A determined unbroken sixth-wicket stand between Lithum Senuja and Kavindu Hettiarachchi powered Wesley into a commanding position on day two of the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘B’ final at the Surrey Village Ground, Maggona on Sunday.

‎Replying to Sri Sumangala’s first innings total of 239, Wesley reached 281 for 5 at stumps, taking a 42-run lead with five wickets in hand. The highlight of the day was the unbeaten 144-run partnership for the sixth wicket, with Senuja crafting a patient 55 not out off 155 deliveries, while Hettiarachchi played the more assertive role with an unbeaten 82 off 113 balls.

‎Earlier in the innings, Rasheed Nahyan laid the foundation with a composed 78 off 133 balls, holding the top order together after a steady start. Despite a few middle-order setbacks, Wesley regained control through the resilience and discipline of their lower middle order, batting Sri Sumangala out of the contest in the latter stages of the day.

‎For Sri Sumangala, Mevindu Kumarasiri was the standout performer with the ball, toiling hard for figures of 4 for 125 in a marathon 36-over spell, though he lacked consistent support from the other end as Wesley’s batters dug in.

‎Sri Sumangala’s first innings effort of 239, compiled on day one after electing to bat, was built on patience and partnerships. After slipping to 28 for 2 early on, Vidura Basuru anchored the innings with a resilient 97 off 226 balls. He shared a crucial 72-run stand with Nikesh Iddamalgoda, who counterattacked with a brisk 54 off 58 balls, striking ten boundaries.

‎Basuru then added another valuable 71 runs with Bihanga Silva, who contributed a steady 32 off 102 deliveries, helping consolidate the innings. However, the lack of acceleration in the latter stages meant Sri Sumangala settled for a modest total.

‎Wesley’s bowling effort was led by Jeewahan Sriram, who claimed 3 for 40, while Hettiarachchi (2/37) and Methnula Mayadunna (2/20) provided solid support to restrict Sri Sumangala.

‎With Wesley already in the lead and five wickets intact, they will look to extend their advantage further on day three, while Sri Sumangala must strike early to stay in contention in this closely fought final.

‎Scores:

‎Sri Sumangala – 239 all out in 82.5 overs

‎(Vidura Basuru 97, Nikesh Iddamalgoda 54, Bihanga Silva 32; Jeewahan Sriram 3/40, Kavindu Hettiarachchi 2/37, Methnula Mayadunna 2/20)

‎Wesley – 281/5 in 94 overs

‎(Rasheed Nahyan 78, Lithum Senuja 55 n.o., Kavindu Hettiarachchi 82 n.o.; Mevindu Kumarasiri 4/125)

Bloomfield Cricket Club will soon be without the steady hand that steered their ship through calm and storm, as Tharanga Dammika prepares to call time on his stint as Head Coach at the end of the Major Clubs Premier League season.

After years of unwavering commitment, Tharanga has decided to hang up his boots bringing down the curtain on a six-year spell that left an indelible mark on one of Sri Lanka’s most storied clubs.

The news has sent ripples through the cricketing fraternity, with players past and present tipping their caps to a man who was more than just a coach, a mentor, a tactician and at times, the dressing room’s moral compass.

Over six seasons, he rebuilt, recalibrated and when required, dug in his heels. His tenure was not merely about results on the scoreboard but about shaping cricketers who could go the distance.

He had an eye for talent, nurturing youngsters and backing them to play their natural game. His philosophy was simple, give players the long rope, allow them to evolve and trust the process. In an era of quick fixes, Tharanga chose to play the long game.

Under his stewardship, Bloomfield enjoyed a purple patch. The crowning glory came last season when the club clinched the First Class title, a triumph built on discipline, patience and no small measure of grit. They also finished runners-up in the T20 competition and shared honours in the Under-23 tournament, a testament to the depth he helped build.

But beyond the silverware, it was his man-management that stood out. Tharanga knew when to wind up his troops and when to put an arm around a struggling player. He demanded high standards but never lost sight of the spirit of the game, ensuring that Bloomfield played hard but fair, walking the fine line without overstepping it.

Through good days and bad, he kept the dressing room grounded. When the chips were down, he urged his players to stick to basics, bat time, bowl tight lines and let the game come to them. It was old-school wisdom, delivered with modern clarity.

His exit creates a significant gap. He is more than just a coach as he is the mastermind behind a culture that valued hard work and excellence equally.

by Ramesh Joseph

Sunrisers Hyderabad pulled a victory out of nowhere thanks to four unheralded bowlers taking the smallest chance given to them. Three of Chennai Super Kings’ own unheralded bowlers might have been their inspiration. In an IPL season full of runs, the oppressed finally became oppressors.

After the first powerplay, ESPNcricinfo’s forecaster had the first innings total reaching 237. Jaamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj and Gurjapneet Singh prevented such nonsense. CSK were given a target of 194 and needed 84 off 60 balls with seven wickets in hand. They should have pulled off their first 190-plus chase in eight years.

But Eshan Malinga (3-29), Nitish Kumar Reddy (2-31), Shivang Kumar (1-18) and Sakib Hussain (1-32) just wouldn’t let them. On paper, there were weak links. On the field, there was none. Each of those four had an economy rate of 8 or lower and each of them picked up at least one wicket. Shivang dismissed Dewald Brevis for 0. Sakib wrecked Shivam Dube’s stumps and killed off all CSK hope. In the end, their contribution to victory was bigger than Abhishek Sharma’s 15-ball fifty and Heinrich Klassen’s 33-ball fifty.

CSK picked Matt Short over Akeal Hosein primarily so they could target Abhishek and Travis Head with offspin. For two overs it worked. They gambled on a third, and it backfired. Abhishek moved from 26 off 10 to 50 off 15 by moving leg side and making the room he needed to free his arms. Short had succeeded because he wasn’t giving any of that, but he couldn’t cope when the batter changed strategies.