Colombo held a 72-run first innings edge over Jaffna having totalled 272 and reduced their opponents to 204 for 8 at the close of the second day’s play of their decisive semi-final of the Sri Lanka Cricket National Super League Tournament at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium at Sooriyawewa, Hambantota on Friday. With just two wickets remaining Jaffna’s hopes of cutting down the deficit hinged much on Samida Fernando who was unbeaten on 76.

Colombo, resuming on an overnight 224 for 6, added a further 48 runs with Kusal Mendis, who resumed on 83, going on to complete a century making 114. Jaffna’s skipper Dhananjaya de Silva came tops with the ball picking 5 for 48 followed by Dilum Sudeera who took 2 for 92.

Galle’s wicket takers were Dhananjaya Lakshan 2 for 57, Dilshan Madushanka 2 for 77 and Akila Dananjaya 2 for 85.

CHIEF SCORES Kandy 447/8 (120.3 Overs) Oshada Fernando 127, Kamindu Mendis 108, Lahiru Udara n.o. 76, Niroshan Dickwella 38, Dhananjaya Lakshan 2/57, Dilshan Madushanka 2/77, Akila Dananjaya 2/85)