Ton-up Nemindu leads Nalanda fightback

Nemindu Akmeemana hit a solid century and Osanda Pamuditha hammered a fighting half century as Nalanda College made a strong reply on the second day of their 96th Battle of the Maroons Inter-School Big Match against traditional rivals Ananda College, which continued at the SSC Grounds in Maitland Place yesterday.

The pair came together at a vital stage of the innings when the Nalandians were in a spot of bother and were under some kind of pressure after having lost three wickets for 62 runs in the 23rd over.

The situation was tailor-made for Nemindu and Osanda as they launched a superb counterattack on a perfect batting surface while adding a magnificent 111 runs for the fourth wicket.

Stylish left-hander Nemindu played the dominant role in this crucial partnership while Osanda, who earlier had a good game with the ball as well, made a solid 55 from 87 balls inclusive of six boundaries.

Nemindu continued his good work during the final session and had the honour of completing the magical three-figure mark from 170 balls with the help of one six and 11 boundaries.

Earlier, the Anandians went on to declare their first innings at 353 for eight as soon as they lost their centurian Nethula Edirimanne, who hit a splendid 165 from 263 balls with the aid of one six and 17 boundaries.

Source - Sunday Observer