The 2nd Battle of Dreams – the annual two-day big match between St. Aloysius’ College, Galle and Holy Cross College, Kalutara – is all set to unfold on the 6th and 7th of March 2026 at the iconic Galle International Cricket Stadium.
As the newest addition to Sri Lanka’s cherished big match calendar, the Battle of Dreams is steadily carving its own identity, bridging two prestigious educational institutions from the southern and western coasts of the island. With both teams eager to etch their name on the trophy for the first time in the longer format, the 2026 edition promises two days of competitive schools cricket in the southern fortress.
- Photos – Aloysius’ College, Galle
- Photos – Holy Cross College, Kalutara
A new rivalry in the making
The inaugural Battle of Dreams, hosted by St. Aloysius’ College in Galle last year, ended in a tame draw as nearly five sessions of play – including the entire second day – were washed out due to rain. Despite the truncated red-ball encounter, St. Aloysius’ had the last laugh in the limited-overs fixture that followed, winning by 5 wickets in Galle.
- Photos – St. Aloysius’ College Big Match Team Preview 2026
- Photos – Holy Cross College, Kalutara Big Match Team Preview 2026
This year, Holy Cross College will host the encounter, though the venue remains the same – the picturesque Galle International Cricket Stadium. With unfinished business from last year and clearer weather in sight, both sides will be keen to produce a result and set the tone for what could become one of the island’s most competitive rivalries in the years to come.
Form Guide – 2025/26 Season
St. Aloysius’ College (Division I – Tier B)
Led by all-rounder Oshadha Devinda and coached by Sampath Perera, the Aloysians have endured a challenging two-day tournament campaign this season, managing just two first-innings wins in seven matches, while suffering two first-innings defeats and three outright losses, including their most recent outing against St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala, which ended in an outright defeat at home.
The two traditional two-day matches they have played so far this season resulted in one first-innings loss and a draw.
In the 50-over competition, St. Aloysius’ exited in the first round despite entering the tournament as defending champions. However, their spin-heavy attack has been a major strength throughout the season and could pose a significant threat to the Crusaders when the big game unfolds.
Holy Cross College (Division II – Tier A)
Captained by left-arm pacer Hirusha Gimhan Fernando and guided by head coach Sarath Jayawardana, the Crusaders have enjoyed a comparatively balanced red-ball season.
In three tournament matches so far, they recorded an outright win against neighbours Kalutara Vidyalaya, suffered a first-innings loss to St. John’s College, Jaffna, and endured an outright defeat against Rahula College in their most recent outing at home.
In the three traditional two-day encounters they have played this season, they secured first-innings victories in all three matches.
Holy Cross also impressed in the 50-over tournament, reaching the semi-finals. Their pace attack, which features a couple of left-arm seamers, could prove advantageous and pose a serious challenge for the Aloysians if conditions favour seam bowling.
Players to watch
St. Aloysius’ College
- Oshadha Devinda (Captain) – The middle-order batter, playing his second big match, has scored 225 runs this season while also claiming 26 wickets with his off-spin. His all-round contribution will be pivotal for his team.
- Dulsath Nimviru – The right-arm off-spinner, also playing his second big match, has been outstanding this season, picking up 35 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 16.54, including a five-wicket haul.
- Sevitha Dumal Weerathunga – The top-order batter has amassed 326 runs this season and will be key in providing stability at the top. This will be his Battle of Dreams debut.
- Vinod Danushka – With 264 runs and a highest score of 81, Vinod adds reliability to the Aloysian batting line-up. This will be his second big match.
- Chanuka Sadew – The left-arm orthodox spinner has claimed 19 wickets in just 5 matches, including two five-wicket hauls, making him a genuine match-winner his team will rely on as he prepares for his Battle of Dreams debut.
Holy Cross College
- Hirusha Gimhan Fernando (Captain) – The left-arm medium pacer, playing his second big match, has picked up 12 wickets in 5 matches this season and will look to lead from the front with the ball.
- Rusith Jayawardana – Undoubtedly the standout performer for Holy Cross this season. The middle-order batter has piled up 496 runs at an average of 49.60, including a century, while also scalping 29 wickets with his off-spin. His Battle of Dreams debut will certainly be one to watch.
- Anuhas Seeman – The wicketkeeper-batter, playing his second big match, has scored 406 runs this season with a century to his name, performing a dual role behind the stumps and at the top of the order.
- Yasith Tharuksha Silva – The left-arm medium pacer, also featuring in his second big match, has claimed 18 wickets this season at an impressive average of 14.61, including a five-wicket haul.
- Vihanga Oshada Silva – A dependable middle-order presence with 257 runs this season. This will be his second big match as well.
Squads
St. Aloysius’ College, Galle: Oshadha Devinda (Captain), Dulsath Nimviru, Sevitha Dumal Weerathunga, Vinod Danushka, Chanuka Sadew, Sasindu Madusara Silva (WK), Kavishka Sasindu Randeepa, Manodya Pabasara, Gimhana Hansaka, Chanul Nethmina Karunarathna, Hiviru Nimtharana, Vinuda Ravishan Bopage, Chanul Sanketh, Methsan Lakmina, Kuvindu Edirisingha, Akram Hamza, Dihen Sinsith, Pulitha Banuja
Holy Cross College, Kalutara: Hirusha Gimhan Fernando (Captain), Rusith Jayawardana, Anuhas Seeman (WK), Yasith Tharuksha Silva, Vihanga Oshada Silva, Hansana Hinduranga Samarakoon, Sachith Sanjula Andradi, Matheesha Nethsara Perera, Mevindu Pahasara Perera, Steeve Roshana, Dinuk Angelo Rupasinghe, Sabodha Dewthilina, Sithum Denuwan, Omesh Nimsara Vithanage, Tidula Silva, Vimuthu Lakmith, Gagana Nimsara, Ruwanal Deelak
Catch the action live on ThePapare
The 2nd Battle of Dreams promises two days of thrilling school cricket action under the Galle sun. Supporters from both Kalutara and Galle are expected to fill the stands and rally behind their alma mater.
For those unable to make it to the venue, catch every ball LIVE on ThePapare, Sri Lanka’s No 1. Sports Channel, and witness who will take early bragging rights in this blossoming rivalry. The matches will also be available for viewing via the Dialog Play App and on ThePapare.com.
