Sports

St. Joseph’s, De Mazenod, Mahanama, Richmond battle for final spot

Published

4 years ago

2022/04/5

Sahan Weerasooriya

Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ Cricket

by Reemus Fernando

Defending champions St. Joseph’s are the favourites against giant killers De Mazenod while, Mahanama have the edge over Richmond when they battle it out in the semi-finals of the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ cricket tournament today.

St. Joseph’s V De Mazenod

St. Joseph’s

having in their ranks three Sri Lanka Under 19 players are unbeaten in the tournament. After emerging as the champions in their group with victories against St. Anthony’s, Katugastota, St. Benedict’s, St. Sebastian’s, S. Thomas’, Mount Lavinia and St. Thomas’, Matara, they romped to six wickets victory over Wesley in the quarter-final.

De Mazenod put up a fine team performance to eliminate Nalanda, one of the favourites in the quarter-final, after reaching the knockout stage as the runners up to Mahanama in group ‘Z’. They had just three victories under their belt at the end of the league stage.

The team from Kandana have put up combined efforts to reach this far. In today’s match De Mazenod will consider bringing in spinner Pramod Rajamunindra in place of paceman Thushan Udayanga depending on the condition of the wicket at Surrey Village Ground.

Opponents of De Mazenod did not see much of Rajamunindra during this tournament. If he gets the opportunity, the Joes will be up against a complete spin attack consisting of Senash Fernando, Sithum Fernando and Thareen Sanketh.

There is no denying the fact that the Joes will be the stronger team in that department with their spin squadron braced with bowlers who faced the best in the world in their age category at the ICC Youth World Cup. Skipper Shevon Daniel makes a terrific combination with Sri Lanka Under 19 captain Dunith Wellalage, who is the leading wicket taker of the tournament.

St. Joseph’s

are likely to field an unchanged side with Daniel, who is also the leading scorer of the team occupying the third spot in the batting line up. Sadeesh Jayawardena who has produced some outstanding batting performances on return from the Youth World Cup will open batting with Hirun Matheesha. They have a strong and long batting line up with Wellalage joining in the middle order.

For De Mazenod skipper Ruveen Fonseka produced his best batting effort during the quarter-final and will have Salindu Pathirana, Mithul Senerath and Ashen Silva among others to form a formidable line up. The last three have maintained an averaged over 40.

St. Joseph’s (probable)

Shevon Daniel (Captain), Sadeesh Jayawardena , Hirun Matheesha, Mithira Thenura, Dunith Wellalage, Hiran Jayasundara, Muditha Lakshan, Rishma Amarasinghe, Deshan Senaviratne, Lahiru Amarasekara, Yenula Dewthusa.

De Mazenod (from) Ruveen Fonseka (Captain), Lester Jayaweera, Mithul Senerath, Senash Fernando, Salindu Pathirana, Chanuka Silva, Sithum Fernando, Sihina Sithumina, Ashen Silva, Thushan Udayanga, Thareen Sanketh, Pramod Rajamunindra.

Richmond V Mahanama

Mahanama captained by Devindu Kekirideniya are in terrific form after maintaining an unbeaten record to reach the semi-final. They rattled St. Benedict’s for 93 runs in the quarter-final before cruising to seven wickets victory.

Their leading wicket takers, left armers skipper Kekirideniya and Inuka Karannagoda did not have to worry much in the quarter-final after Koojana Perera did most of the damage. They will be looking to repeat the same against Richmond at today’s match at Reid Avenue.

Kavindu Amameth, Perera and the new recruit from Kandy Anjala Bandara, Sachira Weliwatta and Dhanaja Edirisinghe are the top scorers who are forming the backbone of the batting line up.

Richmond skippered by Bhanuka Manohara are a fighting outfit who have the fire-power with the batsmen rallying around Manohara and Tharinda Nirmal. Janeth Kaushal and Thamindu Pradeeptha are the others who have made notable contributions.

Spinner Sharon Abishek, speedster Kalpa Nethsara and former Madampa Central spinner Malsha Tharupathi will form a strong bowling attack for Richmond. Richmond beat St. Anthony’s, Katugastota according to D/L Method in the quarter-final after reaching the knockout stage with three victories under their belt.

