Big Match: Thomians reach 247-3 at tea on Day 1 against Royal

After a good start by their openers, S. Thomas’ College reached 247-3 at tea on the first day against Royal College in the 137th Battle of the Blues encounter which is progress at the SSC ground in Colombo today (10).

Thomian openers Rashmika Opatha and Yohan Mendis made a good start as they almost went to create a record for the first wicket, before being separated at 197.

After reaching 146 runs for no loss at lunch, the Thomians accelerated with Opatha reaching his century soon after the second session began. 

Eventually he was dismissed for 124, caught by Royal skipper Geeshath Panditharatne off Himesh Ramanayake. 

Opatha faced 131 deliveries and hit 16 fours and four sixes. 

Mendis played rather cautiously, facing 133 deliveries before being dismisses two runs later at 199 for 64. 

He hit seven boundaries. 

Besides Ramanayake, Duvindu Hettiarachchi and Lasith Embuldeniya picked a wicket each. 

Royal won the toss elected to field. 

Both Royal and S. Thomas’ have won 34 matches each during the past and this encounter will be anticipated to be a keen battle.

S. Thomas’ 247 for 3 wickets (60) at tea (Yohan Mendis 64, Rashmika Opatha 124, Ravindu Kodituwakku 26n.o, Yohan Perera 8n.o, Duvindu Hettiarachchi 1/34, Lasith Embuldeniya 1/42, Himesh Ramanayake 1/52)

To bat: Sachitha Jayathilake (Capt), Romesh Nallaperuma, Ravindu Tillakaratne, Senal de Silva, Danush Peiris, Yohan Perera, Hansaka Liyanaarachchi.

Royal: Geeshath Panditharatne (Capt), Tiran Dhanapala (wk), Lasith Embuldeniya, Naveen Widanapathirana, Himesh Ramanayake, Helitha Vithanage, Ronuka Jayawardene, Ganith Sandeepa, Duvindu Hettiarachchi, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Malith Kariyawasam.