MPCA 2018-19: Baxter fast bowler Chamika Sattambi takes 8-47 in semi-final

Just days after being in hospital, Baxter fast bowler Chamika Sattambi made an explosive start to the MPCA finals on Saturday, grabbing a hat-trick on his way to a record-breaking performance.

Baxter fast bowler Chamika Sattambi goes at Langwarrin in the MPCA Provincial semi-final on Saturday. He took a record 8-47, including a hat-trick. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Just days after being in hospital, Baxter fast bowler Chamika Sattambi made an explosive start to the MPCA finals on Saturday, grabbing a hat-trick on his way to a record-breaking performance.

The 33-year-old Sri Lankan, who bowls like Lasith Malinga “the Slinger’’, took 8-47 off 25.3 overs to dismiss Langwarrin for 163 in the MPCA Provincial semi-final at Lloyd Park.

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His haul was a new MPCA Provincial semi-final record, bettering Simon Dignan’s 7-57 for Heatherhill against Baxter in 2008-09.

Sattambi nearly didn’t play after being hospitalised with a groin injury earlier in the week.

After winning the toss, Langwarrin made a solid start, reaching 0-69, before Sattambi struck with a vengeance.

He removed Matt Prosser (37 off 89 balls), Tom Hussey (0) and Travis Campbell (0) in successive deliveries to turn the game on its head.

Prosser and Hussey were trapped LBW before Campbell nicked one to the keeper Daniel Lanati.

Langwarrin opener Taylor Smith cuts on his way to a patient 49 as Baxter keeper Daniel Lanati looks on. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Sattambi took the first six wickets to fall before a run out briefly interrupted his charge. But he grabbed the last two wickets to cap a stunning performance.

Langwarrin opener Taylor Smith showed great determination to make 49 off 167 balls before being bowled by Sattambi.

“Honestly, it’s probably the best semi-final performance I’ve seen,’’ Baxter captain Chris Brittain said of Sattambi’s display.

“I remember being in a semi when Simon Dignan took seven-fa but this was just incredible. He almost couldn’t play due to not being well. He was in hospital early on in the week having some swelling on his groin. He’s on antibiotics.

“He bowled unchanged for 25 overs straight. I kept talking with him to make sure he was all ok. I couldn’t take the ball off him, not that I wanted to. It was truly inspiring.’’

Play continues today (Sunday).

Langwarrin coach Jake Prosser gets busy. Picture: Valeriu Campan

In the other Provincial semi-final, Sorrento put up 189 against Peninsula Old Boys. Bobby Wilson (55), Jake Wood (38) and Chris King (23) led the scoring for the Sharks, while POB fast bowler Tom Feldgen took 4-58 off 17 overs, supported by James La Brooy (2-61), Adam Gailitis (2-25 off 19) and John Forrest (2-39) did the damage.

In Peninsula, Baden Powell put up 6-200 against Moorooduc. Rhys Elmi (50 off 130 balls), Tyson Jackson (45no off 81) and Josh Waldron (40 off 60) led the way.

Red Hill skipper Simon Dart (37no off 91 balls) holds the key to victory as the Hillmen (5-60) chase Main Ridge’s 157. Earlier, Dart took 4-50 with the ball to help dismiss the Cougars in 47.4 overs. Daniel Polson top scored with 45. In reply, Red Hill crashed to 5-48 – Polson taking three wickets - before Dart started a rebuild.

In District, Heatherhill made 183 against Hastings, with skipper Sam Mullavey top scoring with 33. Luke Hewitt, Mitch Floyd and Hasith Perera took three wickets apiece.

Delacombe Park shot out Rosebud for 98, with Nick Christides (3-32 off 16.2 overs) and Rob Fisher (3-5) doing the damage. The Parkers were 1-12 at stumps on Saturday night.

In Sub-District, Balnarring bowler Brenton Taylor took a career-best 7-41 off 24 overs to help dismiss Dromana for 202. Dromana tail-ender Jeffrey Bluhm blasted 64 (with 12 fours and 1 six) to lift the Hoppers over 200.

Tootgarook put up an excellent 9-265 against Boneo in the other semi.

Play continues today (Sunday).