Close matches and a rain-induced suspension gave a thrill to the Quarter Finals of the Inter-University Cricket Championship. After weeks of contests and play, the best eight teams set their targets on the championship trophy. And as the best teams contested, they produced some of the most exciting matches yet in the tournament. Here is a recap that will seek to give you the same exhilaration of the knockout stage.
Jaffna makes it through a see-saw match with a thrilling finish
University of Jaffna (140/10) beat the University of Sabaragamuwa (134/10) by 6 runs
You would be forgiven if you didn't give a chance to the University of Jaffna when they only posted 140. Jaffna was in danger of losing their Semi-Final spot to the University of Sabaragamuwa - who had an unbeaten run in the first round.
But Jaffna showed their skills and proved it wouldn't be a walkover for Sabaragmuwa. Jaffna stayed in the game long enough as they kept nagging for wickets from Sabaragamuwa.
Sandeepa Akalanka played a lone hand of 52 runs as he tried to anchor his team to victory. But once Dinuka Hathurusinghe caught Akalanka off his bowling as the 8th victim of Jaffna's bowling, the game grew bleak for Sabaragamuwa.
Hathurusinghe and Yathushan Nagalingam picked 3 wickets each, while Kalhara Dissanayake picked 2 wickets as they turned the tide and brought Jaffna back to contention. And eventually, Sabaragmuwa would fail to cross the finish line as 11th man Randika Sandun was run out and left themselves agonizingly 6 runs away from the Semi-Finals.
But a few hours back, Randika Sandun had the spotlight as he picked a 6-wicket haul in the first innings with bowling figures of 6/24. Jaffna collapsed from 71/2 to 80/7 before Rishikeithanan Haritharan rallied the low order to set up a score of 140. Haritharan top-scored for Jaffna with 38 in what turned out to be a crucial knock.
Japura endures a hiccup to make it through to the semi-finals
University of Sri Jayewardenepura (142/7) beat the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (138/10) by 3 wickets
The University of Sri Jayewardenepura has made it a habit of dismissing its opponents for low scores during the group stage. And once again, Japura showcased their bowling skills by dismissing the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka for 138.
It was a team effort by Japura as 6 of the 8 bowlers were among the wickets column. But the best bowler was Thilina Tharinda, who picked 3 wickets and was responsible for keeping Rajarata's openers quiet. Rajarata's Dilan Bandara did his best to hold the innings with his half-century of 57 runs.
But Rajarata had no intentions to make it easy for Japura to chase like in their group stage matches. Japura, who had a habit of making quick starts, quickly fell to 34/3, along with the in-form Umesh Lakshan departing. But the middle order with Kavindu Ediriweera(44) and Sajith De Silva(34) played vital roles in stitching a partnership of 62 to steady the chase. Asel Sigera, too came and made an enterprising cameo of 26 off 13.
Nevertheless, the game wouldn't be a smooth finish as Rajarata reduced Japura from 132/4 to 138/7, causing a mild concern about the game. But the University of Sri Jayewardenepura crossed the finish line amidst a slight hiccup.
Wayamba overcomes the weather and Peradeniya
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka (219/4) beat the University of Peradeniya (108/10) by 111 runs
Just like Japura, the University of Peradeniya had a knack for bowling out their opponents for low scores. In fact, they could pick all 10 wickets in each group match played.
So, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka had their work cut out when they faced the University of Peradeniya in the knockouts. But then came the weather into the game and threatened both sides to almost no play. Amidst all this, Wayamba managed to pull off a comprehensive win against Peradeniya with a margin of 111 runs.
Wayamba chose to face Peradeniya's bowlers first and was able to match the challenge in a game shortened to 37 overs. They scored 194/3 before they met the next challenger - rain that essentially called play to a halt for the day. Fortunately, the match continued on the reserve day, and Wayamba posted 219/4.
Dimuthu Fonseka (54) and Nilukshan Udayakumar (52*) scored half-centuries for their efforts. Meanwhile, Doveen Anjana played an enterprising 67 off 38 balls on a relatively lackluster day for Peradeniya's bowlers.
Thereon, Wayamba didn't waste any time as Peradeniya found it too difficult to handle the bowlers from Wayamba. Doveen Anjana and Supun Madushka picked 3 wickets each to rock Peradeniya out of contention as Wayamba bowled them out for 108.
Moratuwa survives the frantic rollercoaster ride to the Semis
The University of Moratuwa (121/9) beat the University of Colombo (120/10) by 1 wicket
Few would have imagined what was next to come when the University of Moratuwa stepped out to chase 121 after cheaply dismissing the University of Colombo. It turned out to be a rollercoaster for both sides - leading to one of the most thrilling games of the tournament yet.
Colombo's bowlers desperately fought valiantly to keep their place in the tournament. Moratuwa being at 35/1, soon found themselves in a precarious position at 59/5. Ruvin Seneviratne did his part as he picked 3/22. And in the time of need, it was on the shoulders of Gavin Boteju - the tournament's highest run-scorer to steady the ship. Together with Nalinatha Wijayaweera, Moratuwa went towards 110/5, and it seemed that it was a straight road to the target.
But Colombo pulled the game back and picked the 4 quick wickets sending Moratuwa to a quick rollercoaster dive. And Boteju, who witnessed carnage unfolding, saw his team at 118/9. All 3 results were possible at this point. But eventually, Boteju guided through the tricky phase with his gritty half-century to allow the University of Moratuwa to take up a win which seemed their's to begin with and wasn't theirs as the game unfolded. It was heartbreak for Colombo after they fought back so hard and found themselves 1 wicket away from the Semi-Finals.
Along with Boteju's heroics, the game was set up by Morauwa's bowlers, who tripped Colombo to a score of 120. Vasanthan Jathushan made 39 as the top scorer as Sayuru Wanasinghe and Vinuja Ranasinghe made inroads picking 4 and 3 wickets, respectively. Boteju, too picked 2 wickets for himself, setting the scene for a thrilling game of cricket.
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After 4 games of exciting cricket, the four semifinalists were found.
- University of Jaffna
- University of Sri Jayewardenepura
- Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
- University of Moratuwa
We at MoraSpirit wish all the best to the teams as they continue their campaign towards the Inter-University Cricket Championship. And as always, MoraSpirit will bring close coverage of the Semi-Finals, which we expect to be as thrilling and exciting as the Quarter-Finals.
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