Dulaj feels team can make amends
Dharmaraja will take on Zahira this week under the captaincy of Dulaj Bandara (pic below)
One outright win, three first innings wins as against seven first innings losses last season point to a very moderate cricket season in 2018/19 – thus, Dulaj Bandara, this year’s Dharmaraja College cricket captain, has made it his first priority to improve on that.
One of the better batsmen in school cricket in Kandy, Dulaj Bandara was not a very high scorer last year. However, the left hander displayed his potential with three excellent knocks. Having made an unbeaten 62 out of 131 against the powerful Thomians, Dulaj topped that with 73 in the second innings.
The skipper, who seems to thrive in adversity, made another 78 out of 178 against St. Sebastian’s. Bandara captained the Central Province team in the Under-17 Provincial Tournament.
All rounder Yasitha Samararatne is a key member of the team. As an off spinner he claimed 5-69 (Nalanda) and had a couple of four wicket bags. His 65 against Ananda was a very good effort, while forties against Mahinda, Nalanda and St. Mary’s Kegalle were timely. With the experience gained last season, Samararatne should undoubtedly be in the forefront this time.
Left hander Isuru Dayananda was not in his element last year. His knock of 69 against St. Servatius was pretty good. His 123 against Ananda was the icing on the cake. Coming in at number five, he should, together with the captain who will bat at four, provide the bulk of their teams totals.
Left arm spinner Upendra Warnakulasuriya was one of Dharmaraja’s unsung heroes last season. He didn’t get many wickets early on, but made up for that later on. A haul of 12 for 101 (St. Mary’s) was his best. He also took a 5-for (Maliyadeva) and a 6-for (Ananda). A bowler with a beautiful flight, Warnakulasuriya’s best performance was against Kingswood in the limited over match. Sensational figures of 3-9 in 10 overs enabled his team to win a close, hard-fought match.
Last year’s stumper Dhaunka Marasinghe will continue to keep and open the batting. Dinuka Pathiraja will partner him to counter the new ball. Senior player Chetiya Ekanayake will come in at first drop. He had a 50 against Nalanda.
Virajith Ehelepola opens the bowling with his brisk medium pace. He is also a more than usual later-order bat. Former Ananda cricketer Thusira de Silva coaches the team this season.
The squad
Dulaj Bandara (Capt.), Yasitha Samararatne, Upendra Warnakulasuriya, Isuru Dayananda, Thushan Herath, Virajith Ehelepola, Dhamika Marasinghe, Chetiya Ekanayake, Dhanuka Marasinghe, Dhanuka Ratnayake, Dinuka Pathiraja, Chetiya Weerakoon, Muditha Eriyagama, Sahan Siriwardena, Kesara Nooragoda, Janith Gunatunga, Malinda Perera