St. Peter’s fightback to earn Tier ‘A’ promotion

St. Peter’s staged a dramatic counter attack to earn Tier ‘A’ promotion and a spot in the final as they beat Isipathana by 60 runs after conceding first innings advantage in the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘B’ cricket semi-final at Welisara on Wednesday.

Given a target of 180 runs to chase, Isipathana were bowled out for 119 runs as Shennon Rodrigo, Lashmika Perera and Dilana Damsara produced a combined bowling effort to earn their promotion to Tier ‘A’ category.

When the second day started, Isipathana were six runs ahead with four wickets in hand in the first innings. Shennon Rodrigo and Laskmika Perera made sure they do not enjoy a big lead as they shared nine wickets between them to wrap up the innings for the addition of just ten more runs.

In their second essay, Petes skipper Vishen Helambage made probably the most important contribution of the entire season as he top scored with 76 runs inclusive of six fours and four sixes for them to post 195 for nine wickets declared.

St.  Peter’s will now meet Lumbini in the Tier ‘B’ final.

Both teams are assured of the Tier ‘A’ place for the next season.

Scores:

St. Peter’s

128 all out in 52.4 overs (Ishira Ayupala 28n.o., Lashmika Perera 19; Sithuka Gunawardene 4/49) and 195 for 9 decl. in 30 overs (Vishen Helambage 76, Ishira Ayupala 32;  Sithuka Gunawardene 3/77)

Isipathana

134 for 6 overnight 144 all out in 56.2 overs (Ruchith Rodrigo 42, Chanul Dinoth 29, Kevin Samuel 20; Shennon Rodrigo 6/39, Lashmika Perera 3/38) and 119 all out 57.3 overs (Tharushka Ashel 19, Lesandu Kalpage 26; Sithuka Gunawardene 17; Shennon Rodrigo 2/51, Lashmika Perera 4/19, Dilana Damsara 3/20) (RF)