Deshan and Kelum help Isipathana pile up 256

Thushan Jayasuriya

Thurstanite bowler Pamoth Gunawardena who captured four wickets in action. Pictures by Ranjith Asanka

Two fine knocks by Isipathana skipper Deshan Jayakumar(54) and Kelum Bastiansz(61) helped Isipathana College to score a formidable 256 all out on the first day of their 50th cricket encounter against Thurstan College which began at the SSC Grounds yesterday.

After they lost two early wickets for 25 runs, skipper Deshan Jayakumar was associated in a third wicket stand of 85 runs with Matheesha Ranaweera who made a sedate 37 runs. Jayakumar was finally out for sparkling 54 runs which came off 60 balls with two boundaries.

Kelum Bastiansz, who came into bat at number seven, made an attractive 61 runs inclusive of seven boundaries off 79 balls and associated with a eighth wicket stand of 64 runs with Malin Dias who made a well compiled 26 before being run out which enabled the lads from Havelock Town to get a formidable 256. Torry Thabrew(24) also made a hard hit 24 for Isipatana .

Medium Paceman Pamoth Gunawardena was the pick of the Thurstan bowlers with four wickets for 68 ably supported by spinner Rajitha Perera with two for 42 .

The Thurstanites in reply were 75 for three wickets at close after losing two early wickets for 32 runs Thurstan recovered through a fine knock of 34 by Kavindu Kulasekara.