Avishka, Nipun crack tons on day one

By M. Shamil Amit 

Centuries by Avishka Fernando for Colombo against Jaffna and Nipun Dhananjaya for Galle against Kandy were the highlights of the first day’s play in the four-day National Super League Cricket Tournament matches played at Hambantota and Galle yesterday. Avishka hit 144 in 66 balls that included 17 boundaries and two sixes and shared two valuable partnerships. 

He figured in an opening wicket stand of 75 runs with Navod Paranavithana and added 172 runs for the third wicket with Kavin Bandara as Colombo, taking first lease ended day one at 374 for seven.

Nipun cracked 135 with 12 boundaries and put on three partnerships - an opening wicket stand of 107 with Oshada Fernando, 52 runs for the third wicket and 143 runs for the fourth wicket with Sadeea Samarawickrama as Galle, taking first lease of the wicket ended day one on 336 for four.