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S. Thomas' and Ananda won their respective semi-final matches played yesterday to enter the finals of the Coca-Cola Cup Schools limited over cricket tournament to be played at the SSC grounds on Sunday.

The tournament is conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association and sponsored by Pure Beverages, authorised bottlers for Coca-Cola in Sri Lanka.

After six successive productive innings of five half centuries and an explosive 117 in the last match, S. Thomas' captain Upeka Fernando was out for 7, caught behind in their semi-final match against D. S. Senanayake MV at Nomads grounds. However, his team registered an exciting three-wicket win with four balls to spare.

Batting first, DSSMV were given a sound start by openers Shashi Lafir (43) and R. Gunasekera (51) who added 51 runs for the first wicket. But none of the other batsmen failed to make significant contributions as D. S. Senanayake MV made a modest 210 for 9 in 50 overs.

Despite a shock start losing in-form captain Fernando early, S. Thomas' managed to hit the winning run in the 50th over. Their chances were boosted by Janaka Siriwardena (63) and Gihan Fernando (46 n.o.).

It was yet another thriller in the second semi-final played at Sara Stadium where Ananda registered an exciting nine-run win over Isipatana.

Once again Ananda batting failed to click well and were bowled out for 156 in 43 overs but their bowlers fought back to defend that low total. Isipatana were bowled out for 147 in the penultimate ball of the match, despite a fighting knock of 51 by M. Fernando.

M. Pushpakumara, N. Jayawardena and N. Ganegama bowled well for Ananda to put them in Sunday's Cup final in which the Thomian captain is expected to play another decisive role.

Unless Ananda get Fernando early, S. Thomas' are assured of a match-winning total in the final where Pure Beverages MD, Ana Punchihewa will be the chief guest.

Coca-Cola scores

At Nomads grounds: S. Thomas' beat DSS MV by 3 wickets.

DSS MV 210 for 9 in 50 overs (Shashi Lafir 43, R. Gunasekera 51, D. Perera 19, Muditha Maduwantha 16 n.o., S. Peiris 2 for 29, H. Jayawardena 3 for 37, Nilanka Peiris 2 for 31).

S. Thomas' 212 for 7 in 49.2 overs (Janaka Siriwardene 63, Nilanka Peiris 25, Gihan Fernando 46 n.o., Naren Ratwatte 21 n.o., M. Alwis 3 for 37, Muditha Maduwantha 2 for 27).

At Sara Stadium: Ananda beat Isipatana by 9 runs.

Ananda 156 all out in 43 overs (Lahiru Chaturanga 41, Rajitha Basnayake 20, M. Pushpakumara 21, M. Mallawarachchi 11, P. Niroshan 2 for 30, M. Atapattu 2 for 29, G. Mendis 3 for 15).

Isipatana 147 all out in 49.5 overs (P. Nishan 26, G. Mendis 15, M. Fernando 51, K. Rodrigo 11, M. Pushpakumara 3 for 29, N. Jayawardena 2 for 25, A. Ganegama 2 for 13).