Samuel rips through Thurstan batting line up

59th Battle of Brothers Big Match

by Reemus Fernando

Paceman Kevin Samuel ripped through the Thurstan batting line up with a six-wicket haul but a fighting tenth wicket stand ensured that the latter post 202 runs on day one of the 59th Battle of the Brothers Big Match at the SSC on Monday.

After producing a dominant performance in the field, Isipatana were 31 for one wicket when bad light halted play.

In their essay, Isipatana lost their first wicket for nine runs as Nipun Premaratne had Naveen Kanishka bowled for two runs.

Tharusha Nethsara and Yasith Kalupahana then kept their wickets intact to reach stumps without further damage.

With Samuel rattling the top order like a pack of cards in the morning, Thurstan were in danger of being bowled out for a low score. However, after being five wickets down for 32 runs, they managed to top 200 runs thanks to valuable 30s by Vihas Thewmika (39) and Shanikya Devapriya (38) and useful contributions by the tail enders.

The early damage was repaired by Thewmika and Devapriya who added 51 runs for the sixth wicket. Thewmika batted for 226 minutes facing 114 balls for his 39 runs which included just two boundaries. Devapriya’s 38 runs came in 47 balls and included five fours.

While number eight batsman Azeem Mohamed chipped in with 25 runs, Nipul Rathnayake made 19. However, their pursuit to top 200 runs was made possible by their tenth wicket pair Thanuga Palihawadana and Ranga Rasanka who added 42 runs for the last wicket.

The duo were finally separated by Yasith Kalupahana who got Palihawadana lbw for 24 runs.

Rasanka remained unbeaten on 18 runs.