The wait is over, the stage is set, and the rivalry continues as the fourth edition of the “Battle of the Blazing Blues” unfolds at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on 30 April 2026. The lasses from Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy, and St. Anthony’s Convent, Katugastota, are poised to take the field in a spectacle that has transcended mere school sport to become a fierce contest for the supremacy of upcountry girls’ cricket.
The history books tell the story of a tightly contested rivalry. The inaugural edition saw the Mayans draw first blood, setting the standard. The Antonian girls, however, displayed immense character to bounce back in the second edition, squaring the tally. Last year, the pendulum swung back to Mahamaya, who reclaimed the trophy with an emphatic victory over their hometown rivals. Now, the scoreboard reads 2–1 in favour of the Mayans, but in a derby, form is temporary and pride is permanent. Without a doubt, the St. Anthony’s outfit is determined to level the playing field, while the Mahamaya girls are ready to retain the glory and defend their crown with everything they have.
- Mahamaya steamrolls St. Anthony’s Convent at Pallekelle
- Upcountry rivalry continues as Mahamaya and St. Anthony’s Convent battle for the supremacy
This year, the Mahamaya camp enters the arena under the leadership of pace-bowling all-rounder Yenuli Sahansa Amarasinghe. Having served as vice-captain last year, Yenuli steps into the top role with a point to prove. Her captaincy was tested during the recent limited-overs schools tournament, where the Mayans secured fifth position in their group. While their record of three victories and three defeats showed promise, a cruel twist of fate saw them knocked out of the quarter-final race due to the head-to-head rule after finishing level on points with Wadduwa Central College. That near miss will undoubtedly fuel their fire in this big match.
The Mayans possess the luxury of experience, boasting the services of last year’s title-winning skipper, Ruwindi Neththikumara. A brilliant all-rounder, Ruwindi’s presence in the dugout provides stability and a wealth of big-match knowledge. However, the real trump card for Mahamaya is their teenage sensation, just 16 years old: Aseni Thalagune.
Hailed as the “ace player,” Aseni is a current member of the Sri Lanka Under-19 national side. She burst onto the global stage during the Youth Cricket World Cup (Girls) in Malaysia in January 2025. Her performances were nothing short of extraordinary; a brilliant spell of 2 for 18 against tournament runners-up Australia guided Sri Lanka to a famous victory. She further demonstrated her mettle by taking two wickets apiece in tough fixtures against the West Indies and India, helping her nation qualify for the Super Sixes round.
Aseni’s prowess isn’t limited to bowling; in the previous big match encounter, she hammered 72 off 64 balls and was adjudged Player of the Match. If that wasn’t enough depth, Sanuki Pathirage, who was selected for the Sri Lanka Under-19 training squad, adds further quality to the line-up. Alongside other big guns like Hasari Kaushalya, Ganithya Kothalawala, and Hiyathma Jayaratne, the Mayans possess a star-studded line-up capable of dismantling any attack.
Their rivals, St. Anthony’s, enter the contest buzzing with confidence and resilience. The Antonian brigade will be led by wicketkeeper-batter Poornima Gunawardhane, with the dependable all-rounder Malmi Herath serving as her deputy. The duo forms a strong leadership core that has guided the team through a successful school season.
Unlike their rivals, the Antonian girls qualified for the quarter-finals of the schools tournament, producing a strong campaign with three victories and two defeats. Their morale is sky-high, bolstered by remarkable continuity in selection. Nine of the eleven players who featured in the last big match have retained their spots, giving the side a settled, cohesive look. They are a balanced team rich in all-rounders, with frontline batters capable of playing long innings, supported by skilled bowlers hungry for wickets.
The Antonians also boast players representing Under-19 provincial and district outfits. Chief among their threats is Kavishka Abeyratne, who scored an unbeaten 71 in the last encounter to claim the Best Batter award. Her form has continued into the current season, having amassed over 200 runs in seven matches, including three half-centuries. She will be the linchpin of the batting order.
The support cast is formidable. All-rounders Malmi Herath, Chamodi Mendis, Meleesha Andriyana Berenger, Yogarajan Pravinya, and Duleena Fernando add versatility and a cutting edge to the side. This depth makes St. Anthony’s a dangerous opponent, capable of dominating in all facets of the game.
The fourth edition of the Battle of the Blazing Blues promises to be a gruelling, high-intensity contest. Both teams arrive with experienced squads and players in red-hot form. Mahamaya holds the psychological edge as defending champions and possesses a global star in Aseni Thalagune. However, St. Anthony’s counters with stronger recent team form in the league stage, the advantage of squad continuity, and a batter in Kavishka Abeyratne who knows how to perform on the big stage.
On the greens of the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, these two sides will return not just to play, but to fight, with the outcome hanging precariously in the balance. Let the battle begin.
St. Anthony’s Girls College Cricket Squad – Poornima Gunawardhane (Captain), Malmi Herath (Vice captain), Kavishka Abeyrathne, Maleesha Andriyana, Chamodi Mendiz ()fielder, Sanuri Abeysekara, Yogarajan Pravindya, Duleena Fernando, Nuwani Muthukumara, Hudah Zihar, Roshini Samaraweera, Mewan De Soysa (Head Coach)
Mahamaya Girls College Cricket Squad – Yenuli Amarasinghe (Captain), Aseni Thalagune (Vice Captain), Sanuki Pathirage, Ganithya Kothalawala (Wk), Rithmi Gunarathne, Hashari Somarathna, Ruvindi Neththikumara, Hiyathma Jayarathna, Nethuni Vidana Gamage, Sathishi Dissanayaka, Binguni Viranga Denaviratne, Julian Ranumi Sahansa, Anandi Vidarshani, Tharindi Dissanayake, Amasha Rideemahaliyadda, Disini Dodanwala, Eranga Gangoda (Head Coach ), Sachini Kuruppu (Assistant coach)
