S.Thomas’ College scored a strategic victory to claim the Mustangs Trophy ending a five-year wait as they defeated Royal College by 30 runs in their 47th one-day match held at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo yesterday.
The Thomians showed their strength in bowling dismissing Royal for 226 in 48.1 overs while chasing a target of 257. This victory marks their first Mustangs Trophy win since 2018.
Sadev Soyza, the top scorer of the match with 65 runs, earned two prestigious awards for Player of the Match and for Best Performance Fresher.
Thishen Eheliyagoda was recognized as the Best Batsman for his impressive half-century to the Thomian side.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, S Thomas’ scored 43 runs in the initial Power Play and faced an early setback when opener Soyza had to leave the field due to a shoulder injury. Dineth Goonewardena replaced him and contributed to the team’s progress.
Despite Soyza’s departure, S Thomas’ College continued to build their innings steadily. Avinash Fernando’s dismissal marked their first setback at 75-1 in the 17th over but captain Mihith Perera’s presence stabilized the innings. However, Royal’s Ranuka Malawiarachchi proved dangerous claiming crucial wickets including that of Goonewardena.
Soyza’s aggressive batting which included hitting the first six of the match helped S Thomas’ cross the 250-run mark before he was run out.
In response, Royal faced an early blow when Rehan Peiris was given out leg-before in the second over despite a visible inside edge. Skipper Sineth Jayawardena’s dismissal further dented their hopes, courtesy of a stunning catch by Dineth Goonewardena.
Although Anush Polonnowita and Isula Geeganage provided some resistance with a 50-run partnership, Royal struggled to maintain momentum. Shane Abeyratne’s impressive debut fifty provided a glimmer of hope, but his dismissal by Goonewardena halted their progress.
Yathindra with a spectacular catch and Nathan Caldera’s bowling further hindered Royal’s chase.
Despite Ranuka Malaviarachchi’s late heroics, including a six and a four, Royal fell short.
S Thomas’ captain, Mahith Perera, sealed the victory with a superb catch, marking an emotional end to his Royal-Thomian career and his team-mates carried him in jubilation.
S Thomas’ College: 256-8 in 50 overs (Sadev Soyza 65, Eheliyagoda 61, Fernando 37, Ranuk Malaviarachchi 4-53).
Royal College: 226 in 48.1 overs (Shane Abeyratne 56, Isula Geeganage 37, Anush Polonnowita 31, Dineth Goonewardena 3-37, Nathan Caldera 3-47, Anuk Devanarayana 2-29)
