The opening day of the Sri Lankan First Class season was dominated by the veterans. Arjuna Ranatunga (56*), Hashan Tillakaratne (157) and Aravinda de Silva (49) were all in the runs for their clubs. However, it was Aravinda De Silva that grabbed the limelight.
The Sri Lankan team management have requested the services of de Silva in South Africa after an injury to Upul Chandana, which will require the leg spinner to return home in the next couple of days. Although Ajit Jayasekera, the manager, has begun making arrangements for the new player, no confirmation has yet come from the Cricket Board as to whom it may be.
Aravinda de Silva did his chances no harm at all with a run a ball 49 for Nondescripts CC. However, the Sri Lankan team is in need of batsmen who can bat for long periods of time and Hashan Tillakaratne did just that today, albeit against a weak bowling attack. What is more, he has not been stained by allegations in the Central Bureau of Investigation Report.
The captain of Nondescripts CC faced 225 balls for his 157 runs and hit 15 boundaries. It was the highest score of the day and helped NCC finish on 385 for eight against the Navy Sports Club.
In a potential top of the table clash at the Oval, the Sinhalese Sports Club took on Tamil Union Athletic Club. The SSC were asked to bat first by the recently appointed Tamil Union captain, Niroshan Bandaratilake. They finished the day on 242 for seven after half centuries from Upeka Fernando (71) and Arjuna Ranatunga (56*), who has been in the news this week after some forthright comments on television.
The shock of the day though was in the match between Colts CC and Colombo CC at Maitland Crescent. The defending champions were bundled out for a mere 130 by Colombo CC. Mario Villavaran (5 for 35), who joined CCC this season, was the star of the show with five wickets. However, he was well supported by Indika Gallage, who nipped out two early wickets in the morning session.
In reply, Colombo CC cruised to within just 6 runs of the Colts total and still have eight wickets remaining. Michael Vandort (52*) has continued his impressive form in the Premier Limited Overs Tournament with an unbeaten half-century.
Elsewhere in the country Sebastianites scored 205 in their first innings against Moors Sports Club. In reply, lost Sampan for a duck before play was called off for the day.
Chamara Silva (60) top scored for Panadura SC as they went on to make 245 in their first innings. Singha Sports Club were 48 for two at the close.
© CricInfo
| Teams | Sri Lanka. |
| Players/Umpires | Aravinda De Silva, Hashan Tillakaratne, Arjuna Ranatunga, Niroshan Bandaratilake, Upeka Fernando, Michael Vandort, Mass Shafi Sampan. |
| Season | Sri Lankan Domestic Season |
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