Big Match: Thurstan vs Isipathana game ends in dull draw

The 53rd Big Match between traditional rivals Thurstan and Isipathana colleges ended in a dull draw with both teams batting only the first innings at the SSC ground in Colombo today (27).

The outcome of the encounter was evident from the first day itself after Thurstan batted the whole of the opening day to post 252-3 in the first innings after being put into bat. 

Resuming on Saturday, Thurstan declared their innings at 291-8 with opener Kasun Abeyratne hitting 147. 

The interest was going to be the star Isipathana batsman Sanjula Abeywickrama and he did not disappoint the crowd as he obliged with a top knock of 75 with 12 boundaries and was associated in two partnerships -- 76 runs for the fourth wicket Vishad Randika and the other of 65 runs for the fifth wicket with Pramod  Maduwantha as Isipathana ended the day making 222 for 8 in 78 overs

Thurstan College 291 for 8 wickets declared (110) (Kasun Abeyratne 147, Salinda Samaranayake 12, Sajith Gunatilleke 35, Charana Nanayakkara 37, Imesh Viranga 27; Pramod Maduwantha 4/60, Lahiru Dilshan 3/86)

Isipathana 222 for 8 wickets (78) at close (Kalana Perera 10, Sanjula Abeywickrama 75, Vishad Randika 43, Pramod Maduwantha 44n.o, Pathum Nissanka 15, Ayana Siriwardena 19; Dilan Madusanka 3/63, Dilan Madusanka 2/63, Nipun Lakshan 2/36)