Sadeesh’s century helps Joes force a draw

88th Battle of the Saints

A back to the wall century by Sri Lanka Under 19 player Sadeesh Jayawardena helped pre match favourites St. Joseph’s avert a possible defeat at the hands of St. Peter’s as the latter dominated the 88th Battle of the Saints which ended in a draw at the P. Sara Oval on Tuesday.

Given a target of 321 runs to chase, the Joes lost their fourth wickets for 91 runs when spinner Niman Umesh dismissed their key middle order batsman Dunith Wellalage for the second time in the Big Match. With the national player leaving early, St. Peter’s were starting to make further advances.

That was when the batting opener produced his best, playing the sheet anchor role. Jayawardena carried his bat through with an unbeaten 103 runs before bad light halted play around 5pm.

He faced 189 balls and hit 11 boundaries in his unbeaten knock. Hiran Jayasundara kept him company posting an unbroken 51 runs stand for the sixth wicket.

Jayasundara remained unbeaten on 19. Together they stayed in the wicket for 20 overs to disappoint Petes.

Earlier, commencing from 35 for two wickets, the Petes posted 232 for seven wickets declared as the night watchman Abilash Wellalage top scored with 61 runs.

He scored just two fours in his 134-ball knock. Lahiru Dawatage made 53 runs inclusive of six fours. While Wanuja Kumara chipped in with 28 runs, Danal Hemananda scored 21 runs not out.

Sadeesh Jayawardena was adjudged the Man of the Match for his match saving knock.

Shevon Daniel, who took five wickets for Joes and made a vital half century for them in the first innings received the award for the Best All-rounder.

For Petes, who dominated the match, Lahiru Dawatage, Wanuja Kumara and Shenal Botheju won the Best Fielder, Best Bowler and Best Batsman awards respectively.