Tharupathi shines as Richmond record fifth consecutive win

Under 19 Limited Overs Cricket

by Reemus Fernando

Malsha Tharupathi came up with a match turning knock after S. Thomas’ threatened to end Richmond’s unbeaten status in the Under 19 Division I Limited Overs Tier ‘A’ Tournament at Mount Lavinia on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 149 runs to win Richmond lost their first five wickets for 60 runs before Tharupathi dropped anchor with an unbeaten half century to fight back.

Tharupathi, who also played a key role with the ball in restricting the home team to 148 runs put on an unfinished sixth wicket stand of 91 runs with Janeth Kaushal who remained not out on 23 runs.

The middle order batsman cracked three fours and five sixes in his knock of 65 which came in 51 balls. His knock helped the visitors reach the target with many overs to spare.

It was Richmond’s fifth victory as Tharupathi produced his second consecutive match winning feat. Four days ago, the spinner produced another all-round feat for his school to beat Maliyadeva.

Richmond’s top order collapsed against the Thomian attack with pacemen responsible for the early damage. While Kavindu Dias accounted for the opener Kamindu Pradeeptha, Akash Fernando bowled an economical spell. While Charuka Peiris and Rajindu Thilakaratne accounted for three wickets, Nathan Caldera completed his ten overs to 37 runs. He conceded just 21 runs in his first spell of seven overs.

Batting first Romesh Mendis top scored with 44 runs. While Charuka Peiris and Akash Fernando made 38 and 24 runs respectively Avinash Fernando was the only other batsman to reach double figures.

For Richmond Tharupathi was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets. Skipper Tharinda Nirmal and Manuja Dulneth picked up two wickets each.

Scores:

S. Thomas’ 148 all out in 46.5 overs

(Romesh Mendis 44, Charuka Peiris 38, Akash Fernando 24; Tharinda Nirmal 2/24, Manuja Dulneth 2/30, Malsha Tharupathi 3/41)

Richmond 151 for 5 in 33.1 overs

(Janeth Kaushal 23, Malsha Tharupathi 65n.o.)