Several young players are earning reputation as match winners with their big hitting and yesterday it was Nuwanidu Fernando’s turn as he smashed a hundred off 82 balls to help Colombo secure a massive 107 run win in the National Super League one-day encounter at Pallekele.

The 22-year-old from St. Sebastian’s was batting at number four and smashed seven fours and four sixes during his whirlwind knock. All bowlers including his elder brother Vishwa Fernando were at the receiving end. The Sri Lankan quick conceded 53 runs in his eight overs and failed to pick up a wicket.

Nuwanidu’s thrilling knock overshadowed wicketkeeper Sithara Gimhan’s century. The opening batsman’s 110 came off 104 deliveries with 13 fours and three sixes. Gimhan shared a 129-run stand for the first wicket with Nipun Dananjaya (47).

After the solid start, Gimhan added 62 runs for the second wicket with Nuwanidu. Dambulla bounced back to claim a few quick wickets but Nuwanidu was a thorn in their flesh. He was eventually dismissed in the penultimate over to end an 86 run stand for the fifth off just 57 deliveries with Ashen Bandara (24).

Dambulla’s wretched run in the competition continued as they were shot out for 210 runs in 49 overs. Half-centuries by Lasith Abeyratne and Sameera Sadamal were some consolation but Dambulla required much more. After six games, Dambulla are yet to record a win and they are last in the points table.

Kalana Perera and Lahiru Madushanka with three wickets apiece impressed.

Meanwhile, Kandy secured the top slot of the points table pushing Jaffna to second with a five wicket win at Dambulla in what turned out to be a one-sided game.

After being put into bat, Jaffna got off to a good start reaching 42 for none in the seventh over but then collapsed in dramatic style to be shot out for 107. Ashian Daniel, a 20-year-old off-spinner from St. Joseph’s triggered the collapse and finished with a five-wicket haul.

Niroshan Dickwella spearheaded the run chase with 45 runs. Kandy reached the target in 27 overs with five wickets in hand.

Brief Scores:

Colombo beat Dambulla by 107 runs

Colombo

317 for six in 50 overs (Sithara Gimhan 110, Nuwanidu Fernando 100, Nipun Dananjaya 47, Lahiru Samarakoon 2/41)

Dambulla

210 all out in 48.3 overs (Lasith Abeyratne 57, Sameera Sadamal 57, Kalana Perera 3/30, Lahiru Madushanka 3/50)

Kandy beat Jaffna by five wickets

Jaffna

109 all out in 30.2 overs (Sadeera Samarawickrama 31, Ashian Daniel 5/27)

Kandy

110 for five in 27 overs (Niroshan Dickwella 45, Sahan Arachchige 20, Nuwan Pradeep 2/19)