Centurion Pulisha sparkles for Trinity

Pulisha Thilakarathne

By Shamseer Jaleel

A fine century by Pulisha Thilakarathne put Trinity College in a strong position in their 106th Battle of the Blues Inter-School three-day Big Match against traditional rivals St. Anthony’s College, at Katugastota yesterday.
The game was called off around 4.45 p.m. due to bad light.
The Antonians won the toss and invited Trinity to take first lease of the wicket. Trinity’s inform batter, Dimantha Mahavithana was out cheaply for nine putting the visitors in trouble at 14 runs losing the first wicket.
But a superb partnership between Pulisha and Aadham Hilmy took Trinity out of danger. The pair put on 132 runs for the second wicket before Hilmy was out for 61.
Pulisha stood firm at the other end, anchoring the innings with a well-crafted century. He scored 106 runs off 194 balls including 14 boundaries.
His partnership with Hilmy was pivotal, as they stabilised the innings after the early loss. Hilmy contributed significantly as well, scoring 61 runs off 162 balls with eight boundaries. His patient innings played a crucial supporting role.
Vathila Udara and Dinal Fernando remained unbeaten scoring 30 and eight runs respectively, helping Trinity push the score past the 200-mark.
Udara’s aggressive approach, with three fours and a six, added valuable runs in the end saw Trinity end day one on a strong position at 222 for four at stumps.
For the Antonians, skipper Charuka Ekanayake bowled well with a tight line and length well supported by Ryan Gregory as both took one wicket a piece.