by Reemus Fernando

Paceman Sethmika Senavirathne took seven wickets as Trinity rattled Maris Stella for 32 runs before cruising to a ten wickets victory in the Under 19 Division I limited overs tournament match at Asgiriya on Thursday.

Sethmika shared ten wickets with Malith Rathnayake to dismiss the visitors within 11 overs. The first six batsmen in the Maris Stella batting line up did not score a single run.

With his seven wicket haul Sethmika has now accounted for the best bowling performance of the ongoing limited overs tournament. His stunning performance (5.3-2-9-7) has come just a day after St. Benedict’s paceman Ayesh Gajanayake took similar number of wickets (9-2-27-7) to bowl out Lumbini for 60 runs.

In the other limited overs matches, St. Sebastian’s beat Lumbini by seven wickets while St. Anne’s pulled off a twelve runs win over St. Anthony’s College Wattala.

Trinity rout Maris Stella at Asgiriya

Scores

Maris Stella

32 all out in 10.3 overs (Hasmika Nethshan 12n.o.; Sethmika Senavirathne 7/09, Malith Rathnayake 3/18)

Trinity

36 for no loss in 6.2 overs (Dimantha Mahavithana 28n.o.)

62nd Battle of the Brothers

by Reemus Fernando

There is little to separate traditional rivals Thurstan and Isipatana as they head to the 62nd Battle of the Brothers Big Match starting at the SSC ground today. After having earned Tier ‘A’ promotion at the expense of their arch rivals, Thurstan may feel that they have gained an advantage. But as the result of the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘B’ semi-final between these two teams indicated even three days of competition is doubtful to produce a result unless someone produce an outstanding performance with the ball.

The Under 19 Division I Tier ‘B’ semi final at Sooriyawewa served as a virtual dress rehearsal for the annual encounter, which will be played as a three-day match for the first time. With both teams taking the knockout encounter to gauge the strengths of their rivals the two teams are well prepared for the challenge.

Thurstan captained by Thanuga Palihawadana have seen several batsmen peaking ahead of the crucial match. Their most successful batsman Rachintha de Silva (587 runs for the season) and Thanuja Rajapakse (438 runs) made their top scores (centuries) against Isipatana in the semi-final. Wicketkeeper batsman Rajapakse will open batting with Dinal Induwara (423 runs). The strong top order includes Sri Lanka Under 19 skipper Vihas Thewmika (over 300 runs in eight matches), all rounder Sethru Fernando, Rachintha de Silva and Pathum Dananjaya (492 runs).

Skipper Palihawadana is expected to play a lead role in the bowling department. The left-arm spinner Palihawadana and off spinner Sethru Fernando have both taken 41 wickets each. When Thewmika joins them the trio make a formidable spin combination. They played vital roles in their outright victories over St. Sebastian’s, Katuneriya and De Mazenod (quarter-final). Yovun Silpa is expected to spearhead the new ball attack.

Isipatana under Lesandu Kalpage have recorded five outright victories this season. Their only disappointment was the defeat at the hands of St. Aloysius’ in a third term fixture. They were also hurt by the first innings loss to Thurstan in the semi-final. That made them stay in the Tier ‘B’ for another season. Isipatana will look forward to make amends during these three days.

Kalpage (470 runs), open batsmen Ruchith Rodrigo (413) and Navindu Hettiarachchige (436) and Ranmith Senarath (498) have been among runs this season. They are expected to receive additional support from Chanul Dinoth and Maleesha Sandaruwan in the batting lineup.

Left-arm spinner Menula Sadew is their leading wicket taker. He has picked up over 50 wickets this season. While Chanul Dinoth leads the pace attack, spinner Dimuthu Tharaka, Thithira Sansira and Dasith Senal were the other bowlers to have made an impact this season. In an interesting move Isipatana are likely to pick Dushan Malinga who has not played much this season. In reply to ‘The Island’ queries, coach Heshan Thilakaratne said that he was confident that Malinga who played in the 2023 big match would justify the selection.

Thurstan lead the series tally 6-4.

Under 19 Division I Cricket

by Reemus Fernando

Number seven batsman Senuka Dangamuwa hammered a quick-fire double century to put Mahinda College in command against St. Thomas’ College on day two of the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘B’ cricket tournament semi-final at Sooriyawewa on Thursday.

In reply to St. Thomas’ 140, Mahinda posted 373 runs as Dangamuwa sent the boys from Matara on a leather hunt. He scored 24 fours and eight sixes in his knock. He faced just 151 balls (50 in 57 balls, 100 in 107 balls, 150 in 130 balls) for his 200. Earlier Dulsith Darshana scored 96 runs and put on a sixth wicket stand of 126 runs with Dangamuwa.

In their second essay the Thomians were 75 for five wickets at stumps, still trailing by 158 runs.

Scores

St. Thomas’ 140 all out in 56.5 overs (Thathsara Dewmith 29, Loshitha Diksith 39n.o.; Arosha Udayanga 5/42) and 75 for 5 in 31 overs (Senura Gihan 28n.o., Pesandu Sanjan 22; Arosha Udayanga 2/25)

Mahinda 105 for 3 overnight 373 all out 91.2 overs (Dulsith Dharshana 96, Dineth Pehesara 21, Senuka Dangamuwa 200; Manuga Guruge 2/82, Ochintha Chamika 3/27, Pesandu Sanjan 4/100)