Twenty two year old left-handed opening batsman Lahiru Milantha continued his purple patch with the bat scoring a magnificent century for John Keells Holdings in their 24th Singer-MCA Premier League encounter against Textured Jersey today.
John Keells romped to their 5th win in the tournament and kept their title hopes alive as they won the match convincingly by 6 wickets at P. Sara Oval grounds.
After being asked to bat first, Textured Jersey posted a decent first innings score of 234 all out in the penultimate over. Nineteen year old former Trinity College opening batsman Dilan Jayalath top scored with a fine 58 while skipper Milinda Siriwardana fell one run short of a half-century. Fast-bowler Vikum Bandara was the pick of the bowlers taking 3 wickets while left-arm spinner Upul Indrasiri captured 2 scalps.
Chasing 235 runs to win, John Keells were anchored by a solid 86-run stand between Milantha and skipper Bhanuka Rajapaksha. Milantha slashed 11 fours and 5 sixes during his belligerent 94-ball 121 and he stayed till the end to guide his team over the winning line. Rajapaksha made 47 off 23 balls while Roshen Silva contributed with 37.
Textured Jersey – 234 all out in 48.5 overs: Dilan Jayalath 58, Milinda Siriwardhana 49, Vishad Randika 31, Vikum Bandara 3/52, Upul Indrasiri 2/29.
John Keells – 236/4 in 35.4 overs: Lahiru Milantha 121*, Bhanuka Rajapaksha 47, Roshen Silva 37 Upul Bandara 2/17, Lahiru Samarakoon 2/47.
HNB vs Dimo
Hatton National Bank registered their first win in the tournament against newcomers, Dimo in a thrilling encounter of the 24th Singer-MCA Premier League tournament at De Zoysa Grounds in Moratuwa.
HNB registered a stunning one-wicket win chasing 188 runs to win. They achieved the target in the penultimate ball of the match. Ashen Fernando was the hero for HNB as he made a match-winning and unbeaten 78. Leg-spinner Pulina Tharanga was the pick of the bowers taking 3 wickets.
Earlier, Dimo batting first made a below-par score of 187. Former Benedictine Jason Perera was the top run-getter with an excellent knock of 85. Buddhi Perera and Minhaj Jalil shared 5 wickets for the winners.
Dimo – 187 all out in 43.5 overs: Jason Perera 85, Nipun Karunanayake 25, Pramod Hettiwatta 23, Minhaj Jalil 2/45, Buddhi Perera 3/02.
HNB – 191/9 in 49.5 overs: Ashen Fernando 78*, Pulina Tharanga 3/35, Ramesh Mendis 2/45.
