Centuries by Sanka and Ramesh give SSC the edge

NCC after conceding a first innings lead of 74 runs to SSC fought back bravely in the second innings to pile up 265 for 3 wickets by the close of the second day of the Under-23 Division One final being played at the Colts grounds.

Former Rajan Sandun Weerakkody remained unbeaten on a well-compiled 82 runs while Test cricketer and NCC captain Niroshan Dickwella made a bold knock of 80. Lahiru Udara also chipped in with 45.

Yesterday morning, SSC made a commanding total of 304 all out helped by two superb centuries by Sanka Ramesh 125 not out and former Sokian Ramesh Mendis 113 which gave them a first innings lead of 74 runs.

The only bowlers to impress for NCC were, Dushmantha Chameera (3 for 52) and Saveen Nanayakkara (3-31).

On the previous, sent into bat, NCC made 230 all out. Opener Sandun Weerakkody scored 67 runs and Kasun Madusanka (3 for 45) and Sanka Ramesh (3 for 46) shared six wickets for Sinhales Sports Club. For NCC, Pavan Wickramasinghe and Weerakkody put on a 72-run stand for the third wicket.

Former Dharmaraja cricketer Weerakkody hit eight fours and a six during his 55-ball innings. And SSC were 150-5 by the close of play on the first day.

NCC Under-23: 230 in 46.5 overs (Sandun Weerakkody 67, Kasun Madusanka 3-45, Sanka Ramesh 3-46) and 265-3 in 47 overs (Sandun Weerakkody 82 n.o, Niroshan Dickwella 80, Lahiru Udara 45)

SSC Under-23: 304 all out in 77 overs (Sanka Ramesh 125 n.o, Ramesh Mendis 113, Dushmantha Chameera 3-52, Saveen Nanayakkara 3-31)