Late show helps Richmond force a draw
The weather was perfect but luck favoured Mahinda College who did well to hold the star studded Richmond team to a draw at their 112th big match which ended at the Galle International Cricket Stadium last evening. Richmond proved their superiority in the second innings posting 205/ 1 at the end of the day. The only consolation for Richmond was that Dhananjaya Lakshan accomplished his big match ton and that they took a four run lead in the first innings.
The game turned in Mahinda’s favour when Richmond lost the toss and were invited to bat first and fell short by about 70 form their intended first innings target. Avindu Theekshana, Thaveesha Abhishek and Kavindu Mendis were the top run getters for Richmond while Kalindu
Edirisinghe, Kavidu Ediriweera and Nipun Malinga captured two wickets each to contend Richmond.
The Mahindian’s continuing from their overnight score of 96/3 doggedly batted out 105.5 overs to reach 180. Night watchman Venura Dulsara scored a patient 57 runs off 259 balls with just four boundaries. Sandun Mendis made the initial breakthrough for Richmond by capturing
t h ree wickets while Avindu Theekshana captured four wickets to get rid of the Mahinda tail enders.
Richmond proved their strength in batting when Kamindu Mendis and Dhanajaya Lakshan posted a 168 run partnership for the first wicket (a record for the series) before Mendis was unfortunately out on 92 but Dhananjaya went on to end the day unbeaten on 101 scored off 100 balls with 10 boundaries. Kamindu’s 92 came off 90 balls with 8 boundaries and a six.