Gladiators 2 in close 9 runs win over Gladiators 8

The last match of the SSC Cricket Carnival’s Under 13 preliminary round matches concluded at the SSC Turf last Saturday when Gladiators Team 2 scored a close nine run victory over Gladiators Team 8.

Gladiators Team 2 led by Gavin Karunakarage taking first lease of the wicket ended their quota of 30 overs on 177 for the loss of 5 wickets. Karunakarage leading from the front top scored with 33 runs off 17 deliveries. Buddhima Dilshan ( 30) and the skipper was involved in a half century partnership was the highlight of the Gladiators Team 2 inning. Medium pace bowler Midusha Siriwardene was the most successful bowler to capture 2 for 8 runs while the other medium paceie Villan Nethaka too bowled a nagging length to claim 2 for 21.

Gladiators Team 8 was on their way to a victory chasing 178 until left arm spinner Jude Navarathnarajah came into the attack when they needed 15 runs for victory. Larsen Alawaththegama and Thevin Ranasinghe combination slow- ly and steadily inched towards the winning total but Navarathnaraja stuck at the right moment to dismiss both of them in quick succession. Alawaththegama scored a steady 31 with five hits to the ropes while Ranasinghe, more aggressive of the two, hit two t owe r i n g sixes and three boundaries in his 33. Kemila Kithmal ( 16 n. o. ) , Villan Nethaka ( 17) and Chirana Pathirana ( 19) were the other notable contributors for Team 8. Rashmin Roshan kept the batsmen in check to be rewarded with 2 for 22 but it was Navarathnarajah who put the brakes capturing 3 for 22 to obtain a nine runs win. Team 8 were 169 for 6 (30) at the close.

The Finals of the Under 13 Gladiators is scheduled to be played at the SSC this week

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