16/09/2025
2nd Millennium Legends Cricket Encounter - Nisal Randika and Chamith Aravinda Shine as Thurstan Triumphs
The much anticipated 2nd Millennium Legends Cricket Encounter lived up to all expectations as Thurstan Millennium Legends, led by Shanaka De Silva, delivered a confident and stylish performance to defeat the Isipathana Millennium Legends, captained by Samith Abeygunawardane, by 7 wickets in a match packed with excitement, big moments, and top-class individual performances.
Batting first, Isipathana put together a competitive total of 211 for 8 in 35 overs. The innings was powered by aggressive batting from Nuwan Hettiarachchi, who smashed a quick 40 off 22 balls, and the steady hand of Panduka Kumararathne, who added 39 off 51. A late surge from Damith Arjuna, who scored 32 off just 16 deliveries, gave Isipathana a strong finish. However, the Thurstan bowlers were on point throughout, with Chamith Aravinda leading the attack brilliantly, claiming 3 wickets for just 26 runs in his full 7-over spell. He was well backed by Rakitha Perera, who also picked up 3 wickets for 38 runs.
Thurstan’s reply was nothing short of classy. The star of the chase was Nisal Randika, who played a match-winning knock, staying unbeaten on 103 off 105 balls. It was a perfectly paced innings filled with elegant strokeplay, sharp running, and excellent shot selection. He was well supported by none other than Chamith Aravinda, who added to his strong bowling performance with a fluent 52 off 55 balls, completing a brilliant all-round effort.
Isipathana’s bowlers tried hard to turn things around, with Mohammed Minhaj picking up two wickets and Dilip Sri Vinod chipping in with one. But the total of 35 extras, including a costly 28 wides, gave Thurstan too many easy runs and made the job that much tougher for the defending side.
Thurstan comfortably chased down the target in 32.1 overs, finishing at 215 for 3 and taking home a well-earned win in this special encounter between two proud schools.
After the match, the standout performers were celebrated. Chamith Aravinda was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round effort. Nisal Randika took home the Best Batter award for his unbeaten century, while Rakitha Perera earned the Best Bowler award for his 3-wicket haul. Suresh Galapitagedara was recognised as the Best Fielder for his energy and commitment on the field.
The 2nd Millennium Legends Cricket Encounter was more than just a game, it was a celebration of school spirit, lifelong friendships, and the joy of cricket. This year, the match was played for the second consecutive time as an annual fixture. The Chief Guest was former Sri Lanka cricketer Mr. Hemantha Botheju, while the Guest of Honour was Mr. Kamal Mahendra, the victorious Big Match Captain of Thurstan, who in 1990 led his team to begin Thurstan’s golden era of three consecutive wins in 1990, 1991, and 1992.
Thurstan may have taken the win this time, but both teams showed why this fixture is becoming a highlight in the calendar year after year.
