Dilshan century put Basnahira in IP final 
[January 23 2011]




<P>Skipper Tillekeratne Dilshan hit a fighting half century to guide Basnahira Province to an easy 69-run win over Wayamba in the first semi final of the Sri Lanka Cricket Inter-Provincial tournament played under lights at the Premadasa Stadium today. Basnahira will now meet the winners of Monday’s second semi final between Ruhuna and Kandurata in the final. 

<P>Dashing opener Dilshan played a more cautious innings after the early dismissal of his opening partner Chaminda Vaas in the third over of the innings. Dilshan played the sheet anchor role from there onwards and added 69 runs for the second wicket along with Kusal Janith Perera. 

<P>All rounder Angelo Mathews joined Dilshan and the pair further consolidated

<P>their position with a third wicket partnership of 50 runs. Dilshan faced 81

<P>deliveries and struck only four boundaries while Mathews hit a solitary boundary during his 44 ball knock. 

<P>Chief scores:

<P>Basnahira: 221 for 9 in 50 overs (T. Dilshan 62, K. Perera 28, A. Mathews

<P>32, H. Fernando 29n.o, R. Herath 2 for 32, A. Mendis 3 for 39)

<P>Wayamba: 152 all out in 38.2 overs (Mahela Jayewardena 39, Thilan Samaraweera 59, Dilruwan Perera 4 for 27).