The historic Asgiriya International Cricket Stadium set the stage for the 37th annual ‘Big Match’ limited overs encounter between St. Sylvester’s College and Vidyartha College, played for the prestigious M.B.W. Mediwake Trophy. In a contest defined by a dramatic collapse and a composed recovery, St. Sylvester’s College emerged victorious, securing a 5-wicket win and claiming the trophy for the 27th time in the rivalry’s history.
Winning the toss, Vidyartha College captain Shevan Kanishas Moses elected to bat first, eyeing a substantial total on a surface that appeared favorable for the batsmen. The decision seemed justified early on as openers Yasmitha Dissanayaka and Manuth Vishwakula walked out to the crease. The pair displayed excellent technique to negotiate the early seam movement, scoring briskly and rotating the strike effectively. They put on a solid 50-run partnership for the first wicket, putting the Vidyartha Tigers firmly in the driving seat.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically once St. Sylvester’s skipper Chandupa Waduge introduced himself into the attack. The move paid immediate dividends, as Waduge broke the dangerous partnership by removing Vishwakula, caught off his own bowling.
This wicket signaled the opening of the floodgates. Shortly thereafter, the well-set Yasmitha Dissanayaka departed for 30 runs, falling to the bowling of Kasun Maduranga. Sensing blood, St. Sylvester tightened the screws, employing a Test match-style fielding formation that applied immense pressure on the new batsmen. The strategy worked wonders as the Vidyartha innings suffered a severe collapse. While middle-order batter Anuhas Ranaweera showed resistance at one end, he received little support from the opposite end. The Tigers were eventually bowled out for a paltry 92 runs. The bowling honors for the Sylvestrians were shared among Imalka Ranasinghe, Nimesha Silva, and Kasun Maduranga, who each chipped in with two wickets.
Chasing a modest target of 93, St. Sylvester’s openers Gagana Lankeshwara and Vidusara Ganegoda began cautiously. However, the Tigers refused to go down without a fight. Off-spinner Ishan Dodangolla provided the breakthrough by finding the timber of Ganegoda, sparking a nervous period for the Sylvestrians.
The tension mounted as St. Sylvester’s slipped to 24 for 3, losing quick wickets cheaply. With the game in the balance, skipper Chandupa Waduge walked to the crease to join Piyumaka Karunaratne, initiating a rescue mission. The pair steadied the ship before Karunaratne was sent back to the pavilion with the score at 48.
Waduge then found an able ally in Chandimal Wijewardhane. Together, they dragged the score towards the target. Waduge played a gem of an innings, displaying immense patience and maturity. His unbeaten knock of 34 runs under pressure proved to be the difference-maker as he guided his side over the line with a thrilling 5-wicket victory. For Vidyartha, Mewul Ganegoda and Peshala Sahasraka were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets apiece.
The post-match awards highlighted St. Sylvester’s dominance. Skipper Chandupa Waduge was adjudged the Best Batsman and Best Fielder for his impressive all-round performance and leadership. His vice-captain, Nimesha Ushan Silva, was named the Best Bowler for a miserly spell of 10 overs, conceding just 11 runs while picking up two vital wickets. As the sun set over Asgiriya, it was the Sylvestrians who roared the loudest, celebrating a hard-fought victory that added another glorious chapter to their storied rivalry.
Brief Scorecard
Vidyartha College, Kandy – 92 all out (35.2 Overs)
Yasmitha Dissanayaka 30, Anuhas Ranaweera 21, Manuth Vishwakula 12
Imalka Ranasinghe 09/2, Nimesha Silva 11/2, Kasun Maduranga 20/2, Piyumaka Karunaratne 00/1, Prabagaran Ishan 07/1, Chandupa Waduge 33/1
St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy – 93/5 (26.2 Overs)
Chandupa Waduge 34 n.o, Chandimal Wijewardhane 19, Gagana Lankeshwara 14
Mewul Ganegoda 08/2, Peshala Sahasraka 20/2, Ishan Dodangolla 27/1
St. Sylvester’s College won by 5 wickets
