The 61st Battle of the Brothers encounter between Thurstan College, Colombo and Isipathana College, Colombo commenced today (24th February) at SSC Grounds, Colombo.
After winning the toss, Thurstan College Skipper Vihas Thewmika invited their counterparts to take the first lease of the wicket.
Isipathana opening pair Navindu Umeth and Ruchith Rodrigo were unable to provide a good start as the latter was trapped in front for just 4 runs by Thewmika in the fourth over of the innings.
Umeth and No. 3 batter Tharushka Ashel steadied the innings, stitching together a 45-run stand for the second wicket before Thewmika picked up his second scalp, dismissing Umeth for 14 runs. Thewmika struck once more in the same over to knock over Maleesha Sandaruwan for a duck to claim his 3rd scalp in the innings.
When the wickets were falling at the other end, Ashel stood out to produce a masterclass to uplift Isipathana College. He made 102 runs off 247 balls with 12 fours as Isipathana put on 250 runs on the board before declaring their innings.
The off-spinner Thewmika was the star performer with the ball for Thurstan College as he scalped 6 wickets for 74 runs.
In reply, Thurstan College posted 53 runs for 1 wicket at the close of play on Day 1. Tanuja Rajapakse remained unbeaten on 33 runs.
 at SSC Grounds, Colombo.){kind=link}