Jaffna Central crush St. John’s by innings

Jaffna Central beat St. John’s Jaffna by an innings and 133 runs in their 102nd ‘Battle of the North’ cricket encounter played last week at Jaffna Central grounds. This innings win is after 38 years for Central.

They won by an innings in 1970 under R. Rajasingham’s captaincy who is no more to enjoy this. (Passed away in London recently). Sent into bat, St. John’s managed to score a paltry 64 runs in their 1st innings. In reply, Jaffna Central made 210 for 5 wkts at the end of first day’s play.

They continued their good work and declared the innings when they reached 301 runs losing only 8 wickets. Navaneeth of Jaffna Central made a solid 73 runs. Once again Johnians failed with the bat and slumped to 104 runs in their 2nd innings.

Only the St. John’s captain Hari Praveen resisted with an unbeaten 59. This brought an innings and 133 runs victory for Jaffna Central before the tea interval on the second day.

Best batsman: N. Navaneeth (Jaffna Central).

Best bowler: R. Gobithan (Jaffna Central).

Best all-rounder: K. Shelton (Jaffna Central).

Best fielder: S. Priyatharshan (St. John’s).

Man of the Match: N. Navaneeth (Jaffna Central).