The 36th ‘Battle of Kelaniya’, the much-anticipated Cricket Big Match between two leading Buddhist schools in the Gampaha District, Gurukula College and Sri Dharmaloka Vidyalaya, concluded at the historic P. Saravamuttu International Cricket Stadium. While the match ultimately ended in a tame draw, it was a stage for individual brilliance, headlined by a masterful century from Gurukula’s Janith Mihiranga and a sensational eight-wicket match haul by Dharmaloka’s Sathindu Praboda.
Winning the toss and electing to field first, Sri Dharmaloka captain Omal Vihanga looked to exploit early moisture on the pitch. The decision paid immediate dividends as Gurukula found themselves in deep trouble at 29 for 3, having lost three frontline batsmen cheaply.
However, the complexion of the game changed as Janith Mihiranga, the side’s top run-scorer, walked to the crease. Joining his Skipper Denura Dimansith, the duo orchestrated a recovery mission. Slowly but surely, they built a massive 114-run partnership, both reaching half-centuries. The stand was eventually broken by Minuka Dinsara, who castled the opposition Captain after Dimansith had played a blistering knock of 67 runs, adorned with five boundaries and a massive six over long on.
Despite the setback, Mihiranga held the fort at one end. With supporting hands from Ohas Sadew and Leshan Sathsara, Gurukula escalated the score to a challenging position. However, wickets continued to tumble at the other end, leading to a late collapse. Gurukula was eventually bundled out for 250 runs. Mihiranga remained unbeaten on 116, playing a gem of an innings featuring 16 stylish boundaries which came from all parts of the ground. For Dharmaloka, left-arm chinaman Sathindu Praboda was the stand-out performer, claiming 6 wickets.
>>‘Big Match Fever’ grips Kelaniya: Gurukula and Dharmaloka clash for 36th ‘Battle of Kelaniya’
In their reply, Sri Dharmaloka College suffered a disastrous start, slipping to 23 for 2. A rescue mission was launched by Senuka Pehasara and Mewan Randeepana, who put up a valuable 64-run partnership. The stand ended in disappointment when Randeepana was run out in an unnecessary fashion. Skipper Omal Vihanga failed to capitalise, departing shortly after by shattering the hopes of Dharmaloka fans. Though Sathindu Praboda, Minuka Dinsara, and Tishan Nipun showed resistance, clinical bowling from Gurukula stifled their progress. Eventually Dharmaloka innings collapsed from a comfortable 152 for 5 to 177 all out. Shan Jumath, Nethupa Sandiw, and Ohas Sadew were the destroyers with the ball, each picking up three wickets.
Holding a first-innings advantage of 73 runs, Gurukula’s openers took the field with the intention of posting quick runs and declaring. While all reputed batters got starts, they failed to convert them into big scores. Janith Mihiranga sparkled once again, scoring a brisk 42 runs. With the score at 157 for 5, the declaration signal came from the dug-out. Tight bowling by Dharmaloka’s Tharusha Mihiranga and Sathindu Praboda prevented Gurukula from accelerating at the rate they desired.
Set a mammoth target of 221 runs to win within the final session, Dharmaloka’s strategy shifted to survival. They successfully batted out the remainder of the match to secure a tame draw. Kaveen Deneth played a crucial role, remaining unbeaten on 47 runs to guide his side to safety. While Gurukula secured the first-innings win, it was not the outright victory they sought. Despite the draw, the trophy will be retained by Gurukula College following their triumph in last year’s encounter (2025).
Cricket fans can look forward to the continuation of this rivalry, with the 23rd Limited Over Encounter (50 Overs) scheduled to be played on the 11th of April, followed by the 4th T20 encounter on the 25th of April. Both matches will be staged at the P. Sara Stadium, Borella.
Brief Scorecard
Gurukula College, Kelaniya (1st Innings) – 250 all out (86.4 Overs)
Janith Mihiranga 116*, Denura Dimansith 67, Ohas Sadew 21, Leshan Sathsara 11, Shan Jumath 10, Atheesha Malindu 10
Sathindu Praboda 66/6, Tishan Nipun 52/2, Tharusha Mihiranga 25/1, Minuka Dinsara 35/1′
Sri Dharmaloka College, Kelaniya (1st Innings) – 177 all out (117.2 Overs)
Senuka Pehasara 42, Mewan Randeepana 39, Sathindu Praboda 36, Minuka Dinsara 17, Tishan Nipun 13
Shan Jumath 18/3, Nethupa Sandiw 34/3, Ohas Sadew 63/3
Gurukula College, Kelaniya (2nd Innings) – 157/5 dec. (42 Overs)
Janith Mihiranga 42, Atheesha Malindu 29, Shan Jumath 20, Ohas Sadew 19*, Denura Dimansith 14, Sahas Induwara 14, Leshan Sathsara 10
Tharusha Mihiranga 24/2, Sathindu Praboda 64/2, Minuka Dinsara 30/1
Sri Dharmaloka College, Kelaniya (2nd Innings) – 67/1 (21 Overs)
Kaveen Deneth 47*, Mewan Randeepana 6, Tishan Nipun 4*
Sahas Induwara 14/1
Individual Awards
Best Batsmen – Janith Mihiranga (Gurukula College)
Best Bowler – Sathindu Praboda (Sri Dharmaloka College)
Best Fielder – Denura Dimansith (Gurukula College)
Player of the Match – Janith Mihiranga (Gurukula College)
