SERENDIB CRICKET

A below par performance in the field almost cost them the friendly 30 over game against Shizuoka C.C, but Dhanuka Samaranayaka managed to sneak one through the gate in the final over to give Serendib C.C a 1 run victory.

The day began with Serendib C.C. captain Buddhika Samarakoon winning the toss as he usually does, and electing to bat under the warm Shizuoka sun. The usual tail enders Amilendra Kodithuwakku and Arosha Perera were promoted as the opening pair, with the intention of giving them some batting practice, and if possible to end Amilendra's not out streak, whose bragging has been a recent nuisance to his fellow teammates. The Shizuoka opening bowlers Abbas and Sukitha maintained a good wicket to wicket line during the first five overs and Amilendra, who had got off his mark with a risky single which nearly ran out Arosh, gave a simple catch to midoff in the 5th over to give Abbas his first wicket. Jayathura Samarakoon joined Arosh, and Sukitha, who had being maintaining a good line until then, gave 10 wides in the next over to prop up Serendib's run rate. Arosh was bowled by Abbas in the 7th over. The usually dependable Dhanuka Smaranayaka came in next, but gave a tame catch in his 2nd ball off new bowler Dhana and was out for nought. The hard hitting Amesh was sent in next under clear instructions to accellerate the run rate, and he and Jayathura managed to score boundaries at will, bringing the score to 64 by the 12th over when Jayathura was out bowled by Mevan for a valuable 26 in just 31 balls. Captain Buddhika Samarakoon joined Amesh and the pair continued scoring quickly. Amesh was out L.B.W. by Lalith when the score was on 92 in the 17th over. The talented Shiron Rathnasekara who hadn't made many runs recently came in next. Although captain Buddhika was out not long after that for a well made 14, Shiron made amends to his previous low scores with a masterclass 30 from that many balls. Duminda Wickremasingha also gave good support to Shiron by making 23 runs. Even after Duminda fell to Lakmal for 23, Serendib was well set in making above 170 when Shizuoka captain Neil Harrison brought himself for the final overs. The Serendib batsmen, used to facing fast bowlers, found it difficult to judge Neil's slow loopy deliveries. In two overs Neil claimed Shiron caught for 30, Tharaka hit wicket for 4 and Sachintha bowled for 2, and Serendib were out for 159 in 28.4 overs.

Scoring at a run rate above 5 per over was going to be very difficult for the Kytes considering the recent form of the Serendib bowlers. The left arm fast bowler Iroshana and Shiron opened the attack for Serendib. Although the opener Wasantha was cleverly run out for 7 by Dhanuka's direct hit, the new batsman Suresh and the other opener Uditha took up the score to 30. Shiron produced a jaffa of a deliver to bowl Suresh for 3, and almost immediately Duminda claimed the wicket of Abbas for nought. Then Uditha was runout for 23 and Lalith was run out for 0 putting the Kytes in a bit of a bother at 50 for 5. Lakmal and Sukitha took the score to the eighties, when Dhanuka trying out his leg spin talents clean bowled Lakmal. Kytes captain Neil joined Sukitha with the intention of building up a partnership and salvaging some pride for Kytes. Sukitha played the aggressive role in that partnership making a beautiful 34 before being out L.B.W to Arosh. Sukitha took a special liking to Dhanuka's leg spin deliveries, and anything pitching on leg stump was severely punished. Mewan the next batsman in, faced only 2 deliveries when the muscle strain sustained while fielding forced him to retire hurt. Neil, who had been playing second fiddle to Sukitha, then took charge and farmed the strike with Shoaib and Dhana to take the game into the final over with just 6 needed and only Dhana left for a companion. Dhanuka who had been bowling lollies until then was given the final over, and thankfully for Serendib decided to bowl his usual fast deliveries. Neil scored a boundary at the first ball, and took a single to take them just 1 run behind Serendib. However Dhanuka managed to clean bowl Dhana giving Serendib a 1 run victory. Neil although unfortunate to end up in the losing side, was the top scorer with 47 not out.

