Sampath Bank tastes season's first defeat

Defending Champions, Sampath Bank 'A' after three wins in a row, tasted their first defeat, when they lost to Janashakthi Group 'A' on the Duckworth & Lewis method in the Singer - MCA Premier League, which continued during the week end.

The match at Premadasa Stadium, commencing late due to a wet wicket and was reduced to 45 overs-a-side.

Janashakthi skipper, who won the toss and put the opposition in saw his decision paying dividends when Sampath slid to 71 for 8. A gusty 96 runs stand for the ninth wicket between Charitha Buddhika (36) and Suwanji Madanayake (49 not out) saved them from humiliation, as they finished with 169 in the final over.

Janashakthi 'A' was 139 for 2 when bad lights halted play at 5.04 pm with Bathiya Perera (49 not out) and Lanka de Silva (41 not out) engaged in a 85 run unfinished partnership for the third wicket. Janashakthi won by 29 runs on D & L method.

Ceylinco Group A' beat Unichela 'A' by 84 runs on the Duckworth & Lewis method. Ceylinco invited to bat, rattled up the highest team total in the tournament up to date, scoring 272 for 8 in 50 overs.

Unichela 'A replied with 176 for 9 in 46 overs when bad light halted play at 5.28 pm. Rain seems to be following East West Marketing 'A' as they encountered their third no-decision, this time against Seylan Bank 'A'. EWM faced two similar situations earlier on, against Janashakthi 'A' at P. Sara and against John Keells 'A' at Kotahena.