St. Peter’s College reclaimed the coveted Rev. Fr. Peter Pillai Memorial Shield beating St. Joseph’s College by 3 wickets in their 50th annual Limited Overs Cricket Encounter held yesterday (6) at the SSC Ground in Colombo.
Opting to bat first, St. Joseph’s College faced an early setback, losing their opening pair within the first 6 overs with just 22 runs on the board.
However, Hirun Kapurubandara and Hiran Jayasundara steadied the ship, forging a formidable 124-run partnership for the third wicket before Kapurubandara departed after an impressive knock of 70 runs.
Jayasundara also showcased his prowess, reaching a well-deserved half-century. Yet, following their dismissals, St. Joseph’s had a major collapse, losing 6 wickets for just 62 runs. However, thanks to a quick-fire cameo from Senuja Wakunugoda, the Joes reached a decent score of 229.
Lashmika Perera was the standout bowler for St. Peter’s College, clinching 3 crucial wickets for 51 runs.
In response, Dilana Damsara and Oween Salgado provided a blitzkrieg start for St. Peter’s, putting together a commanding 113-run opening stand. Damsara led the charge, hammering 67 runs off 60 deliveries, with 9 fours and 3 sixes.
Salgado contributed a valuable 40 runs, but after their departures, St. Peter’s too collapsed in the middle, losing 4 wickets for 67 runs.
Despite some nervy moments, they ultimately had a stroll towards the target, with Shennon Rodrigo (36) and Nathan David (35*) delivering crucial knocks to seal the victory.
Rodrigo’s all-round performance, contributing 36 runs with the bat and claiming 2 wickets with the ball, earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award for St. Peter’s College.
Brief scores
St. Joseph’s College 229 (48.5 Ov.) Hirun Kapurubandara 70, Hiran Jayasundara 65, Senuja Wakunugoda 41*, Lashmika Perera 3/51, Shenon Rodrigo 2/41, Vishen Halambage 2/53
St. Peter’s College 230 for 7 (45.4 Ov.) Dilana Damsara 67, Oween Salgado 40, Shenon Rodrigo 36, Nethan David 35*, Ishira Ayupala 20, Yenula Dewthusa 4/45, Dinuk Serasinghe 1/19, Maanasa Madubashana 1/32