by Reemus Fernando   

Wesley College opening batsman Anuga Pahansara bowed out of the ongoing Under 17 Division I Limited Overs Tournament as the highest scorer when his team were knocked out by St. Peter’s at the pre-quarter-final hurdle on Tuesday.

Pahansara had an aggregate of 381 runs in seven matches when his team were eliminated just three matches behind the title. He had maintained an average above 50 runs and had provided his team with enough runs to dominate the first round and reach the knockout stage as the champions of their group.

Among those who had played five or more matches in the tournament, Pahansara and S. Thomas’ College player Dineth Goonawardena were the only batsmen to have scored over 300 runs.

Pahansara had scored two half-centuries and a century in his aggregate of 381 runs. According to Wesley College coach Keerthi Gunaratne the leading scorer had the knack for staying at the wicket since he was playing Under 13 cricket for Wesley but like many in his age category a couple of years lost due to pandemic-related issues had delayed their progress.

“He is among the juniors who were deprived competitions of an entire age category (Under 15) due to the pandemic. It is heartening to note that they are making steady progress now,” Gunaratne told The Island after the team’s pre-quarter-final match.

“At the Under 13 age category too he had displayed his abilities with the bat. He had two centuries in that age category. He has a good temperament, which is his strength.”

“There is room for Anuga to improve. We are working on areas that need to be taken care of for him to be the complete player. The school is also backing him,” said Gunaratne.

Formerly a wicketkeeper batsman, Anuga has now given up gloves to pursue as an all rounder. He has joined Sriram Jeevahan, Senila Senaratne and Omika Cooray to strengthen the pace attack. He has operated mostly as the first change bowler.

Stats

Name:

Kodhagoda Vithanage Anuga Pahansara  

Date of Birth:

5th May 2006 

Batting style:

Right hander  

Bowling:

Right arm medium pace 

Under 17 Cricket Stats

Total Runs:

381 

100s:

1 

50s:

2 

Highest:

104 

Average:

54.43