Sri Lanka U23: Tough task for CCC to avoid innings defeat (29 November 1998)

29 November 1998

Sri Lanka U23: Tough task for CCC to avoid innings defeat

By Ranjan Anandappa

CCC have a gigantic task in their hands of saving themselves from a certain innings defeat as they were 93 for 2 in their second innings when bad light around 5.40 pm ended play with 12 overs still to be bowled on the second day of the Under-23 Cricket Final at the SSC grounds yesterday.

CCC began their second innings with a deficit of 320 runs when SSC were all out for 372 after being 204 for 2 overnight. CCC were all out for a mere 52 in their first innings which has put them in this difficult position.

CCC did well to curtail SSC who were piling runs with ease with their skipper Mahela Jayawardena and Upeka Fernando putting up a good 187 runs for the third wicket.

Upeka Fernando who was unbeaten on 89 with Jayawardena 72 overnight batted with assurance. Fernando (135) went on to compile his maiden century in club cricket with 11 fours and a six facing 235 balls while Jayawardena was unlucky when he was out caught and bowled by Romesh Fernando for 93.

Besides these two innings which resulted the 187-run stand, none of the SSC batsmen could consolidate on this sound footing. SSC from 3 for 245, scored only 127 runs more for the remaining wickets. Medium pacemen Indika Gallage and Romesh Fernando got the wickets of Upeka Fernando and Mahela Jayawardena. Romesh Fernando (3 for 61) and Indika Gallage (3 for 53) were the main wicket takers.

CCC in their second innings were helped by a determined 84 run stand for the third wicket between skipper Bradman Weerakoon (37 n.o) and opener Damith Hunukumbura (44 n.o.).

CCC 52 and 93 for 2 off 20 overs (Damith Hunukumbura 44 n.o, Bradman Ediriweera 37 n.o).

SSC 205 for 2 overnight 372 (Upeka Fernando 135, Mahela Jayawardena 93, Wesley Fernando 25, Ruchira Perera 29, Indika Gallage 3 for 53, Romesh Fernando 3 for 61, N. Rupasinghe 2 for 74).

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)