Thurstan College created history in their first three day big match in the 62nd Battle of the Brothers when they beat Isipathana by 10 wickets at SSC grounds yesterday. This was Thurstan’s seventh victory of the series while skipper Thanuga Palihawadana was lucky to receive Blackham Wijewardena trophy with this victory which increased series tally to 7-4.
Thurstanites had to get 51-run winning target and openers Dinal Induwara and Thanuja Rajapaksa reached their target in only 7.4 overs and the 62nd Battle of the Brothers ended at 3pm with this victory
Dinal Induwara was in an aggressive mood scoring unbeaten 38 in 29 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes while Thanuja Rajapaksa hit 16 in 17 balls with four fours and he had the honour of hitting the winning boundary off Menula Sadew in 7.4 overs.
Earlier the day started with Isipathana second innings but Thurstan had better advantage of first innings 54 runs lead with fighting knock of Janitha Rukshsn who scored 77 in 144 balls with 10 fours which was the turning point of the game which put Thurstan in a strong position.
Isipathana in their second innings openers Navindu Umeth (10) and Ruchith Rodrigo (11) put up 20 runs partnership and off spinner
Sethru Fernando was the hero did early damage to take both openers’ wickets.
Maleesha Sandaruwan scored 21 in 24 balls while star batsman Ranmith Senarath once again tried to build up the innings but Sethru Fernando who bowled a tidy spell again struck to get Ranmith Senarath’s wicket which was the prize wicket for Thurstan to build up hopes of their victory.
Ranmith was unlucky to be dismissed for 41 in 97 balls with 2 fours but middle order collapsed to end Isipathana second innings for just 104 runs in 51.3 overs and off spinner Sethru Fernando was the best bowler of the day taking 5 for 34 in his 17.3 over spell well supported by experienced Vihas Thewmika who finished 3 for 33.
Earlier on the first day Thurstan paceman Rachintha de Silva took 6 wickets while Isipathana leg spinner Menula Sadew took five-wicket haul on the second day and overall bowlers dominated this big match at SSC grounds which gave an easy ten wicket win to Thurstan.
Special 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)
Daily News