Bandara (5 for 48) wrecks Dharmaloka

Dilanka MANNAKKARA

Gurukula College Left arm leg spinner Rukshan Bandara claimed five wickets for 48 runs as Dharmaloka College were bundled out for 190 in 59.1 overs in the first day’s play of the 22nd Battle of Kelaniya played at P Sara grounds yesterday.

In reply Gurukula College were 119 for 6 wickets in 39.3 overs when bad light stopped play.

Thushara Lakshitha was not out on 42 runs while Rasitha Kottagoda chipped in with a useful knock of 38.

Dharmaloka started the day strongly as Captain cum wicket keeper Iranga Krishan and Nilanka Subodha scored 40 and 31 respectively.

Skipper Krishan particularly was in fine form as he struck four boundaries but was unfortunate to be out when he was setting himself up for a big knock.

Wickets began to tumble as Rukshan Bandara broke the backbone of the Dharmaloka batting line up with some good, accurate bowling and was troubling the batsmen mostly with his arm ball.

Chathura Lakmina who was left stranded in one end scored an unbeaten 28 for Dharmaloka.

Gurukula were off to a terrible start as they lost two top order wickets for just one run.

Rasitha Kottagoda who came in at number 4 started rebuilding the Gurukula innings along with Thushara Lakshitha and they put up a valuable partnership of 43 runs for the 5th wicket. Finally the partnership was broken by Janaka Pathum who got the wicket of Rasitha, who made a well compiled 38.

Thushara Lakshitha remained unbeaten at 42 not out and Gurukula with 4 wickets in hand would be pinning their hopes on Thushara to gain a sizable first innings lead.

The match will begin at 10 am today and is posed for an interesting finish.

Dharmaloka 190 all out in 59.1 overs(Iranga Krishan 40, Nilanka Subodha 31, Chathura Lakmina 28 n.o., Rukshan Bandara 5 for 48, Dushan Dhanushka 2 for 38).

Gurukula College 119 for 6 in 39.3 overs(Rasitha Kottagoda 38, Thushara Lakshitha 42 n.o., Janaka Pathum 2 for 24).