Thus ended Serendib's last game in Shizuoka this season. If weather permits they will play either the Edogawa Falcons or Lalazar, their nemesis in the two previous semifinals, at the J.G.C tournament final to be played in Edogawa in two weeks time. ※

※Note by the editor.
According to the latest news received, the semifinal and final have been postponed due to bad weather. Therefore considering the incoming winter, the remaining matches of the 2009 season will be held at the start of the 2010 season which will be somewhere around March 2010.

A collective strong performance by the Serendib bowling unit laid the platform for a 3 wicket victory against the Indian Tigers in the first semifinal of the J.G.C T20 Cup 2009 played on the 8th of November 2009. This victory broke Serendib's semifinal hoodoo which had them lose two previous semifinals this season.

Serendib were put to field first, on a slightly wet outfield due to the heavy morning dew, after losing the toss. Serendib's captain Buddhika Samarakoon placed his trust in Amilendra Kodithuwakku to open the attack, and Amilendra repaid his captain's faith by producing a spell of perfect line and length, and in the process also claimed the first wicket to fall in the Indian Tiger's lineup. Buddhika's tactic in using Amesh Weerasinghe's cutters at the start of the game also paid off with Amesh getting 2 valuable wickets. Asanka Pallegedara Iroshan Goshan too chipped in with 2 wickets each and Shiron Ratnasekara took one wicket. Poor running between the wickets cost the Indian Engineers the rest of the wickets to fall, and they were all out for a mere 70 runs in just 14 overs. That Serendib didn't even have to call on their main strike bowler Dhanuka Samaranayake speaks volumes about how strongly the rest of the bowling unit performed.

Knowing that it was their game to lose, Serendib's openers Tharaka Pathberiya and Sachintha Gurudeniya batted positively, but Sachintha was given out L.B.W rather unfortunately in the second over when the score was on 7. Tharaka was then joined by Serendib's in-form batsman Dhanuka Samaranayake, and the pair took apart the Indian Tigers bowling attack in ruthless fashion. Dhanuka especially was in his usual flamboyant self, striking 2 back to back boundaries. Seeing that his fast bowlers were not troubling any of the batsmen, the Indian Tiger's captain decided to give his slow bowlers a chance and tossed the ball to Pramod. Pramod obliged by clean bowling Dhanuka for 21 when the score was on 43. N.P. Chandrasiri was the next batsmen, and he was clearly under orders from his captain to hold up one end, while the other batsmen finished the job from the other end. However Pramod produced a fine display of slow bowling, relying on line and length rather than pace, to pick up the wickets of Tharaka for 11 and star batsman Shiron Ratnasekara for nought. Captain Buddhika made a quickfire 12 before he too was bowled by Pramod. Chandrasiri who made a sedate 1 out of 18 balls, was bowled by Udaya, and the new batsman Iroshana Goshan holed out to deep mid wicket to bring Serendib's score down to 63 for 7 and gave Pramod his 5th wicket of the match. With only 3 wickets more to go, the new pair on the crease, Asankha Pallegedara and Amilendra Kodithuwakku may have been under some pressure, but it didn't show as they reduced the deficit by taking well judged singles. Amilendra continuing his streak of not outs, took a risky double to reduce the deficit to 1 and Asankha took a single to tie the scores in the next over. Amilendra hit the winning boundary over long on to give Serendib a well deserved place in the final, and they will play the winners of the 2nd semifinal against Lalazar and Edogawa Falcons, which is scheduled for the 15th of November 2009.

Serendib once again lost to Lalazar in the KCL T20 semi final played in Shizuoka. Serendib was looking forward to entering the inaugural KCL T20 final, after scoring 172 runs in the 20 overs batting first. But it was not enough as Lalazar batters who attacked Serndib bowlers every corner of the syzouka ground. Serendib inform batsman Dhanuka Samaranayake once again scored a splendid 50 and new found batsman Jankarathne contributed with scoring 18 runs in the final over of the inning.

