The green Pathanians look to conquer the 55th Battle of the Brothers cricket encounter against traditional rivals Thurstan College which is scheduled to be played on February 23 and 24 at the Sinhalese Sports Club grounds. After 54 encounters, Isipathana College is the last to win in 1999 under Krishantha Jayawardena by seven wickets. The Pathanians will put their best foot forward this year to equalize the series overall tally that stands at 5-4 in favour of Thurstan.Fourth year batting all-rounder Ayana Siriwardena who leads Isipathana has piled up 393 runs in this year’s school cricket season with a century and three half centuries. He made a century against with D.S. Senanayake College and has also claimed 22 wickets in eight matches. Under his captaincy Pathanians secured six first innings wins and an outright win against President’s College, Kotte.
Deputy skipper Sanjula Bandara Ilangathilake has accumulated 350 runs including two half centuries and has been impressive with the ball as well taking 29 wickets. His best effort is 6 for 39 against President’s College, Kotte.
Fifth year coloursman, centurion Sanjula Abeywickrama, a left-handed top order batsman and the wicket-keeper of the team has scored 288 runs in five matches including a half century. His best was 150 not out against St. Peter’s, Bambalapitiya.
Leshan Amarasinghe, another top order batsman from the Pathana camp has also reached the 300-run mark inclusive of three half tons with a highest score of 99 against Royal, Colombo.
Madushika Sandaruwan who has been their top bowler has captured 44 wickets and will spearhead the bowling attack. However it is the spinners who have done the job for Isipathana. Sandaruwan’s best is 5 for 20 against D.S. Senanayake. Ilangathilaka too has performed well with a ball taking a tally of 29 scalps which includes a match bag of 10 for 97. Skipper Ayana and Lahiru Weeraratna an experienced player who has been unable to make any impression this season will be the mainstream in their bowling department.
With a rich cricketing history of over 50 years, Isipathana has produced many great cricketers such as Jayantha Paranathala, Asoka de Silva, Ashantha de Mel, Sanjeewa Weerasinghe, Asanka Gurusinha, Suresh Perera and Nuwan Zoysa all of whom have gone onto win national caps.
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