ST. SYLVESTER’S: Manoharan Pavithran (captain), Chandula Jayakody (vice-captain), Avindu Herath, Nadeera Balasooriya, Pasan Hettiarachchi, Husindu Nishshanka, Kanishka Jayasekara, U.C Jayaguru, Kasun Edirithilaka, Nishantha Jayawardhana, Kevin Nimshan, C. Hiroshan, Shabeer Ahamed, Hashan Ratnayaka, Abishek Kumara, Mohamad Reeza, Shashika Basnayaka, Malisha Silva, Coach - Krishantha Gunawardena.
VIDYARTHA COLLEGE: Isuru Prabodha (captain), Kasun Karunathilaka (vice-captain), Chathuranga Dilshan, Medunaka Wijayathilake, Kavishka Dilhara, Dumindu Imantha, Ishan Sangeeth, Shyamal Priyabashana, Adithya Kalalpitiya, Pabasara Hasaranga, Kumuditha Perera, Navod Dilshitha, Anjula Kasun, Avishka Weerasooriya, Ashen Senanayake, Heshan Eranda, Ramindu Jayarathna, Asanka Isur, Dilan Sandeepa, Chathura Madushanka, Coach - Namal Perera.
The 61st Battle of the Babes Big Match between St. Sylvester’s College and Vidyartha College will take place at the Pallekele International Stadium today and tomorrow.
The winning tally of this series is in favour of the Sylvestrians with 13 wins to Vidyartha’s 3. The question is whether Vidyartha can break the 52-year-old hoodoo? They last won in 1967 under R.M. Lafir, the famous cricketer who played for Police and Government Services.
The contest is expected to be a close game with both teams at equal strength. This big match is played for a trophy in memory of Rev. Fr. Don George, who gave a big hand to start cricket at St. Sylvester’s. The trophy was introduced in 1982.
This season Vidyartha is led by Isuru Prabodha a fine stroke maker who has scored over 600 runs and much is expected from him. There is also Medunaka Wijayathilaka who has scored over 800 runs and Kavishka Dilhara nearly 600 runs all capable of coming up with a big score. In the bowling Kasun Karunathilaka with 60 wickets, Adithya Kalalpitiya with 50 wickets, Dumindu Imantha and Ishan Sangeeth with 35 wickets each are sure to trouble the Sylvestrians batting.
Vidyartha is coached by a former captain Namal Perera. Under his guidance they have won six matches outright against Revatha College Balapitiya, Anuradhapura Central, Holy Cross College Kalutara, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, Dudley Senanayake College, Tholangamuwa and St. Thomas’ College Matale. They have three first innings wins against St. Thomas’ College Matara, Kegalu Vidyalaya Kegalle and Kingswood College Kandy.
Sylvestrians are led by Manoharan Pavithran, a 4th year coluorsman and right hander who has scored 440 runs and taken 25 wickets. He is a good fielder at any position. Chandula Jayakody in his third year is the vice captain and has scored a century this season. Others who should do well are Nadeera Balasooriya, Pasan Hettiarachchi, Husindu Nishshanka and Kanishka Jayasekara. This season they have played 14 games and have won seven on first innings against Devapathiraja College Ratgama, Maliyadeva College Kurunegala, Gurukula College Kelaniya, Mahinda College Galle, St. Anne’s College Kurunegala, St. Mary’s College Kegalle and Kingswood College Kandy.
They are coached by Krishantha Gunawardena who has done a good job and are well backed by the MIC Palinda Mahi de Silva and the principal P.G.S. Bandara.
Add new comment