Kamindu scores 137 in drawn game

Skipper Kamindu Mendis scored his second century of the tournament when he scored 137 for Kandy’s second innings to pile up 322 for 5 wickets in their National Super League 4-day cricket fixture against Jaffna which ended in a draw at Pallekele International Stadium yesterday.

With his second century, in which he struck 10 fours and 2 sixes, Mendis is now the most successful batter so far in this tournament. He hit 142 in the first game against Galle.

Sahan Arachchige, who hit a superb 162 in the first innings once again made an unbeaten 65 in 134 balls with 4 fours and a six. Lahiru Udara, the wicketkeeper/batter, made his second fifty of the game scoring 65 with 8 fours. The young leg spinner Dunith Wellalage finished with 3 for 66 taking bowling honours for Jaffna.

Earlier Kandy scored a massive total of 503 for 9 wickets on the first innings while Jaffna managed to get 318 (all out). Leg-spinner Avindu Theekshana stood out for Kandy as the most successful bowler taking 5 for 135.

Meanwhile, Colombo led by Sammu Ashan won by innings and 132 runs victory over Dambulla in their game with a day to spare on Saturday played at R. Premadasa Stadium. Dambulla scored 277 and 107 all out while Colombo made a challenging total of 516 all out with opener Nipun Dhananjaya made a solid knock of 114 which was his debut first-class century. The experienced leg spinner Malinda Pushpakumara took 5 for 141 in his marathon 51-over spell for Dambulla but was not enough to beat Colombo.

Chief scores

* At Pallekele Stadium: (match drawn).

Kandy: 503/9 declared and 322 for 5 declared (Lasith Croospulle 31, Kamindu Mendis 137, Lahiru Udara 65, Sahan Arachchige 65*, Dunith Wellalage 3/66)

Jaffna: 318 all out (Nishan Madushka 56, Saminda Fernando 73, Janith Liyanage 85, Geeth Kumara 58*, Avindu Theekshana 5/135, Asitha Fernando 2/43) (D.R.)