Casey Cardinia Cricket Association: Chathura Imbulagoda strikes 234 not out for Officer

A blistering knock said to be the highest in the club’s history has put an outer east Melbourne cricketer in the frame for a rare 1000-run season.

Chathura Imbulagoda is chaired off by teammates after scoring 234 for Officer in the CCCA. Picture: Supplied.

A blistering knock of 234 not out from Chathura Imbulagoda has put the Officer cricketer in the frame for a rare 1000-run season.

Imbulagoda plundered the monster score against Emerald on day one of their District division clash in the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association as he steered his side to 7-420 from 80 overs.

District is the association’s second tier, and after a brief spell in the Premier grade in 2022-23, the Bullants are perched comfortably on the top of the table and are on the cusp of returning to the top flight.

Club president Kieren James said Imbulagoda had enjoyed a “brilliant year” with bat in hand.

“He’s got two more games left and hopefully he cracks 1000 runs, we’d very happy.”

Imbulagoda’s latest knock lifted his season tally to 787, so he would need a further 213 runs to reach the coveted 1000-mark, but when he scores runs, he does so plentifully.

From three tons this season, he has a 150 to his name as well as Saturday’s unbeaten 234.

Chathura Imbulagoda at the crease for Officer in his mammoth CCCA knock at Chandler Recreation Reserve. Picture: Supplied.

James said it was the highest individual score in the club’s history, narrowly surpassing the mark of 231 set by Riley Clark, who was still in school at the time.

“I remember that day clearly, I said we’ll be happy to get you to fifty and he went on to 231!” James laughed.

Imbulagoda’s double ton was a trademark innings in the eyes of James, and after the opposition dropped an early chance off him he went on to play a flurry of “graceful shots” and “beautiful cover” drives, with 24 boundaries and five sixes included.

James described Imbulagoda as a classical yet powerful batsman.

“He’s got that classical prowess but he’s also got the power behind the shots,” James said.

“He’s got the best of both worlds and a lot of batsmen would envy his ability when he’s on song.

“He’s got the finesse but he’s also got the power. At the top of the order with Jaswin Gill they’re a great opening combination, they’re both high scorers once they get going.”