Galle paceman Nimsara Atharagalla delivered brilliant performance with figures of 5 for 101 in his 18 overs, helping Galle take a 57-run first-innings lead over Dambulla in their in their NSL Four-Day final at SSC grounds yesterday.
At the close of play on Day 3, Galle had posted 139 for 4 in their second innings, with a 196-run lead.
Experienced Galle batter Dinesh Chandimal remained unbeaten on 54 from 97 balls with 4 fours, while Dunith Wellalage was not out on 18. Galle will aim to continue their innings and retain the title.
Earlier, Dambulla wicketkeeper-batsman Vishad Randika played a magnificent knock of 124 off 186 balls (15 fours and 3 sixes), before being dismissed by Dunith Wellalage. Randika’s wicket was crucial as it helped Galle gain a first innings advantage.
This innings marked Randika’s back-to-back centuries in this tournament and was also his seventh first-class century.
Nimsara Atharagalla’s five-wicket haul was supported by leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, who took 2 for 28.
The final day of the match will be played today, with Galle in a commanding position to secure victory.
Chief scores
Galle 370 and 139 for 4 wickets at close Oshada Fernando 19, Dinesh Chandimal 54, Nipun Dhananjaya 22, Avishka Perera 13, Dunith Wellalage 18*, Mohammed Shiraz 2/17
Dambulla 313 all out Ron Chandragupta 65, Sammu Ashan 35, Vishad Randika 124 , Chamindu Wijesinghe 28, Mohammed Shiraz 11, Nimsara Atharagalla 5/101, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 2/28