Under 19 Division II Tier B Limited Overs Cricket Final  

by Reemus Fernando  

Not many expect a team ranked fourth at the end of a league stage to reach the final of a schools cricket tournament. And not many expect a team bowled out for a score as low as 65 runs to bounce back to win. Asoka Vidyalaya captained by Umesh Caldera have beaten odds to reach the final of the Under 19 Division II Tier ‘B’ tournament after being ranked fourth in their group and staging a dramatic fight back in the quarter-final. Jaffna Central, their opponents in the final have remained a formidable force in this Division for some time now. That is likely to produce an intriguing contest at today’s final at Bandaragama.

The performances of the two teams during the league stage were a complete contrast. Jaffna Central skippered by Nishanthan Ajay registered six victories and conceded just two defeats during the league stage. Competing in Group ‘Y’, they were the runners up to Christ King College, Ja Ela. The better average points they maintained during the league stage stood in good stead for Jaffna Central to advance after their quarter-final against Henegama ended without a result. In the semi-final Jaffna Central knocked out P. de S. Kularathna, Ambalangoda.

Asoka Vidyalaya had to be content with three wins during the league. Four of their Group ‘X’ matches ended in no decisions. They were ranked fourth behind P. de S. Kularatne, Kingswood and Henegama Central in their group.

During the knockout stage Asoka turned tables on Chris King and Kingswood. After being bowled out for 65 runs, Asoka rattled Christ King for 22 runs to record a remarkable victory. Vidura Eshan and Seneth Anuja shared nine wickets between them in that match. Eshan, Anjula, Suwan Mindika and Ishara Sandamal who has two four-wicket hauls in the tournament are the bowlers to watch in the Asoka camp, while Venura Kaveethra, Eshan, Thasitha Nayanajith and skipper Caldera are expected to shoulder most of the batting responsibilities.

Ranjithkumar Newton, who set the stage for their semifinal victory with a six wicket haul, Vikneshwaran Paruthi,  Murali Thison, Thakuthas Abilash and Vikneshwaran Paruthi have all contributed with the ball for Jaffna Central, while Sutharshan Anushanth,  Nishanthan Ajay, Sathakaran Similton, Arumaithurai Sinthujan, Shakadevan Sayanthan and Thakuthas Abilash have been the leading run getters.

  Jaffna Central (from): Nishanthan Ajay (Captain), Thakuthas Abilash, Sathakaran Similton, Kevin Derixsan, Ranjithkumar Newton, Jagatheeshwaran Aswithana, Murali Thison, Vikneshwaran Paruthi, Sutharshan Anushanth, Shakadevan Sayanthan, Antonreshan Abishek, Arumaithurai Sinthujan, Shanthalingam Rilaxsan, Kaneshalingam Mathususanth, Ranjith Kumar Akshayan. Officials: S. Uthayanan (Master in Charge), T.R. Kingsly (Prefect of Games), F.K. Shelton (Coach)

 Asoka Vidyalaya (from):

Umesh Caldera (Captain), Venura Kaveethra (Vice Captain), Ishara Sandamal,  Bulitha Mintharu, Pasindu Hirushan, Udayantha Abhilasha, Vidura Weththasinghe, Thasitha Karunarathna, Moditha Jayawickrama, Sasindu Malshan, Seneth Anuja, Chathura Theekshana, Keesara Gunasekara, Suwan Mindika, Inuka Palapage, Nethula Boshitha, Kavindu Palihawadana,  Rashmika Perera. Officials: Jaliya Jayantha (Master in Charge), Lahiru Wickramasinghe (Head Coach), Charith Gunawardana (Asst. Coach)