Mahanama College, Nalanda College, and Wesley College secured semifinal berths in the Under-19 Division I Tier A cricket tournament following decisive quarterfinal victories on Tuesday.

At Mattegoda, Mahanama College dominated St. Joseph’s College, restricting their opponents to a modest total of 84 runs. The Mahanama bowling attack was led by Kaushika Thilakarathne and Sanuka Ganepola, who collectively took seven wickets. Thilakarathne recorded impressive figures of four wickets for 13 runs in nine overs, while Ganepola supported with three wickets for nine runs over the same number of overs. Sanul Weerarathne added two wickets conceding 12 runs. In their run chase, Mahanama reached the target comfortably with seven wickets in hand. Sineth Veerarathne was the top scorer with 52 runs off 53 balls, as Mahanama finished at 85 for three.

Nalanda College also booked their place in the semifinals with a 77-run victory over St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota, at Campbell Place. Nalanda posted a competitive 234 for six in their allotted 50 overs. Ranmith Senarath contributed 52 runs off 79 balls, supported by Nemindu Akmeemana’s 47 and Lithum Wijekumara’s 32. Mihin Zoysa added 29 runs, while Santhul Wijeyarathne provided a late surge with an unbeaten 30 runs off 13 balls. In response, St. Anthony’s were dismissed for 157 runs in 44 overs. Despite a resilient 47 from Sadew Amarakoon and 38 from Kaushika Kumarasinghe, Nalanda’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings. Rusandu Silva took four wickets for 22 runs, with Osanda Pamuditha claiming two wickets for 22 runs, effectively securing the innings and Nalanda’s victory.

At Weeraketiya, Wesley College ended Richmond College’s unbeaten run in a match decided by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. Wesley posted 141 for six in 30 overs, before restricting Richmond to 109 for eight in 23 overs under rain-affected conditions. Bowlers Adhyaan Zain and Senura Lakshan were pivotal, each taking three wickets while bowling disciplined spells. Wesley’s win confirmed their progression to the semifinals, where they are scheduled to face Nalanda College.

The semifinals will feature Mahanama College, Nalanda College, and Wesley College, alongside a fourth yet-to-be-determined team from the tournament.