Big Match: Thurstan breaks 27-year winless streak against Isipathana

Thurstan College broke a 20-year-old stalemate after recording a convincing 10-wicket victory against traditional rivals Isipathana College at the 56th Battle of the Brothers, and claim the Blackham Wijewardene Trophy, at the SSC grounds on Saturday (23). 

The name of Thurstan skipper Sandaru Dias would go down in the history of this big match for leading his side with an imposing performance as a left-arm spinner by claiming a match bag of 10 wickets. 

Thurstan was left with a simple task of accomplishing 38 runs with almost two sessions in hand and they aptly reached the winning target without losing a wicket. 

Skipper Dias claimed six Isipathana scalps to have them bundled out for 144 runs in their second innings, after Thurstan posted a commanding 276. 

Thusrtan were 154-5 overnight and were already gained a lead of 110 runs. 

For Thurstan Ranesh Silva turned the game into a memorable one, cracking 109 runs in 116 balls which was the highlight of the second day’s proceedings. 

Apart from Silva's knock which comprised 14 boundaries, top order batsman Anju Karunanayake hit 70 runs facing 80 balls and hitting eight fours. 

Other Thurstan batsmen failed to make any impression which saw them end their innings resuming from their overnight score of 154-5 with a formidable score of 276 runs in reply Isipathana’s score of 169 made on day one. 

Isipathanians led by Krishantha Jayawardena registered big match's last victory in 1999. 

Having won the game last in 1992, Thurstanites were jubilant in breaking a 27-year-old win-less hoodoo. 

Their last win came under Mackenzie Perera in 1992.

Isipathana College

1st innings 169 all out (57.1) (Thevindu Dickwella 40, Ravindu Ratnayake 20, I. Sandamal 26, S. Uthsara 30, Bawantha Jayasinghe 5/37, Sandaru Dias 4/41)

2nd innings 144 all out (50.2) (Mandeepa Gunasekara 23, Thevindu Dickwella 39, Ravindu Ratnayake 49, Sandaru Dias 6/54, Ayesh Harshana 2/39)

Thurstan College

1st innings 276 all out in 58.4 overs (Anju Karunanayake 70, Ranesh Silva 109, Ravindu Ratnayake 3/34, Kaliq Amath 2/43, Dinath Dissanayake 2/37)

2nd innings (Target 38) 38 for no loss (7.5) (Yohan Liyanage 13n.o, Jayavihan Pradeeptha 21n.o.)