Jack of all trades and Master of All
An all-rounder is considered a complete Cricketer who plays a pivotal role in ensuring his side comes out on top by propping up wherever there is a weak link.
In the Premier Schools segment Zahirian Mohamed Imthiyas, DS Senanayaka’s Muditha Lakshan and Nalandian Lakshitha Rasanjana Manasinghe are the 3 nominees for the Best All-Rounder’s award.
Mohamed Imthiyas carried Zahira College on his shoulders with his masterly batting and well controlled bowling. As a batsman, this youngster scored 666 runs at an average of 26.64 in 25 innings, from 15 matches. As a bowler, Imthiyas captured 73 wickets, from 317 overs, giving away 3.38 runs per over, which speaks for his accuracy and the difficulties the opponents faced in scoring off his bowling.
D.S. Senanayake’s Muditha Lakshan is an all-rounder of immense potential who will be a player to be reckoned with in the future. A stylish right hand batsman who has scored 829 runs including four centuries, with a highest score of 133, at an average of 46.06.
A left arm spinner who captured over 50 wickets at 2.60 runs per over, Lakshan is very economical and demands the respect of the opposing batters.
The third contender is Nalanda skipper Manasinghe. This talented all-round cricketer should be the favourite to win the award, as he scored 960 runs and captured 69 wickets in the concluded season. Manasinghe’s nomination for three awards, speaks volumes of his talents. Manasinghe is a cricketer who maintains the best traditions of the game and is an object lesson to the youngsters.
In the Emerging Schools, the battle for the Best All-Rounder award is between Heshan Madusanka of Piliyandala MMV, and the two Karandeniya Central all-round cricketers, Samith Isuru and Ravindu Milan.
Samith Isuru is the highest run-getter among the three, with 833 runs, while his team mate Ravindu Milan is the top wicket taker with 98 wickets. Isuru has captured 90 wickets.
Piliyandala Central’s Heshan Madhusanka is another cricketer from the Emerging Schools who enjoyed a fine season with 684 runs and 87 wickets. This elegant all-rounder’s performance guided Piliyandala Central to record 7 outright victories in 15 matches.