Arpico - DPMC clash in ‘D’ Div. Final

Injured Ruwan Kariyawasam, who came bat as the No.8 with a runner, played the innings of his life to steer Arpico SC to a nail biting two wicket win over Shaw Wallace Distributors in the Ceylon Cold Stores sponsored, ‘Elephant Lemonade’ MCA ‘D’ Division 50 overs League Tournament, semi final at Ananda Mawatha on Saturday.

Arpico chasing a moderate total of 160 runs to win in 50 overs was looking down the barrel at six wickets down for 80 runs when Kariyawsam walke in to bat.

The Arpico ball started bouncing once again, as Kariyawasam took the Shaw Wallace attack by the scruff of the neck with a sterling 60 not out in just 48 balls, studded with 8 fours & 2 sixes. He was well supported by tail ender Daminda Perera 25 in 30 balls.

The pair put on a match saving 55 runs for the seventh wicket to get Arpico out of jail and run to victory.

In the other semi-final at the MCA grounds, David Pieris Motor Company took sweet revenge over league winner, Hayleys Group RC when they scored a resounding seven wicket win. DPMC lost to Hayleys on the run-rate in their league outing at Ananda Mawatha.

The ‘Bajaj Boys’ chasing a moderate target of 160 runs in 50 overs, rode to victory in style spear headed by an unbroken 3rd wicket stand of 120 runs, between opener, Malinda Fernando (81 not out in 101 balls, 8 fours and a six) and Prasad Niroshan (58 not out in 66 balls with 5 fours).

The Final between arch-rivals Arpico and DPMC will be played this Sunday, at the MCA ground commencing 10.00 am.

At MCA ground: DPMC beat Hayleys Group RC by 7 wickets.

Hayleys Group RC 159 in 43.3 overs (D. Ratnayake 25, U. Danthanarayana 35, S. Ratnayake 25, A. Elabodage 2/34, D. Peiris 2/20, W. Balagama 2/30 & Malinda Fernando 2/30)

DPMC 163 for 3 in 33.3 overs (Malinda Fernando 81 not out, Prasad Niroshan 58 not out, C. Rajapaksa 2/29)

At Ananda Mawatha: Arpico SC beat Shaw Wallace Distributors by 2 wickets

Shaw Wallace 159 in 44.1 overs (M.D. Candappa 27, L.V.V. Silva 22, K.N.R. Silva 45, Duminda Perera 2/40, Ruwan Kariyawasam 2/14, Athula Wickramatillaka 4/35)

Arpico SC: 163 for 8 in 33.3 overs (Mahesh Kumara 35, Ruwan Kariyawasam 60 not out, Duminda Perera 25, K.L.H. de Silva 2/35, G.A.P. Weerasinghe 2/30).