Aravinda de Silva back in the runs for NCC

Half centuries by Sri Lankan poolists, Aravinda de Silva (76) and Hashan Tillerkeratne (63), helped NCC post 246 for the loss of 7 wickets in their 50 overs encounter against CCC at Maitland Crescent today.

After losing two quick wickets for 14 runs, Aravinda de Silva, proved to the national selectors that he still has the appetite for one-day cricket. His 76 runs came from just 59 balls. He hit four towering sixes and seven power packed boundaries. Hashan Tillerkeratne played the captains role in the innings, before being dismissed in the penultimate over of the innings.

Earlier in the day, CCC skipper, Dalugoda, won the toss and elected to field first. The NCC openers, Johannes Jayasuriya (2) and Pradeep Hewage (6), were both dismissed cheaply.

However, left-handed batsmen, Nawed Nawaz (19), and de Silva, rescued the innings. They added 82 runs for the third wicket before Nawaz was trapped LBW. De Silva was the joined by Tilerkeratne and the pair scored their runs freely. De Silva was eventually caught on the long off boundary as he attempted to loft leg spinner, Rupasinghe, for another six.

Carman Mapatuna came to the wicket and played some colourful shots before he was caught on the long on boundary. Susantha Pradeep (48*) joined his captain to add 91 runs for the sixth wicket.

Dalugoda was the pick of the bowlers, picking up 2 wickets for just 30 runs. Indika Gallage was also in the wickets, taking 2 for 36 off his eight overs.