Sri Sumangala meet Tissa Central in title fight

Under 19 Division 2 Tier A Cricket Final

Winning the title of the Under 19 Division II Tier ‘A’ cricket tournament will be the icing on the cake for both Sri Sumangala College, Panadura and Tissa Central, Kalutara who have accomplished remarkable achievements this season.

The years they have been languishing in the Division II tournament are now behind them. Both finalists are guaranteed a place in the Division I tournament from next season. When they are promoted to compete against Division I teams next season, the teams like Dharmapala College, Pannipitiya, Zahira College, Maradana, St. Joseph Vaz’s College, Wennappuwa and Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda will be taking their place in the Division II tournament.

Of the two teams, Sri Sumangala have a slight edge over Tissa Central when the two teams meet in the Division II Tier ‘A’ final today and tomorrow at the ACE Capital CC cricket ground Narahenpita. The team captained by Vidusha Peiris were the champions during the group stage where Tissa Central finished fourth behind them in the same group. However, it was Tissa Central that enjoyed first innings success when these two teams met during the first round.

During the knockout stage, Sri Sumangala eliminated Sri Dharmaloka College, Kelaniya and Rahula College, Matara. Tissa Central ousted Vidyartha College, Kandy and Lyceum International, Wattala during that phase.

Tissa Central are skippered by Hirusha Nethsara.

Players to watch

Sri Lanka Under 19 player Vishwa Lahiru has been the key strike bowler for Sri Sumangala. He is likely to continue the same form.

Tissa Central will rely on off spinner Malindu Dilshan who has taken over 80 wickets this season. They can also count on 14-year-old left-arm spinner Tharuka Samanjith. (RF)

Teams

Sri Sumangala College, Panadura (from):

Vidusha Peiris (Captain), Kavindu Gayathra (Vice Captain), Vishwa Lahiru, Rasika Dilshan, Manmitha Kahapalaarachchi, Akila Wedamulla, Senira Wijegunasinghe, Mavindu Kumarasiri, Krishan Eranga, Neksha Iddamalgoda, Dinal Weerasinghe, Sandeep Weerasinghe, Bihanga Silva, Anuhas de Silva, Rusith Jayawardana.

Officials:

Priyankara Nandasena (Master in Charge), Asela Perera (Head Coach), Dinuka Hondakanda (Asst. Coach)

Tissa Central, Kalutara (from):

Hirusha Nethsara (Captain), Ishara Malith (Vice Captain), Ashan Vishwa, Ajitha Buddila, Hesitha Anuhas, Malindu Dilshan, Minusha Malith, Malsha Kavishan, Randika Piyum, Umantha Akash, Tharuka Samanjith, Thivin Vishvika, Sadew Dilshan, Ashen Ishara, Sithum Mihiranga, Hashen Imsara, Chamindu Lakshan, Pasindu Nethranjana.

Officials:

Chamil Wijewardhana (Master in Charge), Rishan Sajith (Head Coach), Heshan Lakshitha (Assistant Coach), Avantha Madhusanka (Fielding Coach).