Poor weather mars start of Premier League
Charlie Austin - 26 January 2001

Poor weather marred the start of the fourth week of the Premier League Tournament on Friday. Most matches commenced late and then finished early as the heavy monsoon clouds rolled over Colombo in the afternoon. However, the seam bowlers weren't complaining. They had a field day in the overcast conditions.

The ball dominated bat in most of the matches, although Colombo Cricket Club's batsmen made a solid start in their match against Galle CC. At the close of play they had cruised to 200 for four in the 53.2 overs of play that were possible. Hunakumbara looks well set for a century and is currently unbeaten on 90 from 119 balls.

Nondescripts Cricket Club, the leaders of Group B, struggled against some disciplined bowling from Moors Sports Club. At the close of play they had crawled to 141 for four from 72 overs. Rangana Herath continued his excellent form with a miserly spell of one for 45 from 32 overs. Naweed Nawaz top scored with a patient 70 from 181 deliveries. It's an important match for Moors Sports Club as they are currently placed fifth in the group.

Group A leaders, Bloomfield Sports Club, also found life difficult in the 28 overs that were bowled at Reid Avenue. They are playing Burgher Recreation Club, who are currently second in the group. Bloomfield made a disastrous start, losing their first wicket to the second ball of the match. Thereafter they lost wickets at regular intervals and were 80 for six at the close. TM Dilshan made a disappointing return to the side after his travails in South Africa. Labrooy cleaned him bowled for just 11 runs.

Tamil Union made short work of the Sri Lanka Navy, who were bowled out for a pathetic 53 in under two hours. They have so far lost all their matches and have yet to justify their place in an all ready crowded tournament . Rideegammanagedara picked up the astonishing figures of five for eight from his nine overs of gentle medium pace.

Antonians may be at the bottom of Group B, but they have at least put in some competitive performances. Today was no exception as Siriwardene compiled 87 from 134 deliveries. Antonians finished the day on 191 for seven.

Colts Cricket Club reduced the Sri Lanka Air Force to 78 for seven at one stage at Havelock Road. However, the Air Force then added an unbeaten 76 for the eighth wicket. Gamage is on 45 from 123 balls and the wicket keeper, WR Fernando, scored 44 from 92 balls.

Elsewhere, the Sinhalese Sports Club finished the day on 145 for four against Singha CC and Police Sports Club were 116 for five against Matara SC.

© CricInfo


Teams Sri Lanka.
Tournaments Premier League Tournament
Season Sri Lankan Domestic Season

live scores








Results - Forthcoming
Desktop Scoreboard