HNB and John Keels qualify for MCA final

Hatton National Bank and John Keels have qualified for the final of the Mercantile Cricket Association Division A, which is to be played next weekend at NCC Grounds in Colombo.

HNB, the tournament favourites, were forced to fight hard for their final place after a fine batting performance from Sampath Bank that saw them post 290 for nine in their 50 overs.

Opener Shantha Kalavitigoda led the way with 68, with captain Chandika Hathurusingha (67) and BMAJ Mendis (65) also scoring half centuries. Kumar Dharmasena took three for 51 with his off breaks.

HNB were unfazed by the size of the target. Avishka Gunawardene celebrated his selection for the Natwest triangular series with a blistering 66 off 33 balls.

Tillakaratne Dilshan, a surprise omission from the Natwest squad, then scored 85 with Dharmasena guiding HNB home with an unbeaten 43.

John Keels only qualified for the semi-finals after the elimination of East West for breaking player registration rules, but they defeated Janashakthi convincingly by 35 runs.

Michael Vandort scored 101 from 115 balls as John Keels posted 227 for seven. Janashkthi were bowled out for 192 as Jehan Mubarak grabbed four wickets.