Saman Jayantha’s ton guides Sri Lanka to semis

Opener Saman Jayantha stroked a fluent knock of 114 in 82 balls well supported by Ruvin Peiris who scored an unbeaten 64 in 50 balls as Sri Lanka over 50 team recorded 8 wickets win over New Zealand over 50 in their International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over 50 World Cup cricket fixture played at SSC grounds yesterday. Sri Lanka’s victory paved the way for them to enter the semi finals of this tournament.

Saman Jayantha the right hander played an anchor role to reach their 225 runs target which came only in 29.5 overs. Jayantha the former Sri Lankan player used his experience to struck 18 fours and 3 sixes before run out in 12.2 overs. He was able to associate 92 runs open partnership with Russel Ingram who scored 29 ball 25 with 3 fours and a six. Ruvin Peris stroked unbeaten 64 in 50 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes also added 46 runs unbroken third wicket stand with Rory Ingram who scored 18-ball 15 with 2 fours.

Earlier New Zealand invited to bat first scored 224 for 7 wickets in their 45 overs while openers Andrew Hore (39) and Mason Robinson (23) added 66 runs open stand in 12.5 overs followed by John Garry who scored a fine knock of 51 in 60 with 3 fours. Saman Jayantha the off spinner was the most successful bowler taking 3 for 41 in his 9 over spell while Suwanji Madanayake, Upul Chandana, Daminda Wijesekera and Rivin Peris shared a wicket each.

Chief scores

New Zealand Over 50: 227 for 7 wickets in 45 overs Andrew Hore 39 , Mason Robinson 23, Craig Foster 25 , John Garry 51, Adil Somani 31, Damian Grant 23*, Darren Sears 12*. Suwanji Madanayake 1/36, Saman Jayantha 3/41, Upul Chandana 1/31, Daminda Wijesekera 1/55, Rivin Peiris 1/21.

Sri Lanka Over 50: 228 for 2 wickets in 29.5 overs Saman Jayantha 114, Russel Ingram 25, Rivin Peiris 64*, Rory Ingram 15*, Vishal Dube 1/57.

 Source:Daily News