Onus is on Tissa to break four decades old hoodoo

by Reemus Fernando

Tissa Central, Kalutara have not won the annual Big Match for more than four decades but this time they are in contention to break the hoodoo when they meet arch rivals Kalutara Vidyalaya in the 64th Battle of Mangosteens today and tomorrow at the De Soysa Stadium, Moratuwa.

Tissa Central captained by Hirusha Nethsara have concluded probably their best season in recent history after having earned a well deserving promotion to the top Division in the country’s premier Under 19 schools cricket tournament. In contrast former Division I team, Kalutara Vidyalaya have experienced fluctuating fortunes and were demoted to Tier ‘B’ of the Division II tournament.

That does not mean the team captained by Yuthika Dilruk are a weak outfit. They recorded three outright victories during the tournament proper. What went against them were the four outright defeats they suffered in the tournament and the first innings defeat they suffered in the relegation match.

Skipper Dilruk is expected to hold their batting together with Liviru Senmith, Nithika Nadhawa and wicketkeeper batsman Pasindu Dulanjana. In the bowling department, Kalutara Vidyalaya had Udan Thejaka, skipper Dilruk, Nadhawa and Adeesha Pabasara doing well in recent matches.

  Tissa Central will bank on off spinner Malindu Dilshan and 14-year-old Tharuka de Silva for wickets. Dilshan, with over 80 wickets, is the leading wicket taker of the Division II tournament. They also have a trio of speed bowlers, namely Aditha Buddila, Minusha Malith and Thivin Vishwika to choose from.

Skipper Nethsara, his deputy Ishara Malith, Hesitha Anuhas and Ashan Vishwa are expected to take the bulk of batting responsibilities.

The series which began in 1949 has seen Kalutara Vidyalaya recording 26 victories against Tissa’s six. The last victory of the series was recorded by Kalutara Vidyalaya under the captaincy of Kavindu Jayawickrama in 2019. Tissa has not recorded a victory since Ajith de Silva led outfit won way back in 1983.

Kalutara Vidyalaya Team (Seated from left) Pamod Madubhashana, Lukindu Nimsara, Buddhika Madhshanka (Coach), Ishan Ratnayake (MiC), Yuthika Dilruk (Captain), Chaturanga Pradeep Leelarathna (Principal), Udan Thejaka (Vice Captain), Minuru Heshan (Asst. Coach), Pasindu Dulanjana, Warsha Hansajith. (Back row from left) Radeesh Theekshana, Ravindu Thathsara, Akesh Shaminda, Savindu Liyanage, Sachithra Liayanage, Kawshila Amodya, Shevon Malindu, Dinuka Kawshal, Achira Udantha, Adeesha Pambasara, Sheersha Tharaka, Uthum Vihanga, Liviru Senvith, Gayuka Dineth, Deshan Aloka, Vihanga Sapumal, Senehas Damsara.