Sri Lanka: 36th Isipatana - Thurstan Preview (6 March 1999)

6 March 1999

Sri Lanka: 36th Isipatana - Thurstan Preview

Chris Dhambarage

Thurstan College with an unbeaten record in the current season are confident of putting up a good performance when they take on the traditional rivals Isipatana in their 36th annual cricket encounter on March 6 and 7 at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium.

The Thurstanites have a well balanced side with a number of good all rounders in their ranks. Although they have failed to win a match in the Elephant Lemonade Cup tournament the side have proved their dominance on several occasions.

The team is studded with some fine stroke makers with opener Nalaka de Silva leading the way. He has been quite consistent throughout the season and is just few runs away from completing the one thousand run mark. His opening partner Chamith Aravinda has scored over 500 runs and has performed his role quite effectively.

Skipper Arjuna Dayananda has added stability to the middle order and has always stuck to his task in a admirable manner. He has over 600 runs to his credit but more importantly he has batted with great responsibility and has pulled his team out of trouble on several occasions.

Last year's skipper Tharindu Wickremasinghe is another fine all rounder having proved his capabilities on a number of occasions. He will share the new ball with Thushara Perera and will form their three-pronged pace attack along with Dakshina Liyanage.

But Tharindu Wickremasinghe is the key player in their bowling attack having captured over 30 wickets. He has also been among the runs and has over 500 runs to his credit. Wicket keeper batsman Dhammika Premadasa has scored over 400 runs and has claimed 30 victims behind the stumps.

The three medium pacemen will be supported by spinners Nalaka de Silva (right arm), Nisal Randhika (left arm), Damith Indika (leg spin) and Gihan de Silva (leg spin). All have lived upto expectations and have over 25 wickets to their credit.

The team: Arjuna Dayananda (captain), Nalaka de Silva, Chamith Aravinda, Tharindu Wickremasinghe, Dhammika Premadasa, Nisal Randhika, Damith Indika, Damith Wickremaratne, Thushara Perera, Gihan de Silva, Dakshina Liyanage, Tharaka Perera, Thammera Rupasinghe, Mohamed Riyaz, Indrajith Jayaratne, Niffaz Deen, Shanka de Silva, Kanchana Malik.

Coach: Jayalath Aponso.
Master in charge: D.A.N.J. Fernando.

Isipatana with five coloursmen and several other senior players in their ranks are confident of pulling off a victory when they confront their traditional rivals Thurstan in the 36th annual cricket encounter on March 6 and 7 at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium.

Isipatana have maintained an unbeaten record in the current inter school season and are also in contention for a place in the final round of the Elephant Lemonade Cup tournament. They defeated De Mazenod College Kandana and also dominated a number of matches which ended in draws.

Last week they could have pulled off their second win of the season had the weather been kind during their game against St. Aloysius College played at Havelock Park. They had the opposition struggling at 22 for 6 in the second innings when bad light and rain intervened with plenty of overs still remaining in the match.

The Isipatanians should quite pleased with their performances as all their key players have struck form during the latter part of the season. They depend heavily on their five coloursmen who have certainly proved themselves with some outstanding contributions.

Last year's captain Muditha Fernando is undoubtedly their most experienced player having represented the school for five years. The right hander has over 520 runs to his credit and has also been responsible for 30 victims behind the stumps.

But their highest run getter in the current season is Manoj Fernando who has over 800 runs to his credit. The right hander is one of the centurians in the side having reached the three figure mark in the game against Lumbini MV. In addition he has scored eight half centuries and has captured a total of 25 wickets.

Vice captain Kanchana Rodrigo is another consistent run getter having compiled over 700 runs this year. The left hander has two centuries to his credit against Dharmapala and Maris Stella and has also compiled five other half centuries too. In addition he has turned out to be a good medium paceman having captured 25 wickets so far. Skipper Krishantha Jayawardena and fourth year coloursman Shan Wijesekera have also scored over 500 runs in the current season.

The bowling will be spearheaded by off spinner Nilantha Atapattu who has captured over 30 wickets this year. Newcomer Malinda Abeyratne and second year player Mohamed Hariz too have captured over 30 wickets during the season.

The team: Krishantha Jayawardena (captain), Kanchana Rodrigo, Muditha Fernando, Manoj Fernando, Shan Wijesekera, Nilantha Atapattu, Malinda Wickremasinghe, Nuwan Chamara Sampath, Yoga Peiris, Mohamed Hariz, Malinda Abeyratne, Samantha Wijesinghe, Hiran Perera, Thejakith Rodrigo, Mohamed Farid.

Coach: Chetaka Perera and Lalith Jayasundera.
Master in charge: Y.N. Ratnayake.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)