchoring a fragile tail saw two of his partners leaving without making any additions to the total. Both of them fell victim to Wishwa Kumara who completed his ten overs for just 13 runs. With just one wicket remaining and seven runs to score it was anybody’s game at that stage. But Wimansa kept his cool to guide Holy Cross to the final.

In the morning they justified the decision to bowl first as Hivin Kenula, Wimansa, Sonal Awadika and Hansaja Brian struck decisive blows to keep Sri Sumangala top order calm. The only exception was Duranka Silva who dropped anchor with a valuable 41 runs which contained seven fours.

With as many as six batsmen getting out for single digit scores, Duranka, number seven batsman Kavindu Gayathra and Imalka Fernando got them to their eventual total.

Holy Cross will now meet Lyceum International School, Wattala in the final. Lyceum scored a four wickets win over St. Sebastian’s, Katuneriya according to D/L system in their semi-final.

Scores: 

Sri Sumangala

126 all out in 39.1 overs (Duranka Silva 41, Kavindu Gayathra 33, Imalka Fernando 14; Pasindu Wimansa 3/30, Sonal Awadika 2/18, Gayantha Nadeesha 2/01) 

Holy Cross

127 for 9 in 48 overs (Sanuka Cheran 17, Rashan Kethaka 16, Sasindu Kaushan 14, Pasindu Wimansa 38n.o.; Vishwa Kumara 2/13, Nethmika Peiris 2/23, Imalka Fernando 4/25)

(RF)