Thushara and Venura steer Ananda to victory

38th Ananda - Nalanda annual 50 over limited encounter:

Yasaratne GAMAGE

A collective effort from both bat and ball paved the way for Ananda College (232 all out ) record their third consecutive limited over victory by 21 runs over Nalanda College ( 211 all out ) in the 38th Ananda - Nalanda annual 50 over limited encounter at SSC yesterday.

Anandian Thushara Samarakoon's wonderful 71 including 11 fours and one six, well supported by Venura Ashan (45) D Masushan (34) helped them to score 232 all out in 49.1 overs.

In reply Nalanda with their poor opening with two wickets fallen for no score were bundled out for 211 in 45.1, despite a fighting knock of 82 by Lahiru Jayakodi inclusive of seven fours and one six. Ananda bowlers , V Ashan, T Abeysekara and P Madushan took two of their opponent's wickets each did the regular damage in Nalanda innings.

Ananda skipper Pasindu Madushan having won the toss opted to bat and openers D Madushan (34 ) and G Wimaladarma ( 30 ) put up a 60-run first wicket stand which gave them early confidance to cleared the way for a total over 200.

With four Nalanda recognized batsmen back in pavilion for 41 runs, Lahiru Jayakodi ( 82 ) Ishan Rangana ( 43 ) and Pramud Hettiarachchi ( 30 ) brought back some hope for Nalanda. They were 177 for six at a stage and seemed on track. But Nalanda innings started to shatter after Pasindu Madushan dismissed Jayakodi .

With another two wickets in hand when the score was 192 Nalanda seemed never getting up. It was I. Gunasekara to finish Nalanda innings in his seventh over when the score was 211. All rounder Venura Ashan of Ananda won the man of the match award for his knock of 45not out and for the bowling performance of two wickets for 40 together with excellent fielding.