Two superb back-to-the wall efforts by Dharmaraja’s Dulaj Bandara saved his team from what looked like a hopeless situation at the end of day one at Lake View.
Unbeaten on 21 overnight, Dulaj guided the Rajans to 131, conceding a lead of 125. Following on, Dulaj put the hand up once more and produced another quality knock of 73.
Mithila Gayeshan also came up with a good hand of 73 under pressure.
Kalana, the wrecker had 2-42, while Dellon Pieris had match figures 8-89.
Set a target of 106 in 13 overs, the Thomians went for it initially. But the loss of some quick wickets in the middle overs made them halt their victory charge.
A good match that typified the glorious uncertainties of the game.
The match was a personal triumph for Under-19 star Kalana Perera who made 108 not out and took seven wickets.
St. Thomas’ 256-6 decl and 69-6 in 11 overs
Shalin de Mel 35, n.o., Navindu Dilshan 3-49 (Target 106 in 13 overs)
Dharmaraja 72-8 contd. 131 in 48.5 overs
Dulaj Bandara 62 n.o., Yasith Samararatne 20, Upendra Warnakulasuriya 13, Kalana Perera 5-40, Dellon Pieris 4-31 and 230 in 76.4 overs
Dulaj Bandara 73, Mithila Gyaeshan 73, Yasith Samararatne 20, Dellon Peiris 4-58, Shannon Fernando 3-23, Kalana Perera 2-42.
