Viraj grabs five, restricts Thurstan to 186

By M. Shamil Amit

A five-wicket haul by Sahan Viraj helped Isipathana College restrict Thurstan College, who were invited to take first lease of the wicket, to a score of 186 on day one of the 60th Battle of the Brothers big match played at the SSC ground yesterday. 

Isipathana in reply, facing 34 overs, were on 102 for 2 when play was stopped due to bad light with 13 overs remaining for the day.

Thurstan lost two early wickets with the score on 11 before Thanuga Rajapakse came to their rescue by sharing two partnerships -- the first of 65 runs for the third wicket with skipper Shanikya Deshapriya and a brief stand of 29 runs with Vihas Thewmika.

Rajapakse’s dismissal for 56, which had three boundaries and four sixes, with the score on 105, led to Thurstan losing two quick wickets for the addition of just two runs, sliding to 107 for 6.

Ushan Imesh, who made a quick-fire 51-ball knock of 57 with seven boundaries and a six, along with Navindu Dulan saved the side, with the pair putting on a valuable 71 runs stand for the seventh wicket. 

Viraj however cleaned off the tail for the addition of nine runs to bowl Thurstan out for 186 runs.
For Isipathana, Viraj ended with impressive figures of 5 for 44 while skipper Naveen Kansihka bagged three scalps.

Isipathana in their turn almost underwent the same fate as they lost their openers with the score on 31 before Tharushka Ashel, who remained unbeaten on 47 and Yesith Kalupahana on 26, saw them through to the end whilst associating in an unbroken 71-run for the third wicket for Isipathana to end in a strong position of 102 for 2.
The match will be continued today.