“Hill Country Battle of the Golds” ends in a draw as Sri Sumangala escape Rahula’s grip

The 28th edition of the “Hill Country Battle of the Golds” (Kanda Udarata Ran Maha Satana) concluded this weekend at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, delivering two days of intense cricketing action between the two upcountry powerhouses, Sri Rahula College, Katugastota, and Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College, Kandy. While Sri Rahula College dominated the majority of the encounter, a resilient rearguard action from Wariyapola Sri Sumangala saw them escape from the jaws of defeat to secure a hard-fought draw.

Winning the toss and opting to field first, Wariyapola Sri Sumangala captain Savindu Nisal looked to exploit early moisture on the pitch. The decision paid immediate dividends as the Sri Rahula openers adopted a cautious approach. Nimesh Senevirathne struck the first blow with just 17 runs on the board, and medium pacer Ravindu Madanayake quickly followed up, removing two more wickets in quick succession to leave the Rahulians reeling at 33 for 3. A minor recovery seemed on the cards when skipper Thaveesha Senal and Chamindu Sathsara put together a valuable 40-run partnership. However, Themura Prabhashwara broke the stand by removing Sathsara, triggering a collapse that saw Sri Rahula lose five wickets for the addition of just 29 runs, plunging them into deep trouble at 102 for 8.

>>Kingswood and Dharmaraja gear up for epic clash at Asgiriya, Kandy<<

From this precarious position, Madhushanka De Silva and Banuka Weerapana displayed rock-solid resistance. The duo twisted the pressure back onto the Sumangalian bowlers with a magnificent 73-run partnership for the ninth wicket. This crucial stand propelled Sri Rahula to a total of 180 runs all out, a competitive score on the tricky Pallekele surface. Madhushanka remained unbeaten on 39, while Themura Prabhashwara, Ravindu Madanayake, Aruj Ekanayake, and Nimesh Senevirathne shared the wickets for the bowling side.

In response, Wariyapola Sri Sumangala openers Thisara Gimhana and Themura Prabhashwara provided a bold start, posting a 47-run stand for the first wicket. Just as the game seemed to be swinging in their favor, Sri Rahula’s spinning star, Kaveesha Geeth, made the breakthrough by dismissing Gimhana. From that moment onward, Kaveesha delivered a magical spell that the Sumangalian batsmen had no answer to. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala collapsed to be bowled out for just 95 runs. Kaveesha Geeth’s spell of seven wickets will be remembered for years, well-supported by skipper Thaveesha Senal, who chipped in with three wickets.

With a first-innings lead of 77 runs, Sri Rahula came out to bat with clear intentions of pushing for an outright victory. Openers Gagana Kavishan (47) and Kavindu Thiyum (20) displayed urgency, putting on a brisk 60-run partnership. However, Sumangala skipper Savindu Nisal provided the crucial breakthrough, followed by three quick wickets to put the brakes on the scoring. Despite the setbacks, Sri Rahula skipper Thaveesha Senal anchored the innings beautifully, scoring the only half-century of the match. Sri Rahula eventually declared at 145 for 4, setting a stiff target of 223 runs. However, it should be noted that the declaration perhaps came a bit too late in the context of the game.

>>Sri Sumangala and Sri Rahula eye title glory as 28th edition looms at Pallekelle ICS<<

Facing a steep target with time running out, Wariyapola Sri Sumangala shifted to Plan B, survival. They abandoned hopes of a chase and instead focused on keeping wickets intact. Playing on a slow gear, the batsmen successfully negotiated the remaining overs. Themura Prabhashwara, who was the top scorer with an unbeaten 37, played a vital role in seeing the side through. At stumps, Sumangalians adhered to their amended game plan perfectly, playing out the remaining deliveries to secure a tame draw and share the honors.

Despite the stalemate, the individual performances were the highlight of the show. Kaveesha Geeth’s devastating seven-wicket haul and Thaveesha Senal’s composed half-century on a bowling-friendly surface stole the spotlight, adding another memorable chapter to the Hill Country Battle of the Golds.

Brief Scorecard

Sri Rahula College, Katugastota (1st innings) – 172 all out (79.2 Overs)

Madhushanka De Silva 39*, Banuka Weerapana 33, Thaveesha Senal 25, Chamindu Sathsara 16, Gagana Kavishan 12, Kavindu Thiyum 12

Themura Bhashwara 13/3, Ravindu Madanayake 15/2, Aruj Ekanayake 24/2, Nimesh Senevirathne 34/2, Savindu Nisal 32/1

 

Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College, Kandy (1st innings) – 95 all out (37.2 Overs)

Thisara Gimhana 28, Aruj Ekanayake 23, Vihanga Prabhasha 17, Themura Bhashwara 15

Kaveesha Geeth 31/7, Thaveesha Senal 26/3

 

Sri Rahula College, Katugastota (2nd innings) – 145/4 dec. (37 Overs)

Thaveesha Senal  52, Gagana Kavishan 47, Kavindu Thiyum 20, Nethum Sandira 09, Chamindu Sathsara 09

Ravindu Madanayake 32/2, Savindu Nisal 35/2

 

Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College, Kandy (2nd innings) – 92/3 (35 Overs)

Themura Bhashwara 37, Vihanga Prabhasha 18, Thisara Gimhana 15, Aruj Ekanayake 14

Kavindu Thuyum 18/2, Kaveesha Geeth 19/1