The Limited Overs Encounter of the ‘Wickum-Sena Battle of the Greens’ concluded in a spectacular fashion at Wickramashila National School Grounds, Giriulla, witnessing one of the most dramatic collapses in recent School Cricket history. A sudden and fatal batting collapse by D. S. Senanayake National School, Meerigama, handed a massive 111-run victory to hosts Wickramashila National School, allowing the home side to retain the trophy in emphatic style.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Wickramashila Skipper’s decision was immediately vindicated. Openers Sachin Ivan and Soduru Lochana came out with aggressive intent, providing a flying start with a run rate of nearly nine runs per over. However, the momentum was short-lived. A serious misunderstanding while running between the wickets resulted in a run-out, breaking the dangerous opening stand. The setback triggered a mini-slide as Wickramashila lost two more quick wickets, slumping to 41/3 and finding themselves in a spot of bother.
Just as the bowlers from Meerigama began to roar, a rescue mission was launched. Gawesh Induwara Senevirathna and Nethsara Naveen combined for a crucial 70-run partnership to steady the innings. Following Gawesh’s departure, Supeshala Sithil joined Naveen, and the duo added another valuable 69 runs to escalate the total. At 180/4 within 37 overs, a total of 300 was definitely on the cards for the hosts. However, Ronal Tharamasinghe of D. S. Senanayake had other plans. He bowled a brilliant delivery to dismiss the set Naveen, who had crafted a breezy 80 runs laced with 11 boundaries. This wicket applied the brakes on the Wickramashila innings. Apart from the cameo of 27 runs by Maneth Induwara Ilankoon, which included a boundary and a maximum, the lower order failed to contribute significantly. Wickramashila lost their way and were eventually bundled out for 250 runs in 47.2 overs. Still the hosts posted a formidable total, though the bowlers Ronal Tharamasinghe, Menula Onelsha, and Nonim Yasas deserved credit for their resurgence to restrict the hosts.
Chasing 251, D. S. Senanayake got off to a solid start. Openers Ronal Tharamasinghe and Idura Navodya pushed the score to a comfortable 60/0 within the first 10 overs. When Menula Onelsha joined Tharamasinghe, the visitors kept themselves firmly in the hunt. At one stage, the score read 112/2, with D. S. Senanayake emerged as clear favorites to clinch the title.
>>Senananayakians hung by the skin of their teeth to save the game against Wickramashila<<
Then, the drama unfolded. Maneth Induwara provided the crucial breakthrough for Wickramashila by removing the set batsman Ronal Tharamasinghe, who had made a vital 42 runs featuring four boundaries. That single wicket opened the floodgates. What followed was a fatal collapse of epic proportions. From a commanding 112/2, the Senanayakians lost their way completely, losing 8 wickets for the addition of just 11 runs. They were eventually wrapped up for a mere 123 runs.
Right-arm pace bowler Gawesh Induwara Senevirathna spearheaded the killing, ripping through the batting line-up to pick up six wickets. He was well-supported by chinaman Mithum Nimsara Ginthota, who chipped away with a couple of wickets to seal the deal.
With a dramatic collapse in the final session, the “Wickum-Sena Battle of the Greens” concluded with a thumping 111 runs victory for Wickramashila National School. For his remarkable all-round performance, scoring crucial runs in the first innings and wreaking havoc with the ball, Gawesh Induwara Senevirathna was deservingly awarded the Player of the Match as the Wickramashilians celebrated retaining their trophy.
Brief Scorecard
Wickramashila National School, Giriulla – 234 all out (47.2 Overs)
Nethsara Naveen 80, Supeshala Sithil 32, Gawesh Induwara Senevirathna
28, Maneth Induwara Ilankoon 27, Sachin Ivan 14, Soduru Lochana 11
Ronal Tharamasinghe 29/3, Menula Onelsha 47/2, Nonim Yasas 52/2, Idura Navodya 30/1
D. S. Senanayake National School, Meerigama – 123 all out (25.5 Overs)
Ronal Tharamasinghe 42, Idura Navodya 29, Menula Onelsha 14
Gawesh Induwara 25/6, Mithum Nimsara Ginthota 22/2, Maneth Induwara Ilankoon 07/1
Individual Awards
Best Bowler – Gawesh Induwara Senevirathna (Wickramashila)
Best Batsman – Nethsara Naveen Jayaratne (Wickramashila)
Player of the Match – Gawesh Induwara Senevirathna (Wickramashila)
Photo Credit: Wickum-Sena Battle of the Greens FB page / Lanka Softball Channel
