Battle of the batters heading to a dull draw

A four- dayer turned out to be batting practise as both the teams piled tons of runs with batters from both the sides amassing big scores at the other National Super Provincial four day between Dambulla and Galle, at Dambulla, yesterday.

At an early day-three stumps, Galle had racked up a near-500, leading by 81. The foundation for this 499 was laid down by Hashan Dumindu stroking a masterful 167, but cruelly falling only one shy of his personal-best of 168. During that knock, he also starred in a double century stand (205) along with his captain Dhananjaya Lakshan, also hitting a 119.

The former, the highest scorer of the match, also stood in another 100plus stand with wicket-keeper batsman Vishad Randhika, chipping in with a 51.

Dambulla, opting to bat first, after

registering 418 would have thought they had enough on the board only for it easily surpassed their opposition. However, their innings was crafted by a captain’s of knock of 163 and opening batter Nimesha Gunasinghe’s 103.

The home side batting first were in a spot of bother at three down for 105. But both of them, in a 194-run stand, recovered and were instrumental in steering to a safe score. Chanaka Ruwansiri, having picked up four wickets, also removed the well- settled centurions.