Rahula College retains Manimaran – Wijesiriwardena trophy in DLS victory

The 7th edition of the “Battle of the Ends” limited-overs (50) cricket encounter was staged recently at Uyanwatta Stadium, Matara. In a display of sheer dominance, the host team, Rahula College, overwhelmed Hartley College, Point Pedro, to secure a massive 288-run victory via the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method. The match, which was interrupted by rain, saw Rahula College retain the Manimaran–Wijesiriwardena Trophy for the seventh consecutive time.

Much more than a typical school cricket rivalry, the “Battle of the Ends” is a symbolic event that bridges the ethnic and cultural divide of the island nation. It brings together Hartley College, situated at the northernmost point of Point Pedro, and Rahula College, located near the southernmost tip of Dondra. The annual clash is celebrated as an occasion of brotherhood and solidarity, connecting the hearts of people from the North and South.

Winning the toss, Rahula College skipper Nadil Sandesh opted to bat first on the fresh, batting-friendly surface at Uyanwatta Grounds. However, the decision was immediately tested. Hartley College’s bowlers made excellent use of the early moisture on the wicket, picking up a couple of quick wickets to put the hosts under significant pressure. The setback proved temporary as Janiru Wijayawardane and Aayu Kaviraj took guard. The duo launched a counterattack that effectively put the visitors out of contention. Together, they established a monumental 299-run partnership for the third wicket, rewriting the record books of the Manimaran–Wijesiriwardena Trophy.

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Janiru Wijayawardane, the left-handed stroke-maker, was destructive, scoring 167 runs off just 137 deliveries, an innings adorned with 19 boundaries. He was well supported by Aayu Kaviraj, who scored a blistering 133 runs off only 103 balls, featuring 18 boundaries and a massive six. Although Hartley College managed to pick up a few quick wickets in the final overs, the damage had already been done. Rahula College eventually amassed a massive total of 405 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Sritharan Mathushan and Vaithilingam Venukanan were the most successful bowlers for Hartley, sharing four wickets between them.

Facing a daunting target, Hartley College’s innings never found momentum from start to finish. Right-handed middle-order batter Thavendran Abishan was the sole source of resistance, scoring an unbeaten 41 runs amidst the collapse. The Rahula College bowling attack was relentless, with Hirun Manyuga and Naviru Nethwan displaying dazzling form to claim three wickets each, dismantling the visitors. Midway through the innings, rain interrupted play, forcing the umpires to halt the contest after 28.2 overs. At that point, the visitors required 374 runs according to the DLS par score, a target that proved well out of reach.

With this all-round dominance, Rahula College secured a comprehensive 288-run victory. Despite the one-sided result on the field, the trophy stood tall as a bridge between the North and South, successfully embodying the spirit of brotherhood and cultural unity that defines this unique encounter.

Brief Scorecard

Rahula College, Matara – 405/8 (50 Overs)

 

Janiru Wijayawardane 167, Aayu Kaviraj 133, Lithum Sewnitha 29,

 

Sritharan Mathushan 2/69, Vaithilingam Venukanan  2/98)

 

Hartley College, Point Pedro – 86/8 (28.2 Overs)

 

Thabendran Abishaan 41*,

 

Hirun Manyuga 3/16, Naviru Nethwan 3/37, Lithum Sewnitha 2/6)

Individual Awards

Player of the Match – Janiru Wijayawardane (Rahula College)

Photo Credits – Rahula College, Matara FB page