Saracens SC won the Governor’s Trophy 50 Over cricket tournament when they defeated Sandalanka CC by 22 runs (DLS method) in the final played at the CCC Grounds on Friday.
Last year, Saracens SC had to share the title with Unichela SC when the final was ruined by rain and ended in a no-result. On this occasion, luckily for Saracens SC, the side batting second had faced more than 20 overs after which a result can be obtained if the game is halted.
Sandalanka CC, choosing to bat first after winning the toss, scored 237-9 in their allotted 50 overs. Saracens SC, in reply, reached 132-3 in 27 overs when rain put an end to the contest.
At the stoppage, Saracens SC, led by Chathura Hemakumara Peiris, were well ahead of the DLS par score of 110 after 27 overs and were declared the winner.
A 73-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Rishma Amarasinghe (27) and top scorer Janith Rathnasiri (60 off 76 balls, 3 fours, 4 sixes) saw Sandalanka CC reach a respectable score after they lost their first four wickets for 71.
Spinners Dilshan Mendis, Janaka Sampath, Deshan Fernando, and Dellon Peiris bowled excellent spells to contain the run rate, while seamer Chamath Gomez, the most successful bowler with three wickets, conceded more than seven an over.
In Saracens SC’s reply, openers Janaka Sampath (32 off 23 balls, 6 fours) and Anushka Perera (47 off 52 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) got them off to a flying start, posting 65 inside the first powerplay. Amitha Dabare (23* off 48) and Nayana Fernando (27* off 29) maintained the tempo, keeping Saracens SC ahead of the required run rate so that when play was eventually called off due to rain, the score was well above the DLS par score.
As champions, Saracens SC received Rs. 750,000, while Sandalanka CC collected a cheque for Rs. 500,000 as runner-up. Anushka Perera of Saracens SC received a cheque for Rs. 100,000 as Player of the Final, Binara Sanketh of Sandalanka CC Rs. 150,000 for Best Batsman, Sahan Kaushalya of Lankan CC Rs. 150,000 for Best Bowler, and Viranga Yeshan of Old Dharmapalians SC Rs. 250,000 for Most Valuable Player. The awards were presented by Sri Lanka Cricket Senior Manager – Cricket Administration Suresh Bulankulame.
Scores:
Sandalanka CC 237-9 (50) (Hasindu Perera 23, Amila Dayanaka 31, Rishma Amarasinghe 27, Janith Rathnasiri 60, Ramith Bandara 22, Ayesh Harshana 27, Chamath Gomez 3/65, Deshan Fernando 2/38)
Saracens SC 132-3 (27) (Janaka Sampath 32, Anushka Perera 47, Amitha Dabare 23*, Nayana Fernando 27*, Pasindu Ushettige 2/38)