Holy Cross stun Lyceum to win Division II Tier ‘A’ cricket title  

Holy Cross College turned the tables on Lyceum International to win the Under 19 Division II Tier ‘A’ Limited Overs cricket title as the team captained by Sasindu Kaushan rattled their opponents for 74 runs before cruising to six wickets victory with many overs to spare in the final played at BRC ground on Thursday.

Deciding to bowl first after winning a vital toss the boys from Kalutara grabbed all the chances that came their way to shock their formidable opponents. With the entire top order failing to reach double figures, Lyceum struggled for survival and reached their eventual total thanks largely to a ninth wicket stand of 25 runs between Rayan Perera and Garuka Sanketh.

Being bowled out for 74 runs within 24 overs, Lyceum needed their new ball bowlers, including main strike bowler Sanketh to live up to their reputation. But Holy Cross had other ideas as they denied Sanketh, a single wicket. Rifnaz struck twice, but Gayantha Nadeesha  anchored the top order with a vital knock of 26 runs to steady the run chase. He faced 62 balls and scored four fours before being caught off the bowling of Dineth Bimsara who took two wickets.

For the winners Pasindu Wimansa was the pick of the bowlers. He took four wickets after Sanuka Cheran and Hivin Kenula provided early breakthroughs. Akash Dewmina. Gayantha Nadeesha, Hansaja Brian and Kenula took a wicket each. It was the first major title victory for Holy Cross College in more than a decade.

Scores: 

Lyceum 74 all out in 23.2 overs (Rayan Perera 15; Sanuka Cheran 2/20, Pasindu Wimansa 4/16) 

Holy Cross 75 for 4 in 26.5 overs (Gayantha Nadeesha 26, Pasindu Wimansa 14n.o.; Mohamed Rifnaz 2/15, Dineth Bimsara 2/15)