By: M.H.Yakeem
Royal Masters bags Sasi Ganeshan Trophy
A grand 3rd wicket partnership of 136 runs in 75 balls between Chintaka Edirimanne and Naveen Samarakoon steered Royal Masters to a 8 wicket win against Thomian Masters in their 4th annual 30 overs Cricket encounter, played at the Colombo Colts Cricket ground, Park Road, Colombo 05 on Sunday.
Thomian Masters taking first lease, their first wicket falling at the first over for no score, a second wicket partnership between Vajira Wijegunawardena and Anura Bulankulama steadied the innings with a 41 runs partnership and also a fourth wicket partnership between NIC Silva and Ramesh Wannakuwatte kept the score board ticking to pass the 100 plus mark. Vajira Wijegunawardena stroking a gallant 48 runs and NIC Silva playing a brilliant innings with a knock of 79 runs and useful contibutions from Skipper Johann Peiris, Ramesh Wannakuwatte and Suresh Bulankulama got them to a reasonable score. The bowling honors were shared by Chintaka Edirimanne, Sajith Liyanage, Shezard Nizar and Skipper Nalliah Devarajan claiming 2 wickets each.
Royal Masters chasing this total, openers Shezard Nizar and Nuwan Perera, the pair together got them to a fine start with a 47 runs partnership and with the fall of Nuwan Perera, Chintaka Edirimanne joining Shezard Nizar the pair added 31 runs for the second wicket and with the dismissal of Shezard Nizar stroking a solid 32 runs and Naveen Samarakoon joining Chintaka Edirimanne, the pair playing a magnificent innings with Naveen Samarakoon stroking a marvellous 58 runs not out and Chintaka Edirimanne playing a star studded innings with a classic knock of 88 runs not out gave Royal Masters this win from a six in the last ball of the 21st over. Chintaka Edirimanne and Shezard Nizar had an excellent all round performance with another all rounder, Anal Karunaratne had to be side lined due to an injury.
Scores
Thomian Masters – 208 all out in 29.4 overs
Vajira Wijegunawardena 48, NIC Silva 79, Johann Peiris 15, Ramesh Wannakuwatte 10, Suresh Bulankulama 14, Chintaka Edirimanne 2/32, Sajith Liyanage 2/32, Shezard Nizar 2/22, Nalliah Devarajan 2/15
Royal Masters – 214 /2 in 21 overs
Shezard Nizar 32, Nuwan Perera 18, Chintaka Edirimanne 88 not out, Naveen Samarakoon 58 not out
