Deshan (100 n.o. ) props Isipathana

Yasatatne GAMAGE

Deshan Jayakumar with a well compiled unbeaten century ( 100 no ) and well supported by opener Sanka Thabrew (85 ) helped Isipathana College to score 256 for 5 at close of play on the first day of their 49th annual big match at SSC grounds yesterday.

Having won the toss Sajeewa Salgado took the ball and Thurstanites bowled well to limit rival batting average under 3 runs per over throughout the day especially during the first session.

Isipathana vice captain Jayakumara's unbeaten 100 came in 213 balls with eight fours and a six who occupied the crease for four hours and 20 minutes until the sun set. The left handed one down batsman, Deshan and opener Sanka Thabrew set up a valuable partnership of 109 runs for the third wicket . Thabrew partnered by Salinda Ushan gave a steady start of 72 runs for the first wicket.

The only centurion for Isipathana in the season captain Harith Wanigarachchi could not make it his day as expected when he was bowled for one run by Minhaj Jaleel. Despite of Deshan and Thabrew being successful Isipathan batsmen seemed nervous at the fall of a wicket which was evident on two occasions.

Harith Wanigarachchi went back to pavilion shortly after Thabrew's dismissal when the score was 181 and 182.

When Matheesha Ranaweera was out for 25 when the score was 251, his successor Charith Rajapaksha could not stay at the wicket and was sent back at the same score.

Minhaj Jaleel did the best by removing danger batsmen Harith and went on to take another two wickets as well for 51 runs in 25 overs.