Gurukula cruise to innings win

35th Battle of Kelaniya

Skipper Thathsara Eshan, left-arm spinner Poorna Kalhara and paceman Tharusha Kodikara produced outstanding performaces as Gurukula beat arch rivals Dharmaloka, Kelaniya by an innings and 83 runs at the 35th Battle of Kelaniya big match at P. Sara Oval on Monday.

Forced to follow on after being bowled out for 85 runs Dharmaloka performed better in the second essay but the left-arm spin of Poorna Kalhara was too hot to handle as they were bowled out for 120 runs.

The big match was played as a three-day encounter for the first time but Gurukula sealed an innings win with a day to spare as Kalhara completed a match bag of 11 wickets.

Bowling the bulk of overs in the second innings Kalhara returned impressive figures 25-10-38-7 to seal a comfortable victory. He made his presence felt in the batting department as well making a vavaluable half century. His efforts earned him the Man of the Match and the Best Bowler awards.

In the first innings, Kalhara was joined by paceman Tharusha Kodikara to rattle Dharmaloka for 85 runs. Kodikara ripped through the lineup with a five wicket haul.

Skipper Eshan top scored with 103 runs for Gurukula to post 288 runs. His century included 14 fours. He was adjuded the Best Batsman.

Poorna Kalhara (L) / Thathsara Eshan (R)

Dharmaloka skipper and wicketkeeper Hashen Shyamal was given the Best Fielder award.

It was the fourth victory of the big match series for Gurukula. Dharmaloka are yet to taste vitory in the big match. Gurukula are coached by Rasitha Dinesh Tharanga, under whose guidance the team reached semi-finals of the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ limited overs cricket tournament this season.

Scores

Gurukula

288 all out in 75.2 overs (Poorna Kalhara 57, Denura Dimansith 28, Thathsara Eshan 103, Janith Mihiranga 24, Tharusha Kodikara 26; Thishan Nipun 2/59, Sithum Ramod 2/64, Sathidu Praboda 5/100)

Dharmaloka

85 all out in 35.5 overs (Kaveen Deneth 17, Hashen Shyamal 25; Tharusha Kodikara 5/39, Poorna Kalhara 4/18) and 120 all out in 56 overs (Omal Vihanga 34, Themira Mikasana 25; Poorna Kalhara 7/38, Ohas Sadew 2/38)

by Reemus Fernando