Skipper Dias stars as Thurstan breaks 27-year winless streak

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 claimed 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.  Isipathana scored 169 runs in their  first innings.

Isipathana too underwent some anxious moments while batting, only their top three batsmen were able make useful contributions.  Their omen was Thurstan skipper Dias, who had them in a spot of bother. Dias who ended with a six wicket haul, completed a match bag of 10 wickets after his heroics in the first innings, by claiming four scalps.

Dias had the help of his deputy Ayesh Harshana to bowl Isipathana out in their second innings. In the end Thurstan was  left with a simple target of 38 runs, which they reached inside eight overs to rewrite the history books.

Thurstan’s tally of wins in the series now moves to six as against Isipathana’s four. Isipathanians led by Krishantha Jayawardena registered the big match’s last victory in 1999.

Having won the game last in 1992, Thurstanites were jubilant in breaking a 27-year win-less hoodoo. Their last win came under Mackenzie Perera in 1992. The Limited Overs match between the two schools will be played on March 3 at the P. Sara Oval.