Lalazar started their run chase with attacking mood as usual.Although wickets were fallen at regular intervals every one contributed with quick fire runs. Finally captain Gulzar and Razzak chased the target of 172 runs in 19.1 overs.Razzak in particular annihilate the serendib bowlers by hitting mighty sixes.

Serendib now ended their KCL competition at Syzouka for this season but still looking forward to winning the JGC competition that lost in the finals last year.

Serendib's once again lost thier KCL semi final game against Lalazar last weekend.This is the second consecutive semi final elimination of KCL.Last year Serendib lost to Tokyo Giants sports club and this time it is against Lalazar sports club.

Serendib captain Buddhika Samarakoon won the toss at beautiful Syzouka ground.Serendib openers started well with an aggressive manner.But wickets were tumbled at regular interval cause the problem of serendib inning.Dhanuka Samaranayake once again batted with great courage but unfortunately not much support were given by rest of the batsman.Serendib finally got out for 163 runs with the help of Dhanuka's 58 runs.

Lalazar batsman as usual started their run chase by attacking the bowlers.But Serendib bowlers did not give much room for lalazar batsman to slash freely.Lalazar batsman also could not build a good partnership and getting out at regular interval.Once score board showed that 99 runs for 7 wickets.But unbroken 8th wicket partnership of 65 runs ended the Serendib's chance of entering KCL finals.

Serendib got through to the semi finals in the inaugural KCL 20/20 knockout tournament sponsored by Nagoya CC.Serendib defeated Nagoya CC , the sponsors of the tournament by 6 runs at the picturesque Syzouka ground this weekend.Nagoya CC won the toss and asked Serendib to bat first since condition was good for the seam bowling.Nagoya bowlers justify their captain's decision by bowling stump-to-stump line and given extremely few power play runs.Serendib one drop batsman Dhanuka Samaranayake batted with real confidence and scored a 48 runs.Some support were given by Asankha Pallegedara in the beginning and Jayathura Samarakoon at the end.Serendib final score was 114 runs which is not that huge score but dependable one under the wet ground condition.

It is evident that target is not an easy one by any means since Nagoya CC loss their wickets at regular intervals.All the Serendib bowlers bowled tight line and length to restrict Nagoya batsman and eventually they needed run a ball chase from last 6 overs.In the last two overs they needed 13 runs to win the match but in 19th over bowled by spinner Asankha Pallegedara only gave 2 runs and took a wicket.Now Nagoya last pair at the crease and needed 11 runs but bowler was Dhanuka Samaranayake the fastest bowler of the Serendib side.First ball was smashed through the open mid wicket area and next one went through to the wicket keeper.Now Nagoya need 7 runs from 4 balls but in the very next ball Dhanuka got his wicket by hitting the stumps.This gave required victory to knocked the Nagoya CC out of KCL 20/20 competition and Serendib now has to face either alkaraam or Lalazar in the semi finals.

Yesterday Serendib recorded their biggest victory at Edogawa ground against Tigers.

This friendly game reduced to 32 overs per team due to bad ground condition.Serendib captain Shiron dharshana won the toss and elected to bat as usual.They scored 201 runs with the help of some ordinary bowling and fielding performance by Indian Tigers.They conceded 56 wides which was the highest scorer for the match. Both Lasith rathnamalala and Sachintha scored 32 runs each and good support was given by Jayathura Samarakoon who scored 19 runs.

Indian Tigers target run chase was not an easy task since required run rate was over 6 from the beginning.At worst, tigers loss their one of the openers in the very first over.They are no way near the required rate on any time due to serendib accurate bowling.Finally Tigers were walloped again by giving biggest margin victory of 104 runs to Serendib.

Yesterday's Serendib vs Indian tigers JGC game at Edogawa ended as a tied game.This is the first time Serendib couldn't win against Indian Tigers.As it was a very close game which could swing to both sides but ended up with a tie.

