Nawaloka Hospitals Claim a Dominant Victory Over LOLC in MCA 'C' Division Final

Nawaloka Hospitals PLC displayed an exceptional performance to secure a thumping 190-run victory over LOLC Holdings in the final of the National Development Bank-sponsored "NDB Trophy" – MCA "C" Division 50-Over League Tournament 2024. The match, held on Sunday, 29th September at the Bloomfield A&AC grounds, showcased outstanding cricket, with both bat and ball dominating in Nawaloka’s triumph.

Winning the toss, Nawaloka opted to bat first and set up a competitive total of 265 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. The backbone of their innings was the 86-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Thiwanka Kakulawela and Samila Nadeesh. Kakulawela, who scored 62 runs off 87 balls, including five boundaries and a six, played a composed knock, while Nadeesh was explosive, notching up 51 runs in just 37 deliveries, hitting three fours and three sixes in the process.

Earlier, after a shaky start that saw Nawaloka lose three early wickets, Raveen Sayer (44 off 46 balls) and Dileepa Nilupul (31 off 46 balls) played crucial roles in stabilizing the innings, keeping LOLC's bowlers at bay. LOLC bowlers Eranda Madushanka (2/49) and Sidath Mallawarachchi (3/46) showed some promise, but the Nawaloka batting lineup held firm.

Defending their total, Nawaloka's pace spearhead Sampath Nishshanka wreaked havoc from the outset, producing a sensational spell that saw him pick up three wickets in the very first over. His opening burst dismissed Ranga de Silva, Kanishka Perera, and Sayuru Udukumbura for ducks, leaving LOLC reeling. Nishshanka ended with figures of 4 for 28, cementing Nawaloka's control over the game.

LOLC's batting woes continued, with only Lahiru Hiranya (17) and Shihan Fernando (12) managing to reach double figures. Spinner Chanaka Devinda (2/20) and the all-round star of the day, Thiwanka Kakulawela (3/17), polished off the remaining batters, bundling LOLC out for just 75 runs in 17.2 overs, right before a heavy downpour hit the ground.

Kakulawela’s stellar all-round show earned him the Man of the Match award, as he not only contributed significantly with the bat but also picked up three crucial wickets. His all-round prowess was instrumental in Nawaloka’s success throughout the tournament, making him an undeniable choice for the Man of the Series award as well, having amassed 175 runs and taken 12 wickets.

Other notable awardees included Asela Sampath from MAS Unichela, who was named Best Bowler with 15 wickets for 190 runs, and Thaveesha Abishek Kahaduwarachchi from Nawaloka Hospitals, who took home the Best Batsman award for his consistent performance, scoring 376 runs in five innings, including five half-centuries.

The awards ceremony was graced by Dharshana Jayasinghe, Assistant Vice President/Marketing at National Development Bank, along with MCA officials Mahesh de Alwis, Tarindra Kaluperuma, and Lakmal de Silva.

With this dominant performance, Nawaloka Hospitals PLC capped off their campaign in style, taking home the coveted "NDB Trophy" and solidifying their place as one of the top teams in the MCA 'C' Division.

Brief Scores:

• Nawaloka Hospitals PLC: 265/8 (50 overs) [Thiwanka Kakulawela 62, Samila Nadeesh 51, Raveen Sayer 44, Dileepa Nilupul 31; Sidath Mallawarachchi 3/46, Eranda Madushanka 2/49]
• LOLC Holdings: 75 (17.2 overs) [Lahiru Hiranya 17, Shihan Fernando 12; Sampath Nishshanka 4/28, Thiwanka Kakulawela 3/17, Chanaka Devinda 2/20]

Result: Nawaloka Hospitals PLC won by 190 runs.