Colombo Malay Cricket Club (CMCC) made a winning start in their debut match of the Premier League Tier B cricket tournament conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket when they defeated Leo CC by seven wickets at Braybrooke Place.
Malay CC opening batter Sachin Fernando scored the first century of the tournament stroking 101 spiced with eight boundaries and a six while left arm spinner Sudara Dakshina claimed seven wickets in the encounter to be adjudged player of the match.
Fernando’s knock helped Malay CC score 275 in their first innings after bundling out Leo CC for 155 in 37 overs on the first day.
Fernando stitched together partnerships of 67 with opener Kalana Madushanka (47), 60 for the second wicket with skipper Salinda Ushan (32) and 66 for the ninth wicket with Kavindu Himansha (33).
Leo CC fared slightly better in their second essay but were dismissed for 209 shortly before lunch on the final day despite a defiant half century from Primash Obrish (78).
Needing 92 for victory, Malay CC were home for tea scoring 92 for three wickets.
Scores:
Leo CC: 155 (Avintha de Alwis 13, Primash Obris 42, Vishal Silva 37, Kavindu Himansa 2/41, Madushika Sandaruwan 3/62, Sudara Dakshina 3/25) and 209 (Avintha de Alwis 23, Primash Obris 78, Mangala Pradeep 27, Prasath Jayasiri 39, Sudara Dakshina 4/46, Madushika Sandaruwan 3/100)
Malay CC: 275 (Sachin Fernando 101, Kalana Madushanka 47, Salinda Ushan 32, Kavindu Himansha 47, Mangala Pradeep 2/79, Prasath Jayasiri 5/86) and 92/3 (Lisula Lakshan 31, Salinda Ushan 17, Azlan Samsudeen 24 n.o)