A blistering century by Thilina Maasmulla (102) piloted Thurstan to an exciting two-wicket win over Isipatana in their 24th annual limited over encounter for W.A. de Silva challenge trophy played at Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo yesterday.
Put into bat, Isipatana made 213 all out in 49.3 overs. They were strongly placed at 157 for 2 at one stage but the rest of the batsmen failed to capitalise on the early advantage. There were five run outs in Isipatana innings, which was boosted earlier by half centuries by Tharaka Waduge and Mario Amarasinghe.
The win never looked in Thurstan’s reach after they were slumped for 103 for 6.
But it was then that Maasmulla stood between Isipatana’s win and Thurstan’s defence. He took Isipatana bowlers to task in his match winning knock of 102 which completely turned the match in Thurstan’s favour. Maasmulla had one six and 13 boundaries as Thurstan finally reached the target, making 216 for 8 in 39.3 overs.
Isipatana: 213 all out in 49.3 overs (Tharaka Waduge 58, Saman Nishantha 23, Mario Amarasinghe 59, Sankalpa 24, Sanjaya Dilruksha 14, Isuru Vindana 13 n.o, C. Wickremaratne 2 for 43).
Thurstan: 216 for 8 in 39.3 overs (H. Galagoda 26, Thilina Maasmulla 102, N. Sankalpa 3 for 49, S. Nishantha 3 for 37).
More Info : http://www.dailynews.lk/2004/03/08/spo07.html