Lumbini record remarkable win over Thurstan to secure Tier ‘A’ promotion

by Reemus Fernando

Lumbini booked a berth in the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘B’ final and secured a spot in the Top Tier from next season as they pulled off stunning 21runs victory over Thurstan in the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘B’ semi-final at Campbell Place on Sunday.

Praveen Maneesha produced a five-wicket haul in the second innings to restrict Thurstan to 141 runs. They were chasing a target of 163 runs to win.It was a remarkable fightback by Lumbini after Yovun Silpa’s six wicket haul rattled them for 74 runs in the first inning.

Lumbini commenced their fightback when Ushan Sathsara and Shahan Kaushalya shared eight wickets between them to contain Thurstan to 117 runs in the first innings.

In Lumbini’s second essay, Nabeel Rajudeen top scored with 30 runs, while Shahan Kaushalya, Ashan Shanilka, Pasindu Mahinsa and Ushan Sathsara made valuable 20s.

Wicketkeeper bat Gimhan Wijayapura anchored the tail with an unbeaten 19 (in 57 balls) while Mahinsa hammered four sixes in his 24-ball 28 runs.

Given a target of 163 runs to chase, Thurstan were comfortably placed at 126 for four wickets at one stage but Maneesha came up with a five wicket haul including back-to-back wickets in the 52nd over to mop up the tail. Thurstan had almost secured the final spot and the promotion to top Tier before Maneesha came up with his impressive spell. Now Thurstan will have to remain in ‘Tier ‘B’.

According to Lumbini officials it is the first time they have reached the final of the two-day tournament since 2001.

Scores:

Lumbini 74 all out in 33.4 overs (Vishwa Dhananjaya 2/29, Vihas Thewmika 2/06, Yovun Silpa 6/33) and 205 for 9 decl. in 62 overs (Nabeel Rajudeen 30, Shahan Kaushalya 26, Ashan Shanilka 29, Pasindu Mahinsa 28, Ushan Sathsara 21n.o., Gimhan Wijayapura 19n.o.; Vihas Thewmika 5/50, Thanuga Palihawadana 2/49)

Thurstan 117 all out in 38.5 overs (Thanuja Rajapakse 29, Pathum Dananjaya 20, Shanikya Deshapriya 24, Mulitha de Costa 29n.o.; Dumindu Sewmina 2/38, Ushan Sathsara 4/13, Shahan Kaushalya 4/21) and 141 all out in 54.5 overs (Thanuja Rajapakse 29, Pathum Dananjaya 53n.o., Mulitha de Costa 27; Ushan Sathsara 2/43, Praveen Maneesha 5/18)