Serendib captain Buddhika Samarakoon won the toss and not hesitated to bat as only 9 members arrived on time when match was started. Serendib openers gave a 30 odd run partnership for first wicket in 7 overs.After loosing Asankha , Shiron Dharhana continued his good form by scoring 35 runs.But run rate was always at near 5 runs per over and could not accelerate in final overs.In the end Serendib ended with 91 runs on the board which was at least 10-15 runs behind the usual good score at Edogawa pitch.

Tigers started their run chase in aggressive manner scoring two fours in first over.But Shiron Dharshana once again demolished the tigers top order by taking 2 wickets in his first over.After loosing early wickets tigers played watchfully and gradually close to required target of 92. Finally Tigers needed 5 runs to win in the final over but only 2 wickets in their hand.Dhanuka Samaranayake bowled the final over with very good pace and accurate length.Tigers batsman failed to get any touch on their bat for first 3 balls and lost one wicket as well.So they needed 5 runs to win in final 3 balls.After getting one run in next ball 4 needed to win and 3 to draw.Then the very next ball Tigers last man batsman finally hit the ball in the air only to found a fielder at long off.But fielder couldn't grasp the catch which enabled Tigers to earn 2 valuable runs to their score.Now Tigers needed 2 runs to win and 1 to draw in the final ball with one wicket in hand.Dhanuka once again bowled a very good ball and tiger's batsman once again swung his bat in the air but non striker could able to cross one run when wicket keeper fumbled the ball behind the stumps.This is the end of nail-biting finish for the game by sharing two points each teams.

Serendibs started their JGC T20 competition with a tight win against Tokyo Dragonz.

Serendib captain Buddhika samarakoon lost the toss this time and had to field first.Serendib opening bowlers bowled good tight spell and Dragonz score was 6 runs in first 4 overs.But they gradually accelerated the run rate to 5 runs per over.Although serendib opening bowlers bowled good tight spell most of the wickets were taken by slow bowlers.Imalka samaranayake who now plays only 20/20s grabbed 3 wickets and another 3 were taken by Asankha pallegedara of his off cutters.In the end Dragonz were all out for 103. Serendib started thier run chase slowly since Dragonz bowlers bowled some good tight length.After loosing 1st wicket Buddhika Manoj and Asankha Pallegedara consolidated the inning with 50 odd runs partnership.But run rate was almost near the 5 runs per over which was the required run rate as well.After loosing both Buddhika and Asankha, serendib was bit of trouble with run a ball required rate.But Dhanuka Samaranayake came to crease and hit a huge six which reduce the pressure of serendib batsman.In the end Serendib got through the required target with 1 over to spare.

Today serendib scheduled to have a afternoon game against Edogawa Falcons but their regular team didn't show up in the field.So once Edogawa Falcons agree to give a walkover but in the end they managed to field a team with some players from Tokyo Dragonz.Although it may be out of the rules of JGC competition,Serendibs agree to play a game since they are always like to play cricket in competitive manner.Buddhika once again lost the toss so Serendib have to field two consecutive time under very hot japanese summer weather condition.Falcons started slowly but after several overs they attack some of serendib tired looking bowlers. In the end falcons were bowled out for 107 runs in the 19th over.Serendib start their run chase with attacking mood.After 3 overs serendib score was 23 runs which was way ahead of required run rate.But gradually Falcons bowlers found their rhythm and bowled pretty good line and length.Opener Shiron Dharshana anchored the Serendib innings with good 30 odd runs.But after loosing his wicket in crucial time Serendib couldn't catch up the required run rate.All of serendib players try to attack falcons in latter overs but couldn't manage to hit boundaries regularly since most of the fielders are fielded in boundary lines.In the end serendib couldn't got through the required target this time and fall short of just 8 runs.

