Nilakshika Silva hit an unbeaten century to lead Panadura SC to victory / Tharuka Shehani ran through Ace Capital CC’s batting, taking 6/11
SSC, Panadura SC and the two forces teams Army SC and Air Force SC won their respective matches in the opening weekend of the Major Clubs Women’s 50-over tournament.
SSC squeezed through to a thrilling two-wicket win against Badureliya CC at Ananda Mawatha. Having bowled Badureliya CC out for 99 off 38 overs, SSC slumped to 91-8 before their ninth wicket pair Inoshi Fernando (16*) and Chamodi Herath (5*) took them past the winning target. Sanjana Kavindi’s 46 off 89 balls (3 fours) for Badureliya CC was the top score of the match while spinners Inoshi Fernando and Sanuki Pathirage shared six wickets between them for SSC.
National cricketer Nilakshika Silva led from the front scoring an unbeaten century (120* off 90 balls, 12 fours, 2 sixes) as Panadura SC thumped Colts by a massive 140 runs at Colts grounds. Panadura SC were 86-3 when Nilakshika walked in and took complete control of the innings sharing in a stand of 84 off 71 balls with Rashmika Sewwandi (30) which was the highest of the innings. Colts were bundled out for 136 with seamer Piumi Wathsala taking 3/17.
CCC fell short by 16 runs to overhaul Army SC’s total of 177 at the CCC grounds. Imalka Mendis (41) and Nethmi Senaratna (46) were the principal scorers for Army SC. CCC recovered from losing their first six wickets for 82 to carry the fight to Army SC with Madhuri Samuddika (29) and Subadra Sawani (45*) coming together in a partnership of 60. But once the stand was broken CCC lost their last three wickets for one run. Seamers Randi Premarathne and Sandani de Silva took three wickets apiece.
In a low scoring game at Air Force grounds, Katunayake, Air Force SC beat Ace Capital CC by 10 wickets. Ace Capital CC were shot out for 54 by left-arm spinner Tharuka Shehani (6/11 off 9 overs) with only one batter getting into double figures. Air Force SC knocked the runs off 7.5 overs.