The 52nd annual ‘Big Match’ between Thurstan College and Isipathana College ended in a tame draw with the former recording a first-innings win at SSC grounds on Saturday.
Isipathana College resumed their innings from the overnight score of 172 and lost the set batsman Vishad Randika early on for 58 without adding runs to the scoreboard. Fresher Sanjula Abeywickrama and Pramod Maduwantha added 33 runs for the 5th wicket and two more quick wickets pegged back the Isipathana to 210 for 7 at one stage.
Senal Deelaka and Pramod slowly and steadily added 41 valuable runs for the 8th wicket with Senal stroking 35 runs. Isipathana finally ended their innings on 257 in the 92nd over. Right-arm off-spinner Rusiru Munasinghe collected 5 wickets for 56 runs in 21.4 overs while left-arm orthodox spinner Naveen Gunawardhana gave away only 38 runs for his 3 wickets.
Thurstan College in their reply started off with a 32-run stand for the first wicket between Isuru Fernando and Kasun Abeyrathne. Isuru was the first to be dismissed for 12 runs. Kasun made 36 runs before departing when the score was 63. Youngster Imesh Viranga and skipper Thimira Jayasinghe shared a superb 84-run partnership for the 3rd wicket. Imesh’s superb knock came to an end when he gave a simple return catch to Pramod Maduwantha.
Thurstan lost two wickets in quick succession as they were 5 down for 157 but the experienced pair of Thimira and Charana Nanayakkara took them to a commanding position with a stand worth of 85 runs. Thimira missed out on a well-deserving century when he fell as the 2nd victim of fast-bowler Shehan Sandaruwan. Charana continued to strike the ball fiercely and he remained unbeaten on 69 as Thurstan ended the match on 291 for 6 in 67 overs.
Man-of-the-Match: Imesh Viranga (Thurstan College)
Best Batsman: Thimira Jayasinghe (Thurstan College)
Best Bowler: Rusiru Munasinghe (Isipathana College)
Best Fielder: Imesh Viranga (Thurstan College)
Best All-rounder: Imesh Viranga (Thurstan College)
Chief Scores:
Isipathana College – 257 all out in 91.4 overs: Vishad Randika 58, Davis Imesha 41, Pramod Maduwantha 34, Senal Deelaka 35, Rusiru Munasinghe 5/56, Naveen Gunawardana 3/38.
Thurstan College – 291/6 in 69 overs: Charana Nanayakkara 69*, Thimira Jayasinghe 86, Imesh Viranga 61, Kasun Abeyrathne 36, Shehan Sandaruwan 2/78.
