Sakuna’s century in vain as Isipatana record first win  

Under 19 Division I Cricket

by Reemus Fernando  

Sri Lanka Under 19 cap Sakuna Liyanage produced ‘a remarkable’ fight back in adversity but his determined century could not prevent Lumbini from conceding defeat at the hands of Isipatana in the Under 19 Division I cricket tournament which saw St. Anthony’s, Katugastota, St. Joseph’s and St. Benedict’s continue their unbeaten run yesterday.

While half centuries by Sri Lanka Under 19 players Shevon Daniel and Chamindu Wickramasinghe helped St. Joseph’s and St. Anthony’s cruise to victory, Ashen de Soyza (72) and Yohan Soyza (55n.o.) made vital contributions with the bat to set the stage for St. Benedict’s victory.

In what was described as ‘a remarkable batting performance,’ Sakuna Liyanage anchored the Lumbini batting line up with grit to take the game to the penultimate over after being 98 for eight wickets (30th over) in pursuit of 204 runs.

Except for Nabeel Rajudeen and wicketkeeper batsman Deneth Anjana, no one could make a notable contribution as Lumbini lost wickets at regular intervals. But Liyanage kept their hopes alive as he anchored the tail. When he was out in the penultimate over Lumbini were just 16 runs behind the target. The player hailing from Moneragala scored 104 runs in 108 balls. His knock included 13 fours and three sixes.

It was Isipatana’s first win of the tournament after suffering a shock defeat at the hands of Devapathiraja on Monday.

Match Results

St. Anthony’s beat S.  Thomas’

at Mount Lavinia

S. Thomas’

116 all out in 38.1 overs (Mahith Perera 33, Romesh Mendis 31, Extras 31; Chamindu Wickramasinghe 4/14, Divyesh Ramaiya 2/11, Asitha Wanninayake 2/14) 

St. Anthony’s

117 for 3 in 18.2 overs  (Asitha Wanninayake 24n.o. , Chamindu Wickramasinghe 69n.o.; Gunaratnam Caniston 2/26) 

St. Joseph’s beat

St. Thomas’

Matara at Darley Road

St. Thomas’

130 all out in 41.5 overs (Nipun Samarasinghe 47, Sachira Rashmika 26; Dunith Wellalage 2/10, Mithira Thenura 2/14) 

St. Joseph’s

134 for 3 in 23.5 overs (Shevon Daniel 72, Hirun Matheesha 37) 

St. Benedict’s beat St. Sebastian’s at Kotahena

St. Benedict’s

220 for 9 in 50 overs (Ashen de Soyza 72, Yohan Soyza 55n.o., Dilan Thabrew 26; Chrishane Perera 4/29, Sandeesh Fernando 2/61) 

St. Sebastian’s

204 all out in 46.2 overs (Ryan Dissanayake 36, Sandeesh Fernando 86, Sanesh Fernando 24, Kushan Herath 26; Sachin Senanayake 2/23, Aneesha Madumalka 2/40, Ashen De Soyza 3/25) 

Isipatana pull off 15 runs win

at Narahenpita

Isipatana

203 for 9 in 50 overs (Tharusha Nethsara 36, Yasith Kalupahana 25, Randunu Ganganath 39, Themiya Gunaratne 22, Kevin Samuel 19n.o.; Sasanka Nethmina 5/43, Yasiru Yugath Jasinghe 2/29 

Lumbini

188 all out in 48.1 overs (Nabeel Rajudeen 26, Deneth Anjana 24, Sakuna Liyanage 104; Kevin Samuel 2/28, Sithuka Gunawardana 2/30)