By M. Shamil Amit
S. Thomas’ College left-arm paceman Kalana Perera ripped through the Royal College batting for just 158 runs in their first innings on day one of the 140th Battle of the Blues Big Match which began at the SSC Grounds in Maitland Place
However, the Thomians after being in a strong position of 132 for two lost four quick wickets to end with 158 for six in reply.
Earlier, Royal Skipper Kavindu Madarasinghe won the toss and elected to take first lease of the wicket.
Royal suffered an early setback when they lost their first wicket in the fourth ball of the first over and reached 87 for five at lunch.
After the interval Royal lost two quick wickets within the space of five balls without any addition to the score as they collapsed to 87 for seven at that stage.
However, Kavindu Pathiratne and Kaushan Kulasuriya began a recovery act as the pair denied the Thomians further success for a considerable period and then went on to post their 50-run partnership.
It was Kalana who made the breakthrough once again with the wicket of Kavindu who made a dogged 35 in 62 balls which had seven boundaries.
Kaushan also did not last long as he became the victim of Shannon Fernando having made a valuable 28 with five boundaries.
The Thomians in their turn began the innings with the openers giving them a sedate start of 35 runs and they lost the second wicket at the same score.
Ryan Fernando and Yohan Perera posted the 100 runs for the Thomians which was followed by Ryan racing to his half century which came off 58 balls and included seven boundaries and a six.
However, with just three runs away from their 100-run stand, Ryan mistimed a delivery of Kamil Mishara and only succeeded in lofting a simple catch back to the bowler.
Ryan made a valuable 60 off 101 balls which had nine boundaries and a six.
Yohan was unfortunate to miss out on a half century by a solitary run as the Thomians ended day one at 158 for six.
Royal 158 in 48.3 overs (Kamil Mishara 36, Ahan Sanchitha 15, Kavindu Pathiratne 35, Kaushan Kulasuriya 28, Kalana Perera 6-54, Shannon Fernando 4-27)
S. Thomas’ 158/6 in 39 overs (Ryan Fernando 60, Yohan Perera 49, Kamil Mishara 3-32, Gishan Balasuriya 2-32)