Ricmond (from): Bhanuka Manohara (Captain), Kalpa Nethsara, Kavindu Nirmana, Vishara Sasmitha, Tharinda Nirmal, Ruwan Jayawardena, Janeth Kaushal, Maheesha Vethmin, Hansamana de Silva, Sharon Abishek, Malsha Tharupathi, Thamindu Pradeeptha, Chehan Subasinghe, Sihath Ramanayake, Imesh Sasindu, Seneth Sisan, Kaveesha Induwara, Sanahas Ramindu, Manuja Dulneth, Stephan Selvanayagam.

Mahanama (from): Devindu Kekirideniya (Captain), Viranga Yeshan, Omesh Udara, Sachira Weliwatte, Nihindu Perera, Duvindu Perera, Sethum Kenula, Anjala Bandara, Dasith Gunathilake, Koojana Perera, Inuka Karannagoda, Nadeesh Yasiru, Kavindu Amameth, Chanuja Sandalindu, Bhanula Algewatte, Tharindu Lakshan, Anuk Wijewardhane, Ruveen Sankalpa, Hasith Hansindu, Venuk Hettiarachchi.

Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ Semi-Finals

St. Joseph’s V De Mazenod at Surrey Village Ground

Richmond V Mahanama at Reid Avenue

All News Advertisement

Sports

Sri Lanka claim ODI series 1-0 after another washout in Kingston

Published

1 hour ago

2026/06/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

Kusal Mendis poses with the series trophy

For the second game running in Kingston, persistent rain forced an ODI between West Indies and Sri Lanka had to be abandoned without a ball being bowled. This one – the third and final ODI in this series at Sabina Park – meant Sri Lanka secured the trophy with a 1-0 margin, courtesy the 41-run victory they enjoyed in the series opener.

The umpires had several inspections, but after discussing with curators they decided that getting play started by the cut off of 8.02pm for a 20-over-shootout was almost impossible.

While the mood around both camps might be damp, both literally and metaphorically following two straight washouts, the outcome is still a landmark one for the visiting Lions. It is their first ODI-series victory in the Caribbean in 23 years – the last coming in 2003. A positive start for their newly appointed head coach Gary Kirsten and their new ODI captain Kusal Mendis, although they would’ve liked to have seen more in-game action from the players.

“Very happy to win the series, we did really well in that one game – in all three departments,” Mendis said. “There are not a lot of matches ahead of next year’s World Cup, happy with my first series victory as captain. Got support of the staff too.” He also praised the bowling unit.

For West Indies, the weather and the subsequent series result is undoubtedly a frustrating blow. Denied a chance to avenge their opening game defeat, it’s not only a first series loss at home in three years but, more critically, it’s a result that hinders their pursuit of vital ICC ranking points required for automatic, direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

West Indies, for now, remain in tenth place in the ODI rankings, just outside of the top eight qualifying spots. They have ODI series campaigns against New Zealand (World No. 2) and India (No. 1) coming up next.

“You can’t control mother nature,” Shai Hope said. “Credit just be given to the Sri Lankan team for the way they played in the first game. [T20I series next] We need to look ahead, understand conditions. Adaptability will be key in Jamaica. We’ve got some experience, hope to bounce back there.”

Both sides will rapidly shift focus to the shortest format as a three-match T20I series is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, June 11, with subsequent matches on June 13 and June 14.

However, the teams will not be changing hotels just yet; all three T20Is are slated to take place at the exact same venue in Kingston. With rain expected to be a presence across Jamaica over the coming week, groundstaff will have their work cut out for them to ensure the upcoming matches escape a similar watery fate. Those matches will all start at 7.30pm local time.

[Cricinfo]

Sports

Hirun, Menula steer Isipatana to five-wicket win over St. Benedict’s

Published

1 hour ago

2026/06/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

Isipatana College Colombo produced a disciplined all-round performance to register a comfortable five-wicket victory over St. Benedict’s College Kotahena in their Under-17 Division I cricket encounter at BRC ground on Tuesday.

‎Chasing a modest target of 165, Isipatana suffered an early setback when Hasindu Kethmina fell with only three runs on the board. However, Savain Wijewardana and Hirun Wattegedara steadied the innings with a valuable second-wicket stand.

‎Savain made 30 off 48 balls before being dismissed, while Hirun anchored the chase with a composed 66 off 104 deliveries that included three fours and two sixes. His knock laid the foundation for the successful run chase.

‎Menula Dambakumbur

අ played an aggressive innings of 47 from just 45 balls, striking three boundaries and a six. His partnership with Hirun carried Isipatana close to victory before both batters departed late in the innings.

