Harith spins Royal to victory

Spinner Harith Samarasinghe, who had already proved his class in junior cricket, is now going great guns for Royal first X1 team.

His latest match-winning performance was recorded last week when he had Isipathana batsmen all at sea. His stunning performance helped Royal to beat Isipathana by ten wickets in their inter-school match at Reid Avenue.

In reply to Isipathana's first innings total of 167 all out, the Reid Avenue boys made 172 for 6 declared.

The sporty declaration by Royal captain Devin Pathmanadan ultimately paved way for a right Royal win with Samarasinghe completely turning the match in their favour. Royal openers scored 34 runs for no loss to seal the match.

Though the exchanges were even in the first innings, Samarasinghe single handedly turned the match in Royal's favour with an outstanding display of left-arm spin bowling - claiming 6 for 11 to bundle out Isipathana for mere 34 runs in 20 overs in the second innings.

He completed a match bag of 8 for 42 while fellow off-spinner Poorna Aluthge had 7 for 54.