Even exchanges at Pallekelle

S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen, Kandy Sports Correspondent

The scales appear to the evenly tipped at the end of the first day's play in the Bandula Warnapura Trophy cricket match between Dharmaraja College and Nalanda College which began at the Open Prison Camp grounds at Pallekelle yesterday.

The match will be continued today at 9.30 a.m.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Rajan were in a comfortable position at one stage with the scoreboard reading 183 for 5 and a total in excess of 250 was within their reach. But some indifferent batting and coupled with three run outs saw them slump to 194 all out. They lost their last five wickets for 11 runs.

Nalandians have replied with 129 for 5 at close.

They had to contend with some fine fast bowling by Tharinda Dandeniya who took 4 for 42.

Dharmaraja College 194 all out in 58.4 overs (T. Wedagedera 43, Rahula Ekanayake 45, P. Silva 33, S. Weerakkody 20, N. Karunanayake 3 for 60, A. Nanayakkara 2 for 23, S. Tennakoon 2 for 25).

Nalanda College 129 for 5 wickets in 37 overs at close. (T. Wickremasinghe 21, N. Karunanayake 34, D. Jayasinghe 22 not out, Tharindu Dandeniya 4 for 42).