Thurstan College ends six-year wait to lift the Blackham Wijewardene trophy

Thurstan College emerged victorious in the 62nd Battle of the Brothers, retaining the Blackham Wijewardene Trophy by defeating arch-rivals Isipathana College in a thrilling encounter at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

Isipathana College resumed their second innings on the third morning, with Thurstan holding a slender lead of just over 50 runs. The Isipathana innings got off to a shaky start.

Sethru Fernando took control with his off-spin, quickly breaking the brief opening partnership and putting Isipathana on the back foot. He struck five crucial wickets, dismantling the top order and leaving the visitors in disarray.

Fernando, alongside off-spin partner Vihas Thewmika, continued to trouble the Isipathana batters, bowling them out for a mere 104 runs. This meant Thurstan needed only 51 runs to secure the trophy.

The Thurstan openers wasted no time, racing to the target in just 8 overs. Dinal Induwara played a spectacular innings, blasting 38 runs off 29 deliveries, guiding his team to a comfortable victory.

Award Winners

• Best Batsman: Janitha Rukshan (Thurstan College)

• Best Bowler: Rachintha De Silva (Thurstan College)

• Best Fielder: Maleesha Sandaruwan (Isipathana College)

• Best Allrounder: Vihas Thewmika (Thurstan College)

• Best Striker: Dinal Induwara (Thurstan College)

• Man of the Match: Sethru Fernando (Thurstan College)