The preliminary rounds of the Cricket Tournament of SLUG 2023 continued last weekend through universities across the country with 7 matches taking place last Saturday.
University of Moratuwa (UOM) took on the University of Colombo (UOC) at the University Grounds, Moratuwa and having won the toss, UOC decided to bat first. They completed their 50 overs putting up a competitive score of 243/8. UOC captain Vasanthan Jathushan lead from the front, scoring 154 off just 133 deliveries including 16 fours and 4 sixes. UOM captain Vinuja Ranasinghe starred with the ball, claiming 5 wickets for 59 runs. Chasing a target of 244 to win, UOM reached their target with 4 wickets and 22 balls remaining. UOM skipper backed up his performance in the first innings, scoring a magnificent 139 off 151 including 19 fours and a six to guide UOM to victory.
Elsewhere at the University Grounds Kelaniya, the Univeristy of Peradeniya (UOP) took on the Unversity of Sri Jayawardhanapura (SJP). SJP won the toss and elected to field first. Their decision was vindicated by their performance on the field, bowling out UOP for just 149 runs. Kavindu Ediriweera was deadly with the ball, claiming 5 wickets for just 21 runs. With a modest target to chase, SJP chased down the target with 15 overs to spare. Leshan Amarasinghe and Kavindu Ediriweera scored 35 each while all the top order chipped in to chase down the target and take SJP to a comfortable win.
Meanwhile, the University of Ruhuna (RUH) played against Gampaha Wickramarachchi University (GWU) at Singhe Army Ground, Ambepussa. RUH won the toss and choose to bat first. Madhura Samarasinghe and Sahan Withanage scored 51 and 57 respectively and RUH put up 312 before being bowled out in the last over. Chasing a daunting target of 313 to win, GWU struggled to get going in their innings and could only make 94 runs in reply. Atputhingam Kirishan took 3 wickets in a complete bowling performance by RUH and they claimed the victory by 218 runs.
At Eastern University Grounds, Batticaloa, Eastern University (EST) hosted Kelaniya University (KEL) and having won the toss, they decided to bat first. However, EST could only manage to score 142 all out. Ashen Janadara took 5 wickets for KEL in a brilliant bowling performance. KEL had a couple of hiccups in the chase but managed to get to their target and secure the victory by 4 wickets with 47 deliveries to spare.
At University Grounds Kuliyapitiya, Rajarata University (RAJ) took on Wayamba University (WAY) in a low-scoring thriller. RAJ could only make 155/8 in their first innings having won the toss and choosing to bat first. WAY looked ahead in the game at the end of the first innings but a spirited bowling performance by the RAJ bowlers ensured that WAY fell short of their target, RAJ claiming the win by 22 runs.
South Eastern University, hosted the game of the day against Visual Performing Arts University (VPA) at the University Ground, Batticaloa. VPA made 187/9 in their 50 overs having won the toss and batted first. Janith Deshan became the top scorer with a 71. In reply, SEUSL got mighty close, but could only manage to get 180/10 falling agonizingly short by 7 runs. Captain Didula Abeysundara led the charge with the ball for VPA, claiming 6 wickets en route to victory.
Meanwhile, up North, Jaffna University (JAF) hosted Sabaragamuwa University (SAB) at University Grounds, Jaffna. Having elected to bat after winning the toss, JAF could only make 99 runs. SAB bowlers shared the wickets with Hashan Ranshika claiming 4 scalps. The SAB top order made easy work of the run chase, chasing it down within 18 overs with 7 wickets in hand.
The seven matches finished off the preliminary rounds of the Cricket Tournament and set up an exciting weekend of quarterfinals to come.
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