A new chapter was written in the annals of Girls’ School Cricket history recently as the Urban Council (UC) Grounds in Ambalangoda hosted the inaugural edition of the ‘Battle of the Queens’. The much-anticipated big match encounter between Prajapathi Gothami Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Ambalangoda, and Kalutara Balika Vidyalaya lived up to its billing, with the hosts from Prajapathi Gothami delivering a commanding performance to clinch major honours in the one-day Test Cricket battle.
Winning the toss and inserting the opposition into bat, Kalutara Balika Vidyalaya’s decision appeared justified early on. Right-arm pace bowler Dinethma Pudasari struck a crucial early blow, dismantling the stumps of opener Wageesha Bavasarani for a duck. However, the setback only served to ignite a counter-attack from the Prajapathi camp. Striking batter Kaveesha Gimhani joined forces with Yashmi Kaveesha to stabilize the innings before Dinethma Pudasari struck once more to stem the flow of runs.
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Undeterred, set batter Kaveesha Gimhani found a reliable ally in newcomer Sachini Savindya. The pair launched an aggressive assault on the Kalutara bowlers, stitching together a remarkable 153-run partnership in a mere 17 overs. Kaveesha played a gem of an innings, showcasing elegance and power before being unluckily dismissed for a scintillating 93 runs off just 84 balls, an innings studded with 14 fours and a stylish six. Sachini Savindya remained unbeaten with a run-a-ball fifty, guiding the declaration at 212/3. For Kalutara, Dinethma Pudasari (2 wickets) and Chathumi Nawodya (1 wicket) were the lone successful bowlers in an otherwise dominant batting display.
With a mountain to climb, Kalutara Balika’s reply crumbled under pressure. Right-arm pace bowler Tharushi Imasha delivered a disastrous start for the visitors, removing both openers for ducks in the second over. From there, the Kalutara innings never found rhythm, collapsing in dramatic fashion, featuring seven ducks in total. At one stage, the team was nine wickets down for just 12 runs. Umalya Akeshi, coming in as the last batter, provided a brief spark of resistance with a cameo of nine runs, including a couple of boundaries. The innings was wrapped up for just 22 runs in 10.4 overs. Tharushi Imasha was the major destroyer, claiming a stunning six-wicket haul.
Trailing by 190 runs, Kalutara Balika Vidyalaya was forced to follow-on, facing an uphill battle to survive over a session and a half. They showed more resolve in their second essay, getting off to a relatively better start before losing two wickets with the score at 26.
Dinethma Pudasari, who had been impressed with the ball earlier, switched gears to anchor the batting. She joined Tharuvi Thidasara for a valuable 71-run partnership that cemented the foundation for a rescue mission. Tharuvi contributed a well-made 29 runs before departing. Skipper Maleesha Pasindi then joined Dinethma to further the resistance. However, Prajapathi Gothami was not done yet. Sachini Savindya, having starred with the bat, turned her arm to devastating effect, picking up three quick wickets and sparking hopes of an outright victory for the hosts. Despite the late wobble, Dinethma Pudasari stood tall, remaining unbeaten on a gritty 57 runs decorated with 10 boundaries. Her efforts ensured Kalutara held on for a hard-fought draw.
While the match ended in a stalemate, the dominance of Prajapathi Gothami Balika Maha Vidyalaya was undeniable. Their blazing performances throughout the day earned them a magnificent first-innings victory, securing the major honours in the first-ever Battle of the Queens and setting a high standard for the years to come.
Brief Scorecard
Prajapathi Gothami Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Ambalangoda – 212/3 dec. (26.5 Overs)
Kaveesha Gimhani 93, Sachini Savindya 52, Yashmi Kaveesha 15
Dinethma Pudasari 49/2, Chathumi Nawodya 48/1
Kalutara Balika Vidyalaya, Kalutara – 22 all out (10.4 Overs)
Umalya Akeshi 09 n.o.
Tharushi Imasha 07/06, Ahasya Sipsara 02/02, Yashmi Kaveesha 02/01, Sachini Savindya 08/01
Kalutara Balika Vidyalaya, Kalutara (follow on) -135/7 (36 Overs)
Dinethma Pudasari 57 n.o., Tharuvi Thidasara 29, Maleesha Pasindi 11
Sachini Savindya 30/4, Ashini Madushani 09/1, Yashmi Kaveesha 22/1, Kaveesha Gimhani 25/1
Match drawn, Prajapathi Gothami Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Ambalangoda won by first innings scores
The two captains posing with the trophy
Prajapathi Gothami Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Ambalangoda
Kalutara Balika Vidyalaya
 Grounds in Ambalangoda hosted the inaugural edition of the ‘Battle of the Queens’.){kind=link}