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by Chris Dhambarage

A record-breaking performance by Saman Nishantha put Isipatana in a commanding position on day one of the 39th annual cricket encounter against the traditional rivals Thurstan, worked off at the SSC grounds in Maitland Place yesterday.

Opener Saman Nishantha hit a magnificent knock of 150 not out in their total of 286 for 6 declared and became the highest individual scorer in Big Match series while erasing the previous best of 146 not out made by Kamal Mahendra of Thurstan in 1990. He also became the highest individual scorer for Isipatana while erasing the previous best of 136 not out scored by P. de Mel way back in 1964. In addition he became the third centurion for Isipatana in the Big Match series with the previous hundred coming from Sandun Lugoda (102 n.o) in 1988.

Saman Nishantha's performance had more significance considering the fact that he was making his very first appearance in a Big Match. But this youngster played the Thurstan bowling like a season campaigner and went about his task in the most spectacular manner. He concentrated in getting behind the line and was prepared to play a long innings despite the fall of wickets at regular intervals at the other end.

Nishantha went through some anxious moments during the early stages and was forced to retire after suffering severe cramps with his score on 25 and Isipatana were 44 for 1 at that stage. But he came back into the scene after the fall of the second wicket and set the pace for an impressive first innings total along with his skipper Rohan de Silva. This pair took the game away from Thurstan and completely dominated the second session adding 124 runs for the third wicket.

They bettered the third wicket partnership of 99 runs for Isipatana set by Suresh Perera and Kanchana Madugalla in 1996 which was also the highest partnership for any wicket. Skipper Rohan de Silva did not mind playing the supporting role but still the left hander hit a solid half century to consolidate their position. The pair came together at a vital stage when Isipatana were building their innings after a good opening stand.

Saman Nishantha and Rasiru Thotumuna took the side off to a quiet start adding 41 runs after they were invited to bat first by Thurstan skipper Gihan de Silva. But Thurstan's decision certainly backfired as the Isipatana batsmen took full use of the perfect batting conditions before running down a formidable first innings total.

Thurstan in reply got off to a disappointing start and were struggling at 31 for 1 at the close. The match will be continued at 9.30 a.m today.

ISIPATANA - 1ST INNINGS

Saman Nishantha not out 			150
Rasiru Thotumana c Wijesundera b G.de Silva	 15
Rohan de Silva c Umayangana b Nishantha		 54
Amal Peiris c Wijesundera b G.de Silva		  4
Chaminda Prasad lbw b Gihan de Silva		  1
Chanuka Perera c G.de Silva b Umayangana	 23
Channa Lewke b Chamikara			  1
Oshadie Navaragodagedera not out		 20
Extras						 18
TOTAL (for 6 wkts decl in 88 overs)		286

FALL OF WICKETS: 1-41 (Thotumana), 2-51 (Amal Peiris),
3-175 (Rohan de Silva), 4-195 (Chaminda Prasad),
5-248 (Chanuka Perera), 6-256 (Lewke). 
BOWLING: Asela Umayangana 15-3-53-1,
Osaka Maharachchi 3-1-9-0, Prageeth Shanuka 2-1-1-0,
Gihan de Silva 29-3-88-3, Jeevan Chamikara 13-2-45-1,
Amila Nishantha  13-1-39-1, Damith Indika 8-1-28-0,
Sandaruwan Wijesundera 3-0-12-0, Dinesh Perera 2-0-6-0.

THURSTAN - 1ST INNINGS

Sandaruwan Wijesundera not out 			14
Dinesh Perera c Prasad b Saranga Perera		10
Sumithra Warnasuriya not out			 5
Extras						 2
TOTAL (for 1 wkt in 15 overs)			31
FALL OF WICKETS: 1-16 (Dinesh Perera).
BOWLING: Saranga Perera 7-1-11-1, 
Damith Dushantha 5-1-16-0, Rohan de Silva 2-1-3-0.

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