The cricketing fraternities of President’s College, Kotte, and Asoka College, Colombo, gear up for the 18th annual ‘Battle of Rath-Ran’ which is set to unfold on March 29 at the prestigious P. Sara Oval International Cricket Stadium. This legendary encounter is not merely a game of cricket; it is a battle for pride, legacy, and local supremacy.
While the majority of Sri Lanka’s school cricket big matches have transitioned to the traditional two or three-day format, the ‘Battle of Rath-Ran’ still continues as a limited-overs encounter.
The lads from Kotte enter the arena as the defending champions who are well reputed for their fighting spirit. Leading the charge this year is the dynamic right-handed batter and right-arm pace bowler, Punsara Nethmina. A leader who leads by example, Punsara will look to marshal his troops effectively. He is well-supported by his vice-captain, left-handed batter and off-spinner Hirun Lindula Ranasinghe, providing the side with a balanced leadership combination.
President’s College boasts a formidable batting lineup that has been in scintillating form this season. Sethila Sewhas has been the anchor of the batting unit with 605 runs. His season has been highlighted by a magnificent century, a stellar knock of 111 runs against St. Thomas’ College, Matale. is. The opener and the vice-captain, Hirun Lindula has been consistent, notching up seven half-centuries this season with scoring exactly 605 runs. Their form at the top of the order will be crucial if the President is to post a daunting total or chase down a target. The batting depth does not end there. Skipper Punsara Nethmina has contributed 342 runs, while the middle order comprising Arosha Lochana (242 runs), Nevinda Thathsara (244 runs), and Nethuka Sanudaya (241 runs) ensures that the side has firepower down the order to accelerate in the death overs.
In the bowling department, President’s College possesses a potent attack led by Osanda Dinusara. Standing as the side’s leading wicket-taker, Dinusara has terrorized opposition batters with multiple five-wicket hauls. His performance this season was epitomized by a magnificent 7-wicket spell against St. Peter’s College, Negombo. Dinusara will be ably supported by Shehanka Abeyrathne and the all-round skills of vice-captain Hirun Lindula. The management will also look to the likes of Sasindu Avishka, Nethuka Sanudaya, and Sithum Oshanda to maintain strict lines and lengths and rally around to keep the pressure on the Asokians.
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On the other hand, their arch-rivals, Asoka College, led by the talented right-handed batsman and right-arm pace-bowling all-rounder, Sasindu Malinda. Sasindu will be relying on his deputies, Seneth Anuja and wicket-keeper batsman Chathura Prabodha, to pilot his side against the formidable opponent.
Asoka’s batting unit revolves around the prodigious talent of Duluth Hansaja. A promising batsman with an insatiable appetite for runs, Hansaja has accumulated a staggering 856 runs this season at a rare average exceeding 57. His record includes four centuries and a fifty. He is undoubtedly the player to watch, having already displayed his ability to play long, match-defining innings. Hansaja’s season features two monumental knocks: a thumping 194 runs against Henegama Central College and a polished 104 against P. De S. Kularathna Maha Vidyalaya. If he gets going, the President’s bowlers will have a tough time containing him.
Adding weight to the batting lineup is Ometh Sendinu, a productive batter with 455 runs under his belt. Sendinu’s best performance came in the limited-over format against Galahitiyawa Central College, where he smashed a century. He, along with Prabodha, will be tasked with stabilizing the middle order and providing a platform for a late assault.
On the bowling front, Asoka College possesses a varied attack. The spin department will be spearheaded by the right-arm off-spinner duo of Chamath Thashmila and Januda Methnuka. Their ability to tie down batters in the middle overs could be pivotal.
However, the trump card for Asoka is the all-rounder Dulneth Hansaja. With his right-arm pace bowling, he continues to be a significant threat, having already claimed a five-wicket haul against Henegama Central College. He will be supported by Rashmika Perera, Seneth Anuja, and Isuru Kaushalya as they look to dismantle the strong President’s batting lineup.
The historical head-to-head tally heavily favors President’s College, who have clinched the title 13 times compared to Asoka College’s 4 victories. As the defending champions, President’s College will be eager to retain the trophy and extend their dominance. However, Asoka College enters this year’s encounter with a squad full of match-winners, particularly in the batting department, capable of rewriting the history books.
As March 29 approaches, the P. Sara Oval is poised to witness a spectacle of school cricket. With President’s looking to defend their crown and Asoka desperate to close the gap, the 18th Battle of Rath-Ran promises to be a thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry.
Asoka Vidyalaya, Colombo Squad – Sasindu Malinda (Captain), Seneth Anuja (Vice Captain), Chathuraya Prabodha (Vice Captain), Dilshan Kaushalya, Menuk Minthaka, Ometh Sendinu Perera, Inuka Damsith, Isuru Kaushalya, Nisandu Dewsara, Januda Methnuka, Rashmika Sathsara Perera, Dulneth Hansaja, Sanuka Methsen, Nisith Dulmira, Pasindu Senuthka, Chamath Thashmila, Thevinu Dinsara, Mindula Hasarel, Siyoth Vidusha, Mesandu Soysa, Nisalana Sandira
Akinsa Dilshan (Assistant Coach), Sagarika Kulathunga (POG), Dhanushka Namal (Cricket MIC), Nipuna Perera (Coach), Yasith Bawath (Assistant Coach)
President’s College, Kotte Squad – Punsara Nethmina (Captain), Hirun Ranasinghe (Vice-Captain), Aaron Joel, Arosha Lochana, Sithum Oshadha Hettiarachchi, Jenul Suwadartne, Osanda Dinusara, Netuka Sanudaya, Ameesha Gomes, Sasindu Avishka, Senuga Perera, Nevinda Thathsara, Sewhas Gamage, Shehanka Abeyratne, Hasindu Denuwan, Netula Mandil, Thehan Venumika, Lasal Induwara, Sadew Damsas, Nadith Dulsara,
S.D. Chamith (Cricket Coach), C.A. Dilip Prasanna (Assistant Coach)