‎Kumar Abishek remained unbeaten on 3 as Isipatana reached 165 for 5 in 36.4 overs, sealing victory with many overs to spare.

‎For St. Benedict’s, Thisum Perera was the most successful bowler with figures of 2 for 31 from 10 overs, while Paranthaman Rohinth, Sethun Perera and Theumika Perera claimed a wicket each.

‎Earlier, St. Benedict’s were bowled out for 164 in 47.1 overs despite a fighting half-century from Paranthaman Rohinth. Rohinth top-scored with 54 runs off 75 deliveries, striking five fours and a six, while Sethun Perera contributed 19 and Daham Premasiri added 19 lower down the order.

‎St. Benedict’s struggled to build substantial partnerships as wickets fell at regular intervals. Rohinth’s dismissal at 101 for 4 in the 29th over triggered a middle-order collapse, leaving the innings heavily dependent on contributions from the lower order.

‎Isipatana’s bowlers shared the workload effectively. Nithila Athukorala and Kumar Abishek claimed two wickets apiece, conceding just 21 and 19 runs respectively. Abiru Walpola also picked up two wickets, while Hirun Wattegedara, Hiruna Vidushan and Anuhas Pandithage chipped in with one wicket each.

Scores:

‎St. Benedict’s 164 all out in 47.1 overs

(Paranthaman Rohinth 54, Sethun Perera 19, Daham Premasiri 19; Nithila Athukorala 2/21, Kumar Abishek 2/19, Abiru Walpola 2/33).

‎Isipatana 165 for 5 in 36.4 overs (Hirun Wattegedara 66, Menula Dambakumbura 47, Savain Wijewardana 30; Thisum Perera 2/31).

‎In the other matches played on Tuesday, Kingswood beat St. Thomas’ Matale y seven wickets while St. Sebastian’s Katuneriya beat Maris Stella, Thimbirigaskatuwa by two wickets.

[RF]

Sports

44th Executive Committee to steer MCA in 2026/27

Published

1 hour ago

2026/06/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

The 44th Executive Committee of the Mercantile Cricket Association

Seated from left:

Lakmal de Silva [Exco Member] .Rohan Somawansa [Vice President], Thushan Amarasuriya [Senior Vice President] Sirosha Gunatilake [President ], Achintha Hewanayake [General Secretary], Tarinda Kaluperuma [Vice President] , Hasitha Dassanayake [Treasurer ]

Standing from left:

Samantha de Mel [Exco Member], Sajith Atapattu [Assistant Treasurer ], Ajith Siyambalapitiya [Assistant Secretary], Pramodth Fernando [Exco Member], Anil Hapugoda [Exco Member], Ashan Peris [Exco Member], Feroze Ahamed [Exco Member]

Founded in 1911 as the ‘Mercantile Cricket Competition’, the Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA) has evolved under the stewardship of distinguished cricketing personalities — from its first President, to Sirosha Gunatilake its 44th President and the 30th Sri Lankan to hold the post.

Over the years, the MCA has made significant investments in cricketing infrastructure to further the development of the sport across the country and continues to play a vital role in nurturing cricketing talent within the mercantile sector and beyond.

Today, the MCA is recognized as one of the foremost cricket-promoting associations in Sri Lanka and has served as a model for many of the tournament structures adopted by Sri Lanka Cricket.

The Association annually conducts seven major tournaments and more than 500 matches, including the Super Premier League to Rising Leagues, the Mercantile Six-a-Side Tournament, the Over-40 Sixes, T10 and T20 competitions, the MCA Inter Academy Invitational Tournament, and the MCA Ladies Sixes (Softball) Tournament, which was introduced to promote women’s cricket and encourage greater participation of ladies in hard-ball cricket.

The 44th Executive Committee that will steer Sri Lanka’s premier corporate cricket association through 2026 / 2027:

President

– Sirosha Gunatilake Managing Director, (Trendex Lanka (Pvt) Ltd)

Senior Vice President –

Thushan Amarasuriya Managing Director/ Executive Director, (Singer Sri Lanka PLC)

Vice Presidents-

Tarindra Kaluperuma Executive Director , (Stafford Motors Co. Ltd)

Rohan Somawansa Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication / Director (DSI Samson Group (Pvt). Ltd)

General Secretary

Achintha Hewanayake Director/CEO/President , (CL Synergy Limited)

Treasurer

Hasitha Dassanayake Chief Sales & Digital Business Officer, (Citizen Development Business Finance PLC)