Today Serendib enters KCL semi final for the 2nd consecutive year by walloping Tokyo Predators at picturesque Syzouka ground.Serendib captain Buddhika won the toss and no hesitate to bat on lovely pitch for batsmans.Openers scored 30 runs for first wicket but lost the first 3 wickets before score moves to 62 runs.Then shiron dharshana and Dhanuka samaranayake consolidated the innings with solid 4th wicket partnership. But after loosing 4th wicket Serendibs were bit of bother because once score card showed 128 runs for 7 wickets.But Buddhika manoj once again came out with a gem of innings.He scored quick fire 43 runs by only facing 32 balls to set the Predators target score of 224 runs.

Predators started thier run chase with a poor start loosing first wicket in the first over.After that wicket they were no way near the required run rate of over 5 runs per over.Finally they just bowled out for mere 120 runs and gave Serendib a massive win of 103 runs.This secure serendib's semi final birth of KCl competition for the 2nd consecutive year.Now serendib looks forward to winning against either Tokyo Giants or Alkaraam in the semi finals.

It seems that Indian Tigers need a lot more hard work to overcome Serendib, as they yet again lost a game to Serendib, this time at Koiwa. Serendib CC was invited by the Indian Tigers for a friendly game as practice for the JGC T20 tournament which starts soon. This time two T20 games were played but the result was two easy wins for Serendib. In the first game Serendib scored 124 runs batting first in their 20 overs. Asankha Pallegedara was the highest scorer for Serendib with a good solid 31 runs. Indian Tigers couldn't come anywhere near the target and faltered for a paltry 87 runs.

In the second game Indian Tigers batsmen took a more attacking approach and scored runs quite fast finishing their innings with 103 runs in 15 overs. Serendib target was not an easy task by any means, and things became worse when they lost their captain Shiron Dharshana in the first ball. But Duminda Wickeramarathna found his form after a long time and scored a match winning 34 runs. He was given good support by in form batsman Lasith Rathnamalala. In the end Serendib managed to reach the target in the 13th over registering yet another win.

Serendib started their official tournament games with two easy win against Syzouka Kytes and Indian Tigers.Syzouka Kytes once a really strong team in the Japan cricket.But now it seems that Serendib improved lot and registered an easy victory at Kytes home ground.Serendib scored 214 runs for their allocated 40 overs.Lasith rathnamalala was the top scorer for the Serendib. He scored run a ball 40 odd runs and good support was given by Dhanuka and Shiron.

Kytes started their run chase slowly.Serendib opening bowlers were too much for Kytes batsman.No one could score runs freely because of good line and length bowling from serendib bowlers.Asankha was the main destroyer captured 4 wickets for 17 runs.In the end Kytes bowled out for 120 odd runs and gave serendib a easy win.

Serendib had another game on that weekend against Indian Tigers.It seems that Indian tigers are no where near the in terms batting and bowling.They were easily outplayed by Serendib this time.This game Serendib found another big hitter Amesh who demoralized the Tigers's bowlers with quick fire 38 runs.Final result was an easy 6 wickets victory for Serendib.

Serendib CC started their 2009 cricket season with a good win against Indian Engineers at Edogawa yesterday.Serendib new captain Buddhika Samarakoon won the toss and no hesitation to bat first under realy good weather condition.Former captain Asankha Pallegedara scored good solid 61 runs and anchored the Serendib innings.Good support was given by Dhanuka Samaranayake,Lasith Rathnamalala.In the end Serendib managed to score 199 runs thier allocated 40 overs.Shiron Dharshana and Amesh contributed with quick runs end of the innings.

Indian Engineers started thier run chase but couldn't managed to score with required rate because of tight bowling by Buddhika Manoj and dhanuka samaranayake.But thier captain Sanjeeb and Anurag gradually start to attack the serendib bowlers.One time they required only 75 runs with required run rate of just 5 runs per over.But after the fall of Anurag due to bad running between wickets cause thier wickets to collapse.In the final over buddhika manoj took a superb hat trick by taking 3 wickets.So Indian Engineers fall short of 38 runs and Serendib start thier new season in a winning note.