Kithruwan - fifth batsman to pass 1000-run mark

Sampath Bandara

Kithruwan Vithanage of Royal College became the fifth batsman to reach the 1000 run mark in the 2009 cricket season. He has amassed 1062 runs in 18 innings (Average 59.00) with two centuries and 10 half centuries contributing immensely towards the success of his school which has won nine matches in 16 outings.

A fine left-hand batsman and right-arm leg-spinner and standby wicket keeper, he has bagged 11 wickets in four matches, he kept wickets in five matches this season.

Kithruwan is a 4th year player and second year coloursman and a superb all rounder.

His highest score this season was 142 runs against St. Sebastian's College, Moratuwa including 2 sixes and 22 boundaries (146 balls) when Royalists won by an innings and 169 runs. He also scored 101 (not out) against Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa.

Kithruwan Vithanage became the second Royalist to score 1000 runs for the season after Banuka Rajapaksa who went past the milestone in an earlier match. Vithanage achieved the landmark in his 18th match. He has scored half centuries against Richmond (73), Thurstan (79 and 80), St. Anthony's (73), Nalanda (83), St. Joseph's (51), Dharmaraja (86), Lumbini (60 and 58 not out) and Wesley (51). Kithruwan Vithanage was a member of the under 19 Sri Lanka cricket team under the guidance of Roger Wijesuriya and was also in the under 17 Sri Lanka Cricket team. He also played a key role in the success of the Titans team which emerged champions of the Sirasa Cricket tournament.

Kithruwan had participated in Coca Cola Cricket Pathway training camp conducted at Premadasa Stadium under the guidance of Aravinda de Silva and also participated in the Fingara International Cricket Academy under the guidance of Marven Atapattu.