Reigning champ Randev is closing in

36th Bata - the Sunday Times Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 2015

Randev Pathirana of Royal College Colombo is indicating that he is on the run for a second time after his win in last year’s Bata-the Sunday Times Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the year competition. Randev has started his push, gradually, as he closes in on leader Himesha Ranganath of Royal College Panadura.

Ranganath continues to lead in the All-Island category of the 36th Bata-the Sunday Times Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 2015 contest for the fourth consecutive week, but Randev looks quite dangerous on the leader. The difference between Ranganath and Randev is a mere count of 165 votes and as last season, the reigning title holder has the ability to provide surprises to his rivals. Another silent yet active contender is Aravinda Akurugoda of St. Joseph’s College. He trails Randev by 87 votes and he too can be harmful as the weeks go on. Aravinda, who claimed the third slot this week, pushed Richmond College all-rounder Charith Asalanka to fourth place as another Josephian; Pathum Madushanka shows good progress among the top five contenders. The competition still looks open as it reaches the fifth week and with 12 more weeks to go.

In the Emerging Schools category Nipun Malinga of Vidyaloka College Galle and Udith Dilsara of St. Peter’s College Negombo remain at their respective slots from last week. At present Malinga has a clear lead over Dilsara. The International Schools category kicked off with Shimraz Shahill of Alethea International coming in and tempting others to follow.

Coupons of the 36th Bata-the Sunday Times Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 2015 will appear on Wijeya Newspaper’s dailies, the Daily Mirror and Lankadeepa and also its weekend English issue, the Sunday Times and the Sinhala weekly Deshaya. Readers will be able to send in as much as coupons in favour of their favourite schoolboy cricketer until mid June.