Ushen, Malintha battle as Sebs take first innings lead

by Reemus Fernando

St. Sebastian’s took first innings lead against St. Joseph’s as their highest run scorer of the season Ushen Silva with a century and Malintha Silva with 99 runs helped the team from Moratuwa reach 342 runs on day two of the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ cricket tournament semi-final at Samadi Ground Anuradhapura on Thursday.

In reply to Joes 270 runs, the Sebs were 138 for eight wickets at one stage but two fighting partnerships for the ninth and tenth wickets ensured the Sebs take the first innings lead.

Ushen and Malintha put on a ninth wicket stand of 161 runs before the latter was run out on 99 runs.

Ushen batted almost the whole day for his 106 which included nine fours and five sixes. His tenth wicket stand with Risinu Prabesh was worth 43 runs. Malintha’s knock contained eight fours and four sixes.

As of now St. Sebastian’s are the closest to booking the final berth from this semi-final. Now only an outright victory can earn St. Joseph’s the place in the final. Today is the final day.

Scores

St. Joseph’s

270 all out in 84.3 overs (Rishma Amarasinghe 31, Yenula Dewthusa 74, Maanasa Madubashana 116, Adesh Almeida 6/47, Risinu Prabesh 2/39)

St. Sebastian’s

4 for no loss overnight 342 all out in 91.2 overs (Kaveesha Perera 58, Ushen Silva 106, Navod Fernando 49, Malintha Silva 99; Yenula Dewthusa 3/96, Demion de Silva 5/127)