Gunathilaka century powers SSC to highest Twenty20 total in Sri Lanka

by Sajeewa Jayakody

Inform opener Danushka Gunathilaka smashed his career best Twenty20 innings (102 not out) in SSC’s record breaking total of 246-4 in their match against CCC in the SLC Twenty20 Tournament played at Colts grounds yesterday.

Gunathilaka, who clobbered 80 runs against Badureliya SC two days ago, struck five sixes and nine boundaries during his 57-ball knock as SSC piled up the highest Twenty20 total in Sri Lanka. Earlier, it was NCC which had made the highest total of 245-4 against Air Force in 2005. In international matches, West Indies scored 205-4 against Australia in 2012 Twenty20 World Cup.

Gunathilaka, the 24-year-old left hander put on a 111-run opening wicket partnership with former Maliyadeva College wicket keeper batsman Minod Bhanuka, who made a sparkling 26-ball half century. Later on Dasun Shanaka hit 46 runs off 18 balls with five sixes and two fours. Medium paceman Akalanga Ganegama was the pick for CCC taking two wickets for 38 runs.

Chasing the highest total on Sri Lanka soil, CCC were reeling against the bowling of two left arm paceman Binura Fernando (three wickets) and Charith Jayampathi (3-54). Six feet six inch Fernando, one of the promising left arm bowlers, economical four overs conceding 22 runs. All rounder Chathuranga Kumara scored 53 off 29 balls including four sixes and two fours.

SSC: 246-4 in 20 overs (Dhanushka Gunatilleke 102 n.o, Minod Bhanuka 50, Dasun Shanuka 46, Akalanka Ganegama 2-38).

CCC: 187 all out in 19.2 overs (Chathuranga Kumara 53, Geshan Wimaladharma 36, Charith Jayampathi 3-54), Dhanushka Gunatilleke 2-17).

Kusal Perera blasts 27-ball 73 runs

Sri Lanka Twenty20 opener Kusal Janith Perera slammed his back to back half century making 27-ball 73 runs as Colts Cricket Club recorded a nine-wicket win over Bloomfield in a Group B match at Panagoda yesterday.

In reply for Bloomfield’s 139-6, Perera and Shehan Fernando blasted 114 runs in 6.5 overs. Bloomfield opening bowler Nuwan Pradeep was hammered 23 runs in the first over.

Perera hit six sixes and seven fours while Fernando made his half century in 25 balls with three sixes and four boundaries before Colts reached the target in 9.5 overs.

Bloomfield: 139-6 in 20 overs (Suraj Randiv 55 n.o, Dilhan Cooray 39 n.o, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 2-10).

Colts: 141-1 in 9.5 overs (Kusal Perera 73, Shehan Fernando 52 n.o)

Ragama CC dismiss Tamil Union for 68 runs at Colts

The formidable Tamil Union, which comprise of Sri Lanka limited over opener Tillakaratne Dilshan, were bowled out for pathetic 68 runs when they were chasing a 135-run target against Ragama CCC at Colts grounds yesterday.

Ragama CC: 134 all out in 20 overs (Lahiru Milantha 44, Tillakaratne Dilshan 3-32, Ramith Rambukwella 2-10, Shaminda Eranga 2-24, Chanaka Welagedara 2-33).

Tamil Union: 68 all out in 12.1 overs (Amila Aponso 2-7, Malinga Bandara 2-9, Lahiru

Jayaratne 2-14).

Badureliya SC beat Army SC by 7 wickets at SSC

Army: 123 all out in 18.3 overs (Shalika Karunanayake 60, Mohomed Dilshad 3-19, Dushan

Vimukthi 3-25, Kasun Rajitha 2-18, Milinda Siriwardene 2-33).

Badureliya SC: 124-3 in 14.3 overs (Amal Athulathmudali 39, Milinda Siriwardene 33 n.o,

Seekkuge Prasanna 3-24).

NCC win by three wickets at SSC

Moors: 145-9 in 20 overs (Harsha Cooray 41, Dilhara Lokuhettige 34, Angelo Perera 3-19,

Chaminda Vidanapathirana 4-0-19-2, Farveez Maharoof 4-0-17-2).

NCC: 151-7 in 17.4 overs (Saranga Rajaguru 38 n.o, Sanitha de Mel 3-15, Dilhara

Lokuhettige 2-37).

Ports Authority win by eight wickets at Panagoda

Chilaw Marians CC: 79 all out in 19.2 overs (Pulina Tharanga 3-4, Malinda Pushpakumara

3-14, Shanuka Dissanayake 2-15).

Ports Authority CC: 85-2 in 11.5 overs (Mahela Udawatte 42 n.o).