Nuwanidu, Nipun steer Colombo to sixth win

 Nuwanidu Fernando and Nipun Dhananjaya react

(Pic courtesy SLC)

By M. Shamil Amit

Nuwanidu Fernando and Nipun Dhananjaya cracked centuries to help Colombo record a thrilling five-run win over Kandy in a high-scoring match of the National Super League Limited Over Cricket Tournament encounter played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Hambantota yesterday.

Colombo went on to record their sixth win of the tournament.

Nuwanidu slammed a quick-fire 164 in 138 balls which had 18 boundaries and five sixes and was involved in two valuable partnerships.

He put on 215 runs for the second wicket with Nipun, who hit 116 in 132 balls with 11 boundaries and a six. He also added 92 runs for the third wicket with Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who made an unbeaten 27.

Colombo taking first lease of the wicket made a formidable 325 for five. 

Kandy in their run chase lost three wickets with the score on 70 in the eighth over before centurions Sahan Arachchige, who made 120 inclusive of 11 boundaries and a six and Ahan Wickramasinghe, who hit 100 with 12 boundaries and a six came to their rescue and shared 167 runs for the fourth wicket.

But after their separation they lost wickets at regular intervals and were restricted for 320 runs.

Meanwhile, a fine 110 in 88 balls inclusive of 12 boundaries and four sixes by Lasith Croospulle laid the foundation for Dambulla to outclass fancied Galle by 187 runs on the D/L method in another match played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. 

Dambulla taking first lease of the wicket made a formidable 303 which came on the back of two partnerships. 

The first was 83 runs for the opening wicket between Lasith and Nishan Madushka and another 82 runs for the seventh wicket between Dushan Hemantha and Diniru Abeywickramasinghe.

Later Kasun Rajitha and skipper Lakshan Sandakan shared six wickets between them to bundle out Galle for 108.