Lilan heroics the only spark

By S.M. D.Sirisena

Geeth Kumara of Thurstan who captured 6 wickets for 39, bats against Isipathana. He went on to make 38. - Pic by Ranjith Perera

Lilan Fernando of Isipathana emerged as the hero of the 45th Thurstan-Isipathana cricket encounter which petered out into a dull draw at the SSC Grounds yesterday.

Fernando bowling a good line and length went on to capture 4 for 84 and followed it up with a punishing unbeaten 61 which included six fours. He faced 153 balls to reach this score in 180 minutes. In the first innings Fernando made 26.

At one stage Isipathana were 72 for 5 at this stage Lilan Fernando and Dimuth Warapitiya pulled the side through with a 40 runs partnership for the sixth wicket. Lilan was associated in another valuable partnership for the seventh wicket with Sakuntha Premaratne (27) which came up on the board in 50 minutes.

In the Thurstan innings Indika Masalage (62),Shehan Kamaleen (31) and Geeth Kumara (38) batted with great caution.
Geeth Kumara captured six wickets for 27 runs for Thurstan.