Isipathana has not hit peak form during the past few seasons. This year too they appear to be treading the same pitch they trod last year. Seven of their experienced players made their exits after a fairly good season last year where Isipathana won two out of 18 matches. This setback probably has pulled back Isipathana a slight degree as they have already lost two games in four outings this season.
But the side which is relatively inexperienced is determined to make a strong comeback with just three top players in the side. A lot will depend on skipper Harith Wanigasuriya who is a seasoned batsman with loads of experience.
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| Isipathana Squad |
Wanigasuriya scored over 600 runs last year and captured over 30 wickets as a bowler. Apart from Wanigasuriya, Isipathana has two other seniors who have played first XI cricket in previous years. They are all-rounders Deshan Jayakumar and Pawan Anjana.
Batting is one of the strongest components this year. Their batting line up includes Wanigasuriya, Jayakumar, Anjana and runs on till the seventh. Once their top order manages to click, the rest of the batsmen follow the trend. Unfortunately it has the same practice when they fail too. This was evident at the two matches Isipathana lost. The reason is that most of the batsmen, apart from the top three, lack experience. This has been a key setback. However when batsmen in the class of Wanigasuriya are around Isipathana has the ability to improve as the season matures.
Among the team are two permanent slots for potential players from the Under-15 side while the rest is made up with players who represented Isipathana last season. With such a backdrop Isipathana has made good progress in the bowling department. Their pace attack is young and promising. It is spearheaded by Anjana but they do have a strong spin department comprising off-spinner Kaminda Dhananjaya and leg-spinner Vimukthi Dananjaya. However to the surprise of all, so far many of the wickets have been claimed by the fast bowlers. Isipathana does have a spot of bother with their fielding which needs to be sharpened.
Former Sri Lankan cricketer Uvaizul Karnain has taken over as Isipathana coach. Karnain is also an old boy of Isipathana. Karnain has a huge task in reforming the team.
According to the cricket committee of Isipathana, they are targeting this season to be a champion outfit next year. At present they are experiencing a period of team building with 19 matches ahead of them this season.
The Isipathana cricket squad: Harith Wanigarachchi (Captain), Deshan Jayakumar, Pawan Anjana, Ravindu Jayawardena, Charith Rajapakshe, Sidath Vimukthi, Sanka Thabrew, Kaminda Dhananjaya, Matheesha Ranaweera, Malin Dias, Chenutha Kaminda, Gihan Navishan, Sandeep Himasha, Chameera Madushan, Salinda Ushan, Kelum Bastiansz, Dilan Madushanka, Vimukthi Dananjaya, Dluka Shehan, Uvaizul Karnain (Coach).
(Pix by Amila Prabodha)
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