Opening batsman, Madushan Fernando with a sterling batting performance (89 runs in 69 balls, 2x6s, 11x4s) steered David Pieris Group of Companies ‘A’ to a thrilling two wickets win over Airport and Aviation Services in the third Ceylon Biscuits ltd sponsored ‘CBL Munchee’ Trophy – MCA ‘D’ division 40 over League Tournament 2023 final at MCA ground on Sunday (8). Airport and Aviation Services, sent into bat, posted a challenging total of 206 all out in 39.4 overs. They were helped by a fifth-wicket partnership of 96 runs in 83 balls between, captain, Tharaka Dushantha (73 in 77 balls, 3x6s, 4x4s) and Kalpa Umayanga (50 in 49 balls, 1x6s, 5x4s).
Captain Manjula Gannile ( 7.4-35-5) and Akila Elabodage (8-34-3) bowled their hearts out for DPGC ‘A’.
In reply, DPGC ‘A’ was in a spot of bother, after the departure of Madushan Fernando, with the scoreboard reading 150 for 5 in 24.5 overs.
Late-order batsman, Gannile (26) and Akila Elabodage (21 not out) grimly held the fort and took DPGC ‘A’ pass the finishing line, 211 for eight in 37.4 overs. Chinthaka Karunaratne (8 -31-2) and Nuwan Sameera Yapa (8-31-3) were the pick of the bowlers for Airport and Aviation Services.
MCA-appointed Match Referee, Tyrone H. Wijeyawardena picked Madushan Fernando (DPGC A) as his Man of the Match.
The other three special awards, based on performances up to the Semi-Finals.
Best Bowler and Man of the Series, Nimesh Malinda Perera from Melwire Rolling (Pvt) Ltd (performance 40.4 overs, 107 runs, 21 wickets, Avg. 5.10, Economy 2.63, best 6.2 overs; 03 maidens, 14 runs 7 wickets Vs. Hemas Group)
Best Batsman : Madushan Fernando from DPGC ‘A’ (performance, 06 innings, 281 runs ; best 143 in 102 balls inclusive of 10 sixes and 10 fours Vs. Trelleborg Lanka in the quarter finals. )
The awards were presented by the Chief Guest, CBL Marketing Manager, Romesh Jayatillake and MCA Officials, Nalin Wickramasinghe, President, Mahesh de Alwis, Senior Vice President and Tarindra Kaluperuma, General Secretary.
Scores:
Airport & Aviation Services
206 all out in 39.4 overs (C. Dilhara 21, Nuwan Yapa 15, Tharaka Dushantha 73, Kalpa Umayanga 50; Manjula Gannile 5/35, Akila Elabodage 3/34)
DPGC ‘A’
211 for 8 in 37.4 overs (Madushan Fernando 89, S. Roshen 18, Manjula Gannile 26, Akila Elabodage 21 n.o.; Chinthaka Karunaratne 2/31, Nuwan Yapa 3/31)