The second edition of “Battle of the Champions,” the much-anticipated big match between Kekirawa Central College (Rawanz) and Rangiri Dambulla National School (Rangiriyans), concluded recently at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. While the game itself ended in a tame draw, Kekirawa Central College successfully retained the title, thankfully to their remarkable innings victory in the inaugural edition.
Winning the toss and electing to field first, Kekirawa Central College made immediate inroads. Right-arm pace bowler Charitha Pathiraja announced his arrival with a wicket off the very first over, dismissing opening batsman Vidusha Wijerathne for a duck. Then, Pathiraja removed the other opener, Shaveen Fernando, leaving the Rangiriyans reeling at 21/3.
Amidst the early collapse, Imira Vidunuwan arrived at the crease and contributed a brisk 22 runs off just 16 balls, adorned with three boundaries, in a 25-run partnership with Kithsilu Rajapaksha. Following Imira’s departure, Pabasara Wanasinha launched an assault on the bowlers, smashing a 14-ball cameo of 29 runs that included five boundaries and a six. However, once Pabasara was dismissed, Rangiri Dambulla lost their way, collapsing from 79/4 to be bundled out for just 109 runs. The innings was characterized by a stark contrast in approaches, while the middle order threw their bats around, Kithsilu Rajapaksha occupied the crease for a marathon 144 deliveries to score just 13 runs, surviving from the first over until the 45th. Akash Jayamanna (3 wickets) and Hashan Karunarathna (2 wickets) were the chief destroyers with the ball.
In reply, Kekirawa Central College got off to a steady start despite losing an early wicket. Devinda Senevirathne and Nimsara Devappriya built a solid foundation with a handy half-century stand for the second wicket. At 65/1, the Rawanz looked to be in the driver’s seat, but off-spinner Chamindu Abewardhana struck the pads of Sadeepa to trigger a collapse. The momentum shifted entirely until right-handed all-rounder Vikum Anuhas stood tall. He played a gem of an innings, scoring 35 runs to guide his team to a first-innings lead. Kekirawa eventually declared at 131/9, setting up a result-oriented finish. Sasdinu Edirisinghe and Chamindu Abewardhana were the pick of the bowlers for Rangiri Dambulla, claiming three wickets apiece.
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Trailing by just 22 runs, Rangiri Dambulla National School came out with a defensive mindset, aiming for a stalemate. It was a tough day for opener Vidusha Wijerathne, who completed a pair of ducks. The incoming batsmen, Imira Vidunuwan, Kithsilu Rajapaksha, and Shaveen Fernando adopted a strategy of playing with soft hands to drag the game past the 50-over mark and stave off defeat. At 70/2, they looked relatively comfortable, but the game twisted again when anchor Kithsilu Rajapaksha was unluckily run out. The innings eventually folded for 124 runs. Anuhas Abesinghe delivered a superb performance for Kekirawa, claiming a five-wicket haul to dismantle the opposition.
Set a modest target of 103 runs for victory, Kekirawa Central College found themselves against the clock with only six overs remaining. They embarked on a frantic chase, scoring 28 runs for the loss of three wickets before stumps were called. Nimsara Devappriya provided the late entertainment with an unbeaten 18 runs, featuring a four and a six.
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Ultimately, after two days of defensive and classic Test cricket, the “Battle of the Champions” settled for a draw. Kekirawa Central College walked away with the first-innings honours and retained the title, cementing their dominance in this budding rivalry.
Scorecard in Brief
Rangiri Dambulla National School (1st innings) – 109 all out (46 overs)
Pabasara Wanasinha 29, Imira Vidunuwan 22, Shaveen Fernando 13, Kithsilu Rajapaksha 13, Chamindu Abewardhana 13
Akash Jayamanna 19/3, Hashan Karunarathna 25/2, Charitha Pathiraja 36/2, Anuhas Abesinghe 00/1, Pasan Dissanayaka 17/1
Kekirawa Central College (1st innings) – 131/9 dec. (64.5 overs)
Vikum Anuhas 35, Devinda Senevirathne 22, Nimsara Devappriya 22, Oshada Perera 13
Sasdinu Edirisinghe 15/3, Chamindu Abewardhana 18/3, Kavindu Abeerathna 26/2
Rangiri Dambulla National School (2nd innings) – 124 all out (81.3 overs)
Imira Vidunuwan 34, Kithsilu Rajapaksha 28, Rasinda Nawarathne 18, Shaveen Fernando 13, Chamindu Abewardhana 10
Anuhas Abesinghe 33/5, Hashan Karunarathna 40/3, Charitha Pathiraja 08/1
Kekirawa Central College (2nd innings) – 28/3 (6 overs)
Nimsara Devappriya 18 n.o.
Pabasara Wanasinha 02/2, Sasdinu Edirisinghe 03/1
