Two half centuries helps Antonians to make 232

Captain Thisara Ekanayake played a great knock of 63 for Antonians

By Shamseer Jaleel

Two half centuries by skipper, Thisara Ekanayake (63) and Janith Rathnasiri (59) helped Antonians to post 232 for 9 at stumps on Day 1 in their 105th Battle of the Blues Hill Capital encounter against Trinity College which commenced at the Asgiriya Stadium yesterday.

Trinity won the toss and put the Antonians at first. Though Antonians lost early wickets they settled down through two fine half centuries by their skipper Tharusha Ekanayake who stroked a brilliant 63 which was the foundation for the Antonians innings. Later on Janith Rathnasiri too played well for his 59. Both batsmans scored 6 boundaries each in their knock. Tharusha with his half century took his tally this season to 927 runs.

Antonians took time and settled down and played a relatively defensive batting style while trying to increase the rate in the last session of play. This encounter is played for the John Halangoda Trophy. The Chief Guest for the occasion was 1988 Trinity skipper Channa Fernando. 

Trinity’s last win was in 2012 while Antonians’ win was in 1992. 

Brief scores: St. Anthony’s 232 for 9 in 84 overs at stumps day 1: Thisara Ekanayake 63, Janith Rathnasiri 59, Kaushika Kumarasinghe 32, Supun Waduge 2 for 14, Dinuka Tennakoon 2 for 18, Wathila Udara 2 for 33.