Dambulla clinch maiden NSL Four-Day Title in style

Overnight batsman Charith Asalanka, who resumed unbeaten on 29, added only six more runs before falling to Mohammed Shiraz early in the morning session. Wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara completed the catch behind the stumps.

Young Sharujan Shanmuganathan scored 8, while Kavija Gamage was run out for 2. Colombo’s lower order failed to resist the disciplined Dambulla pace attack as the innings ended at 179.

Earlier, opener Dhananjaya Lakshan top-scored with a fighting 84 on the third day, but he received little support from the other batsmen, which eventually led to Colombo’s defeat. Dambulla celebrated their maiden NSL Four-Day title victory with two sessions to spare.

Colombo paceman Kavindu Pathiratne, who claimed 5 for 51 in Dambulla’s first innings to restrict them to 143, was named Player of the Final. Pathiratne, who recorded two five-wicket hauls during the tournament and also contributed valuable runs in the middle order, won the Most Valuable Player award along with a cash prize of Rs. 1.5 million.

Galle skipper Sadeera Samarawickrama was named Best Batsman of the Tournament, while Colombo paceman Chamod Battage received the Best Bowler’s award.

Dambulla skipper Dhananjaya de Silva received the winner’s cheque of Rs. 5 million from Chairman of Selectors Pramodya Wickramasinghe, while Colombo skipper Charith Asalanka collected the runners-up cheque worth Rs. 3 million at the awards ceremony.

Chief Scores

Dambulla – 222 for 9 declared and 222 all out

Nishan Madushka 43, Vishad Randika 21, Lasith Croospulle 14, Sonal Dinusha 12, Anjala Bandara 32, Kavindu Pathiratne 17, Akila Dananjaya 53*

Pramod Madushan 2/48, Chamod Battage 4/55, Prabath Jayasuriya 3/16

Colombo – 143 and 179 all out (target 299)

Dhananjaya Lakshan 84, Nuwanidu Fernando 23, Charith Asalanka 35

Mohammed Shiraz 4/38, Nisala Abeyratne 2/23