Every encounter between Wesley College and St. Benedict’s College is more than just a cricket match; it brings over 130 years of history, pride, and rivalry to the field. St. Benedict’s currently holds both trophies, as they are the defending Cartman Cup champions and have won all four Luke Shield clashes so far. The teams will face off in the two-day Cartman Cup at P. Sara Oval on March 20th and 21st, followed by the One-Day Luke Shield at the Sinhalese Sports Club on the 11th of April. It is another chapter in a tradition that is eagerly anticipated by many across the country.
A look at Last Year’s edition
The 5th edition of the Cartman Cup ended in a draw, but St. Benedict’s had the better of it, taking a first-innings lead thanks to Sharujan Shanmuganathan and current Captain Mevan Dissanayake, who scored brilliant half-centuries to steady the innings and were the stars of the show. For Wesley, Sriram Jeevahan’s pace that caused problems for the batters, and now Captain Rashmika Amaratne’s gritty half-century, where he fell two runs short of a memorable Cartman Cup century, were the standout performers. Despite the Double Blues’ efforts, the Benedictines were able to retain the trophy back at Kotahena.
Unfortunately for the Wesleyites, the Luke Shield was more one-sided. St. Benedict’s won by six wickets, extending their perfect record in the limited-overs game.
- Photos – St. Benedict’s College Team Preview 2026
- Photos – Wesley College Cricket Team | Big Match Season 2026
St. Benedict’s College – The Team to Beat
Left-arm spinner Mevan Dissanayake captains the Bens this year. Dissanayake knows the true weight of the Cartman Cup for the green and white, having tasted success here himself. His left-arm spin has been the standout this season, taking 62 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls, which is certainly not an easy feat in the school’s cricket circuit. On the turning pitches often seen at P. Sara Oval, he has the ability to control games and turn them in the Bens’ favour across both innings.
The batting for the Bens’ gives real depth and reliability. Tehan Bitar leads the way with 752 runs with two magnificent centuries and three fifties, proving to be a dependable anchor at the top. Mario Fernando has added 650 runs (1 century, 4 fifties), while Vihanga Rathnayaka has scored 604 runs (5 fifties) and chipped in with 35 wickets as a proper all-rounder. A significant number of runs under the belt of the Benedictine batters will certainly give them confidence during this year’s clash. Additionally, the Dissanayake-Rathnayaka left-arm spin partnership will prove vital to the Benedictines’ success.
St. Benedict’s has been very successful this season, securing 5 outright wins against St. Anthony’s (Wattala), Dharmaraja (Kandy), Devapathiraja, Dharmaloka, and St. Aloysius, which will further strengthen their belief in remaining unbeaten in the Bens – Wesley encounter.
Wesley College – Ready to Challenge
Rashmika Amaratne leads Wesley as captain. He showed his class in last year’s Cartman Cup with a strong and resilient half-century, and now he brings experience and drive to lift the Double Blues. Wesley needs leadership and runs, and he is well placed to deliver both.
The batting has been consistent for the Wesleyites. Rasheed Nayhan has been the in-form player, scoring 959 runs, including one century and five fifties, which is certainly among the best tallies in schools’ cricket this season. Rashmika Amaratne has 615 runs this season (5 fifties), Lithum Senuja with 599 runs (5 fifties), and Sehandu Athauda, who has 598 runs (4 fifties) under his belt, give the top order stability and the ability to post a big first innings total, which will definitely help the Wesleyites’ cause in bringing the trophies that have eluded them back to Campbell Park.
The bowling seems to be Wesley’s ace in the hole. Left-arm spinner Dinuja Samarathna (48 wickets) and off-spinner Methnula Mayadunne (46 wickets) form a balanced spin duo, while Adhyan Zein adds depth with 44 wickets. Pace bowler Sriram Jeevahan (30 wickets), a national youth cap who represented Sri Lanka in the U – 19 Men’s World Cup held earlier this year. He certainly brings genuine speed and bounce that the Bens will need to handle carefully. Captain Rashmika Amaratne chips in with 33 wickets, who will prove to be a key player with his all-round prowess. With two outright wins this season (against Ananda College and De Mazenod College), the Double Blues have momentum and reason to believe they can compete and register their first victory this year.
When the first ball is bowled at P. Sara Oval, the form guide and stats will only go so far. This Bens – Wesley encounter has a way of producing moments that change everything, like individual brilliance, a big partnership, or a key wicket.
Two Schools, One Trophy, One Shield. A new edition of the Bens – Wesley encounter waits to unfold!
