GPA Cricket Academy make winning start to U13 inter-academy tournament

The Grand Park Arena (GPA) Cricket Academy made a winning start to their Inter-academy Under-13 Cricket Tournament campaign beating Colombo Premier Cricket Foundation by a massive 151 runs.

GPA captain A. J. Paranawidana won the toss and elected to bat first and his openers young Hansaka Perera (36) and Pasindu Theekshana (20) gave GPA a rollicking start by putting up 65 runs in 7.5 overs.

The first game of the tournament got underway today at the C.M.S. Grounds Kotte,with the new comers Grand Park Arena cricket academy (GPA) taking on much fancied Colombo Premier Cricket Foundation team.

Matheesha Nadul and Nethul Anuhas then put on an unbroken 154 runs for the third wicket, with Nadul scoring an unbeaten 103 off 67 balls and Nethul 73 not out.

Chasing a mammoth target of 264 in their allotted 30 overs, the Colombo Premier Cricket Foundation batsmen were all at sea against the disciplined GPA bowling attack.

Only three of their batsmen managed to get to double figures, the highest being of 29 runs by opener Minuka Wijerathne.

The GPA bowling attack was lead by the left arm paceman Paranawidana who took 2 for 16 in 5 overs. GPA right arm leg spinner Randiv Perera took three important wickets for 21 runs in his 5 over spell.

Left arm spinner Anuhas was the pick of the bowlers taking 3 for 20 in 6 overs.

GPA will next play Panadura Cricket Club on March 7 at the Panadura St. John’s grounds.

The inter-academy Under-13 cricket tournament organised by CCC School of Cricket got underway on February 20 2021.

All major cricket academies are invited to play in this prestigious annual tournament. This year 20 teams are playing for the trophy under four groups.

GPA 263/2 in 30 overs (Hansaka Perera 36, Pasindu Theekshana 20, Matheesha Nadul 103 n.o., Nethul Anuhas 73 n.o.) Colombo Premier Cricket Foundation 112 in 26.1 overs (Nethul Anuhas 3/20 , Randir Perera 3/21 , Paranawidana 2/16)