Devans can rub shoulders with the best in Colombo
View(s):By Aubrey Kuruppu ; Pix by Amila Gamage
Rasanjana Jayaratne
Maliyadeva College’s pre-eminence in the Kurunegala District is a given beyond that they would like to be spoken of as cricket team that can rub shoulders with the best in Colombo and elsewhere and, not necessarily come of second best. In Ranjith Madurasinghe and Rangana Herath they produced two spinners who played in tests. In the case of the latter, he continues to carry Sri Lanka’s spin burden.
Chandima Bandara
In the captain Thineth Manishka, the Devans possess an all rounder of considerable repute. A fifth year player, Manishka bowls at a very brisk pace and is also a hard hitting batsman. His leadership skills are good. Manishka sounds optimistic about his team’s prospects and says they have some quality batters and bowlers.
Another leading all rounder is Rasanjana Jayaratne who bowls some containing off-spin. He has been a match – winner. Partnering him in the spin department is left armer Chandima Bandara. In tandem, they have spelled doom for many unwary batsmen.
Minod Ranasinghe and Tharuka Rajaguru are Maliyadeva’s key batsmen. Both made merry at the expense of the Rahula Matara bowlers, with Ranasinghe making 150 and Rajagaruna an unbeaten century. Rajaguru also batted superbly for his 92 against Kingswood.
As the wicket keeper, Ranasinghe has another string to his bow. Chamod Rajapakse, a batsman of promise and Sharinda Dassanaike, a medium pacer, are two key performers for Maliyadeva. Senior players Harshana Jayantha (right harm medium) and Kusal de Silva (off spin) are an integral part of the attack. Keshan Wijeratne an
Minod Ranasinghe
allrounder toured with the Sri Lanka under 17 team.
Tharindu Punchihewa (right arm) and Damitha de Silva offer leg-spinning options, while there are a host of off spinners. Thus far, Maliyadeva has beaten Dharmapala and Rahula Matara on first innings and were held to a no decision by Mahanama. The Kingwood match could have produced a satisfactory result but rain
Thineth Manikshka (Capt)
played havoc with it. Former Maliyadeva captain and Kurunegala YCC player Buddhika Ellepola has taken over the coaching duties. The big match against St. Anne’s was not played last year. Indications are that it will take place in 2013.
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