Sujeewa de Silva creates history as Sebastianites grab the initiative

Left-arm fast bowler, Sujeewa de Silva, continued his form to become the highest wicket taker in tournament history. At the end of the second day of the Under 23 cricket tournament, Sebastanites were in a strong position and look set to become champions tomorrow.

De Silva added three more wickets this morning to his overnight four to surpass the previous highest mark of 37, by another left arm fast bowler, Ruchira Perera, of SSC in 1998/99 season.

Sebastanites captured the four remaining Pandura wickets this morning in only 12 overs and conceded just 33 more runs. The Panadura captain, Chamara Silva (8), was the first to be dismissed with just the eighth ball of the day. Panadura SC were bowled out for a meager 82 runs in just 27.1 overs.

Sebastanites didn't start their second innings well, and went into lunch on 26 for two. However the inform, Prasanna Jayawardena (72), rescued the innings with a fine half century. He put on 46 with Nalin Wijesinghe(07) for the third wicket and 67 with Janaka Siriwardena(65*) for the fifth.

At stumps Siriwardena was still undefeated and batting well with Gihan Fernando(01) and Sebastianites were on 196 for six from 77 overs.

Amila Perera took two wickets for 51 runs while Janitha Hewawasam(1/34) and Roshan Wimalawansa(1/26) were the other wicket takers.

"I think the boys played positive cricket from the start of the tournament and that is why they have done so well," said a contented Sebastanites coach, Ranjan Paranawithana.

However, he pointed out that there is still one day remaining and a mistake could still give Panadura a chance to bounce back in the game.