Kamindu (56) and Oshada (91) put up 154-run stand as Kandy gain command

Skipper Kamindu Mendis (56) and Oshada Fernando (91) made an unbroken 154-run third-wicket stand as Kandy scored 288 for 2 wickets to finish in a commanding position on the first day’s play against Jaffna in the National Super League 4-day cricket final game played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Kandy chose to bat first with their strong batting lineup and their top-order batters were in good form as they notched up a huge total in this final. The openers Kamil Mishara and Kasun Vidura built a solid platform adding a 123-run stand, then Kamindu and Oshada were able to maintain the momentum with a superb batting display to build up the innings. However, the game was halted with six overs to spare for the day due to bad light.

Earlier, the two left-handers Mishara and Vidura completed their half-centuries taking Kandy to 113 for no loss at lunch. Kamil Mishara was the first batter to be out after lunch scoring 56 in 126 balls with 3 fours and a six while Kasun Vidura was out for 71 in 124 balls with 3 fours and a six.

Both wickets were taken by Jaffna skipper Dhananjaya de Silva who finished 2 for 70 in his 20-over spell while six other Jaffna bowlers were unable to conjure any progress during three sessions on Galle wicket. Kandy skipper Kamindu Mendis who is the most successful batter of the tournament once again made an unbeaten 57 in 117 balls striking 3 fours while Oshada Fernando was just nine runs away from his fourth century in this tournament.

He hit 10 fours and a six in 133 balls making a superb 154-stand with Kandy looking for a challenging total in the first innings today.

Both Kandy and Jaffna made a few changes while Kandy gave chance to leg spinner Pulina Tharanga who was the most successful leggie at the Limited Overs Tournament for the place of paceman Thikshila de Silva while Jaffna also strengthed their spinners adding young Dunith Wellalalge and Geeth Kumara for the places of paceman Nuwan Pradeep who was injured and Avishka Tharindu.

Wellalage the National under 19 Skipper was the match hero with superb performances at the National Super League Limited Overs final and he is playing this final once again ahead of their Inter-School Division One final which is scheduled to be held on April 12 one day after this final.

Chief scores:

Kandy: 288/2 at close (Kamil Mishara 56, Kasun Vidura 71, Oshada Fernando 91*, Kamindu Mendis 57*, Dhananjaya de Silva 2/70) vs Jaffna