Mathews 270 powers Basnahira North to innings win

Angelo Mathews' gradual rise on the domestic circuit continued when he steered Basnahira North to a comprehensive innings-and-56-run win against Kandurata at the SSC during the opening weekend of the inter-provincial tournament.

Mathews' 270, coupled with Ian Daniel's composed 116 helped Basnahira North run up a massive score of 563 for 8, after dismissing Kandurata for 262 in the first innings. The pair shared a 214-run stand for the third wicket after they lost two early wickets for 33. Faced with a huge deficit of 301, Kandurata folded tamely for 245 against the pace and spin combination of Lasantha Manoj and Muthumudalige Pushpakumara, who took nine wickets between them.

The other notable performance was the hat-trick by Basnahira North left-arm spinner Shanuka Dissanayake in the first innings when he dismissed Jeevan Mendis, captain Kaushalya Weeraratne and Sachith Pathirana in the 49th over.

It was a high-scoring draw at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium where Basnahira South took on Wayamba. Only three innings were completed, with totals of 400 plus being the benchmark for both teams.

The Dambulla pitch, known for being bowler-friendly because of the strong winds that aid swing, turned out to be a batting paradise. Basnahira South were powered to a total of 402 thanks to Nuwan Zoysa's maiden first-class century. Batting at No. 9, Zoysa lifted his team from a moderate 232 for 7 to a respectable total with a blazing knock of 114 off 117 balls.

Wayamba too had a saviour at No.9. Shalika Karunanayake hit an exciting 92 off 110 balls to help his team recover from 288 for 7 to 440. Basnahira South then ran up another big total, ending at 431 for 6 thanks to Chamara Silva's unbeaten 132.