Colts SC, Slimline SC meet in women's final

Colts SC beat underdogs Vimukthi SC by a massive 392 runs to qualify for the final of the women's limited over cricket tournament played at the Free Trade Zone grounds in Katunayake last week.

Colts will meet tough Slimline SC, the other team who have shown prowess in the tournament, in the final to be played at the Moors SC grounds on Saturday (August 26).

In their preliminary round encounter, Slimline beat Colts by 87 runs. The two teams comprise a large number of national players. Five teams entered the tournament, but Dankotuwa SC pulled out in the eleventh hour. All preliminary round matches were played at the FTZ grounds and conducted by the Sri Lanka Women's Cricket Association.

Following is a summary of the matches played:

Slimline SC v Vimukthi SC - 12 August 2000

Slimline SC made a good start to the tournament when they beat Vimukthi SC by a massive 300 runs in a one-sided game. After winning the toss, Slimline decided to bat first and piled up 338 runs for six wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Skipper Rasanjali Silva (86) scored the highest while opener Hiruka Dilani (82) made a valuable contribution. Their total was boosted by a half century from Chamani Roshani (56) with Extras making up a sizeable 57. Vimukthi in reply were bowled out for meagre 38 runs in 26.4 overs.

Colts SC v CYCC- 13 August 2000

Colts SC beat CYCC by 28 runs in a low scoring game. Electing to bat first Colts could make only 116 runs when they were bowled out in 47 overs. None of the batswomen was impressive, but their total was boosted by 54 extras due to indisciplined bowling by CYCC who gave away 51 wides.

Bowling for CYCC, AAD Indralatha (3/33) and Janakanthi Mala (3/14) shared six wickets.

Chasing 117 to win, CYCC was bowled out for 88 runs in 35.5 overs. Only Gayathi

Shanika (29) batted outstandingly in the match striking three fours. Hiroshi Edirisinghe (3/17) and KG Indika (2/14) were the pick of the bowlers for Colts SC.

Slimline SC v Colts SC -15 August 2000

Slimline SC beat Colts SC by 87 runs in an encounter, which was expected to be the toughest in the tournament. Both teams were equipped with many national women cricketers which gave hope that the two teams would fittingly meet in the final of the tournament.

Slimline put into bat first, scored 199 runs for eight wickets in 50 overs. Rasanjalee Silva (55) played a captain's knock contributing a valuable half century. She was supported by

Champa Priyangika (25) and Chamani Roshani (23).

Colts captain Sudarshani Seneviratne used eight bowlers, of whom only KG Indika (1/22), Randika Galhenage (1/13) and Jency Fernandopulle (1/10) were successful.

Colts in reply, were dismissed for 108 in 41.1 overs with Slimline bowlers Ramani (4/16) and Rose Warnakulasuriya (3/30) doing a major part of the damage.

CYCC v Vimukthi SC - 16 August 2000

Vimukthi SC continued their poor run when they lost to CYCC by 270 runs. Electing to bat first CYCC made a mammoth 270 runs, helped by three halfcenturies from WK Anusha (55), Janakanthi Mala (73) and M Sunethra (58 n.o.) while there were 58 extras contributing to the total.

Rani Dikkumbura (4/52) bowled best for Vimukthi while Eranthi Nilakshala (2/68) gave good support.

Vimukthi were bowled out for 61 runs in 29.3 overs with M Sunethra (4/6) and AAD Indralatha (4/21) sharing eight wickets.

CYCC v Slimline SC - 18 August 2000

A match-winning fourth wicket stand of 85 runs between Ganga de Silva (37) and Rasanjali Silva (48) ensured Slimline register a seven-wicket victory over CYCC.

Chasing a winning total of 149 runs, Slimline reached the target comfortably in 37.2 overs.

Electing to bat first, CYCC scored 148 for nine wickets in their allotted 50 overs. CYCC opener T Karunanayake (37) top scored giving a good start to the innings. Slimline skipper Rasanjali Silva (2/14) took the bowling honours.

Colts SC v Vimukthi SC - 19 August 2000

Colts SC beat Vimukthi SC by a massive margin of 392 runs in a match, which turned out to be a one-sided affair.

Batting first, Colts compiled the highest ever total in a women's limited over match in this country when they ran up a massive 427 for seven wickets off 50 overs.

Hiroshi Edirisinghe (111) made the only century of the tournament so far, while Vannessa Bowen (96) was unfortunate to be dismissed just four runs from her century. Michel Perera was the most expensive bowler giving away 96 runs in her 10

overs while capturing two wickets. Rani Dikkumbura conceded 83 runs off her 10 overs for two wickets.

Vimukthi SC who lacked cricketing qualities were shot out for a mere 35 runs. R Preethika (4/5) was the pick of the bowlers while Lalini Priyadarshani 2/13 chipped in with two wickets.