A magnificent century by Michael Vandort enabled Colombo Cricket Club to snatch an exciting two-wicket win over Nondescript Cricket Club in the curtain raiser of the Premier Limited Over Cricket Tournament at Maitland Crescent today.
Chasing a target of 248 runs for victory, CCC number three, the left handed Vandort played a patient knock to guide his team to victory after the loss of early wickets. The 20-year-old tall player faced 136 balls and hit two huge sixes and three fours.
CCC then lost wickets early on and at one stage they were reeling at 63 for 3 wickets. Fourth wicket pair Michael Vandort and Roshan Mahanama (36), who has decided to play in Sri Lanka this year rather than Australia, put on 77 runs. Mahanama was eventually caught a t short mid-wicket as he mistimed a lofted drive.
After losing another wicket nine runs later, Hemantha Boteju joined Vandort. They played well and compiled 73 runs for the six wicket. NCC then grabbed two quick wickets to put the pressure back onto CCC. However, skipper, Amal Dalugoda and Mario Villavarayan, were able to score the required 5 runs in the last over. Villavarayan reached the victory target with a pull off Puspakumara.
Pushpakumara was the pick of the bowlers and picked up three wickets for 34 runs while Susantha Pradeep claimed for two wickets for 48 runs.
Earlier in the day Aravinda de Silva had given the national selectors a gentle reminder that he is still around with an entertaining 76 runs. Hashan Tillerkeratne was also in the runs, scoring 63. NCC scored 247 runs in their innings for the loss of seven wickets.
© CricInfo
| Teams | Sri Lanka. |
| Grounds | Colombo Cricket Club Ground |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Results - Forthcoming Desktop Scoreboard |
|
|
|
||||||
| |||
|
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
|
