March Madness will kick off at the Sinhalese Sports Club on the 23rd of February with the Battle of the Brothers as Thurstan College come into the 55th edition of the encounter as favorites in their bid to end Isipathana College’s dominance since their last win in 1999.
There will be a change of format this time around as, in a bid to make a result more likely, the organizers have decided to enforce the 60 over rule, where the 1st innings of each side will be restricted to 60 overs each. The game has ended as a draw on 45 occasions.
Blast from the past
Results have been few and far between in the encounter, with 1999, when Isipathana won, being the last time a result was produced. Thurstan College last won in 1992 under the captaincy of Mackenzie Perera.
Results have only been produced in 9 of the 54 encounters so far with Thurstan having won on 5 occasions to Isipathana’s 4.
An unbeaten 150 by Saman Nishantha of Isipathana in 2002 continues to stand as the highest individual score while former Sri Lanka paceman, Nuwan Zoysa’s sublime 10-wicket match haul in 1996 remains as the best bowling performance.
Thurstan College
The blues, led by Nipun Lakshan have had an average season in 2017/18, winning 3 out of 13 games, with 7 draws (including 6 first innings wins and one loss) and 3 games being called off.
Leading the run tally for Thurstan with 616 runs to his name, opening batsman Savan Prabash will be a key performer with the bat and one to have a close eye on. Furthermore, Yeshan Wickramarchchi has scored 478 runs and will be eager to add to it on the big day.
Sandaru Dias tops the wicket takers list with 43 wickets from just 11 games and along with captain Nipun Lakshan (36 Wickets) and spinner Ayesh Harshana (35 Wickets) will lead a formidable bowling line up.
Thurstan College Squad – Nipun Lakshan, Yeshan Wickramarachchie, Nimesh Lakshan, Sawan Prabash, Imesh Viranga, Sandaru Dias, Rashmika Ravihara, Bawantha Jayasinghe, Janushka Fernando, Pansilu Deshan, Ayesh Harshana, Nimesh Perera, Jayavihan Pradeepta
>> Photo Album – Thurstan College Cricket Team 2018 Preview
Isipathana College
Isipathana College have not had the best season, as they have recorded just a solitary win along with 8 draws (6 first innings wins and 2 losses) and three outright losses to go with it.
Captain Ayana Siriwardena leads the run tally with 500+ runs in 8 games. Sanjula Bandara and Leshan Amarasinghe have both notched up 370 runs each while experienced campaigner Sanjula Abeywickrama has scored close to 350 runs.
They will be the main batsmen to have an eye on, however, will need a much improved performance if they are to get anything out of this game.
Madushika Sandaruwan tops the wicket charts with 46 wickets to his name in 12 games while Sanjula Bandara and Captain Siriwardena follow with 37 & 25 wickets respectively.
Bowling has been Isipathana’s Achilles heel throughout the season and they will hope to put things right on the big day.
Isipathana College Squad – Ayana Siriwardane, Sanjula Bandara, Sanjula Abeywickrama, Madushika Sandaruwan, Dinath Dissanayake, Ashen Lakshitha, Leshan Amarasinghe, Anupama Herath, Eshan Fernando, Thevindu Dickwella, Shamilka Wickramathilaka, Khaliq Amath
>> Photo Album – Isipathana College | Cricket Team 2018 Preview
Final Say
If the season stats are anything to go by, Thurstan would be the favorites coming into this tie, however, cricket being a funny game, you should not put it past Isipathana to spring a surprise.
All the action from the 55th Battle of the Brother will be brought to you live and exclusively on ThePapare.com, Dialog TV Channel 1 and Dialog MyTV on the 23rd and 24th of February from the SSC grounds from 9am onwards.
Live score updates, match reports and photos will be available on each day on ThePapare.com.
>> WATCH LIVE: Thurstan College vs Isipathana College – 55th Battle of the Brothers
