Thurstan College shrugged off a spirited Isipathana College chase to win their 35th annual limited overs encounter by 30 runs and claim the W.A. Silva memorial trophy on Sunday at P. Sara Oval grounds.
Thimira Jayasinghe won the toss of coin and had no hesitation to bat under blue skies. Kasun Abeyrathne made 27 at the top of the innings while skipper Thimira struck 27 as well but vice-captain Charana Nanayakkara blasted a blistering 53 runs not out to lift their team’s spirits and their score to 222 for 8 at the end of 50 overs. Isitha Wijesundara chipped in with 32 runs as well. Ayana Siriwardene bagged two scalps while left-arm spin twins, Yomesh Ranasinghe and skipper Chameera Dissanayake bagged two wickets as well.
Chasing a competitive target of 223, Two of their best players, Pramod Maduwantha and vice-captain Salinda Ushan got off to good starts but both succumbed when their 24 each. Sri Lanka under 19 representative and wicket-keeper of the side, Vishad Randika took up the responsibility of steering his team home with a valiant knock of 73 but none of the others helped the cause as Isipathana was bowled out for 192 in the penultimate over of the innings. Spinner Dilan Madusanka bagged 5 wickets for 23 runs to topple the Pathana batters while left-armer Senal Wijesinghe captured 2 wickets as well.
Chief Scores:
Thurstan College – 222/8 in 50 overs: Charana Nanayakkara 53*, Kasun Abeyrathna 27, Thimira Jayasinghe 27,Isitha Wijesundara 32, Ayana Siriwardana 2/23, Yomesh Ranasinghe 2/35, Chameera Dissanayaka 2/49.
Isipathana College – 192 all out in 48.4 overs: Salinda Ushan 24, Vishad Randika 73, Pramod Madhuwantha 24, Senal Wijesinghe 2/28, Dilan Madhusanka 5/29.
