Moors lucky to escape with point after heavy rain

A tantalising spell of left arm spin bowling by former Sri Lanka bowler, Niroshan Banadaratilleke, who captured 4 for 13 in 6 overs, was not enough to secure victory for Tamil Union as heavy rain forced the match to be abandoned at P. Saravanamutthu Stadium today.

Due to overnight rain the surrounding areas of the pitch were damp and play started at 12.45 with the number of overs being reduced to 35 per side.Tamil Union won the toss and sent Moors SC into bat.

Despite their batting being bolstered by the return of Chandika Haturasinghe, who has been playing cricket in Australia and returned temporarily, Moors Sports Club struggled from the start of the innings. In the end they were bundled out for 107 from 31.1 overs.

With heavy rain clouds surrounding the ground Tamil Union begun their innings in crashing fashion with Ranga Dias and Gayan Wijekoon getting Tamil Union off to a quick start with some delightful batting. After the first ten overs they had reached 51 without loss.

The rain, which was threatening, finally came at 4pm after 11 overs had been bowled, with Tamil Union 55 without loss. Ranga Dias, who played shots all round the wicket, remained unbeaten on 32 with three fours and one six in 39 balls. Gayan Wijekoon remained unbeaten on 12.

This was a game that would surely have gone Tamil Union's way was ruined by the rain and each side picked up one point each.