Big Match: Isipathana vs Thurstan encounter ends in draw

The 52nd Battle of the Brothers big match encounter between traditional rivals Thurstan and Isipathana fizzled out to a tame draw at the SSC ground on Saturday (28).   The outcome of the match was evident at the end of the first day’s play as the proceedings got off to a late start only at 1.00pm due to a wet outfield.   Added to that, only 60 overs of play was possible for the day.   Isipathana invited to take first lease of the wicket by Thurstan skipper Thimira Jayasinghe ended day one making 172 for 3 with Vishad Randika making an unbeaten 58.   Isipathana resuming day two on their overnight score went in for quick runs faced 31.4 overs to end their innings by making a modest 257.   Isipathana in quest for quick runs lost wickets at regular intervals with the first wicket to fall being without any addition to their overnight score.   Vishad Randika who was unbeaten on 58 the previous day was unable to make any headway being dismissed in the first over.   A brief stand of 33 runs for the sixth wicket between Pramod Maduwantha and Sanjula Abeywickrama gave them some hope but they lost three quick wickets for the addition of five runs which included skipper Chameera Dissanayake who was dismissed for a duck.   From a healthy 205 for 4 they slid to 210 for 7.   Pramod joined by Senal Deelaka denied further success for the Thurstan bowlers for a considerable period as they batted with patience to add 41 runs for the eighth wicket before they lost their way again to end with a score of 257.   Thurstan’s right arm spinner was the most successful bowler as he ended with figures of 5 for 56 while Naveen Gunawardena bagging three scalps.   Thurstan in reply made a positive approach spearheaded by skipper Thimira Jayasinghe with support coming from Isuru Fernando and Charana Nanayakkara.   Thurstan having lost their first two wickets with 63 on the board was guided by Thimira who made an 86 as he put on two valuable partnerships.   The first was with Imesh who added 84 runs for the third wicket and the other of 85 runs for the fifth wicket with Charana as Thurstan ended the day with a reply of 291 for 6 in 69 overs   Isipathana (172/3 overnight) 257 all out (91.4) (Davis Imesha 41, Praneeth Dias 27, Vishad Randika 58, Pramod Maduwantha 34, Sanjula Abeywickrama 21, Senal Deelaka 35, Rusira Munasinghe 5/56, Naveen Gunawardena 3/38)   Thurstan 291 for 6 wickets (69) at close of play (Kasun Abeyratne 36, Imesh Viranga 61, Thimira Jayasinghe 86, Charana Nanayakkara 69n.o, Shehan Sandaruwan 2/78)