Are we about to see the best of Duleeka Thisakuttige?
Thisakuttige went up another level for Hoppers Crossing in sub-district cricket on Saturday, producing his best knock for the club with 139 not out in the Cats’ imposing total of 6-287 against Moorabbin at Hogans Road Reserve.
Thisakuttige has been highly regarded since arriving at the Cats at the start of last season.
He’s arguably the most consistent batsman for the Cats, regularly making 30s and 40s and occasionally going on to raise the bat for half centuries, so his value is high even without earth-shattering scores.
But with the talent he possesses, it’s been somewhat of a letdown that he had not brought up triple figures for the Cats until Saturday’s explosion of runs.
Cats’ top-order batsman Trent Said told Star Weekly it was a pleasure to see Thisakuttige get into triple figures.
“He’s been promising a lot since arriving last year,” he said. “We’ve seen glimpses of what he’s capable of, but he hasn’t been able to go on for us. Now that he’s done it, the monkey is off the back and hopefully it’s a sign of things to come.”
Thisakuttige was in control from the start to the finish of his innings in the VSDCA south-west first XI match. He dictated terms to the bowling side as he marched effortlessly to his ton.
“It was a very controlled innings and well paced,” Said said. “He did the hard work early and wasn’t as aggressive as he’s been in previous innings.”
Will Partington-Gardner, the right-hand man for Thisakuttige, made 68 in a 132-run fifth-wicket partnership with Thisakuttige. Partingon-Gardner has the potential to be the Cats’ most damaging batsman.
“He’s probably the most dangerous player in our team,” Said said. “When he does get going, he can take a game away from the opposition real quick.”
Said chipped in with 20, while Dinesh Daminda provided a late 22.
Werribee will need to make 259 to beat Malvern at Chirnside Park on Saturday.
The Tigers showed their ability to chase down big scores as recently as the previous round when they hunted down Brighton’s 283.
Off-spinner Mitch Johnstone was the pick of the bowlers against Malvern with 4-86 off 30 overs, while paceman Brad Robertson took 3-56 and leg-spinner Tim O’Brien 2-46.
