Sri Lankan Shalin Navishka De Mel makes debut impact for Wisbech Town CC

Wisbech’s new overseas signing Shalin Navishka De Mel made an immediate impact for the club on Saturday.

The 23-year-old Sri Lankan debutant took three wickets with his right-arm medium/fast deliveries and scored a quickfire 67 runs as James Williams’ men won their second game of the season after losing their opening fixture at home.

Wisbech won the toss at Blunham and asked the home team to bat, which proved a great decision after the hosts were dismissed for 105 from 25 overs.

Jonny Garner was the pick of the bowlers with 6-41 from ten overs, De Mel took 3-22 from five and Josh Porter 1-5 from two.

In reply, De Mel, who bats left-handed, opened the Wisbech innings with Gary Freear and hit 67 from just 34 balls, with six sixes and six fours in his rapid haul.

Freear was out for 17 before captain Williams and wicket keeper Josh Bowers steered the visitors to 126-2 from just 15 overs and an eight-wicket win.

This Saturday, Wisbech are at home to Cambridge St Giles.