Thurstan Dominate as Spin Twins Dismantle Isipathana

Spinners Thanuga Palihawadana (5/44) and Sethru Fernando (4/36) delivered outstanding performances, combining to claim nine wickets and dismantle Isipathana’s second innings for 109. Their efforts powered Thurstan to a commanding innings-and-8-run victory in the 63rd Battle of the Brothers, securing the Blackham Wijewardena Trophy at the SSC Grounds yesterday. The match concluded with nearly two sessions to spare. Thurstan’s triumph was built on a superb bowling display, led by the spin duo of leg-spinner Thanuga Palihawadana and off-spinner Sethru Fernando. With this win, Thurstan recorded back-to-back victories and now lead the series 8–4.

Having established a strong first-innings lead of 117 runs on the second day, Thurstan placed Isipathana under immense pressure. At stumps on day two, Isipathana were struggling at 22 for 2, still needing 95 runs to avoid an innings defeat. However, the disciplined spin attack of Palihawadana and Fernando proved too strong, as they bundled out Isipathana for 109 in 51.3 overs.

Isipathana skipper Maleesha Sandaruwan (20) and Kavindu Dewshan (21) were the only batters to reach the 20-run mark, while the rest of the lineup struggled against the relentless bowling.

Palihawadana finished with impressive figures of 5 for 44 in 21.3 overs, earning the Best Bowler award and ending the match with a total of eight wickets. Fernando supported him brilliantly with 4 for 36 in 15 overs, claiming the Best All-Rounder and Man of the Match awards. Meanwhile, Rachintha de Silva was named Best Batter and Best Striker for his excellent knock of 71.