The much-anticipated 2nd edition of the “Clash of the Crowns” big match between Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya, Kurunegala, and Kegalu Balika Vidyalaya concluded at the historic Asgiriya International Cricket Stadium. Persistent heavy showers eventually forced the umpires to abandon the match, resulting in the two captains sharing the trophy after a disrupted contest that had promised a thrilling finish.
Winning the toss and electing to bowl first on a tricky Asgiriya surface, Maliyadeva Balika looked to exploit the early assistance on offer. The Kegalu Balika openers, Thanukshi Radaliyagoda and Damsara Dinuri, began cautiously against the new-ball attack led by Nethmi Upeksha. The pair successfully negotiated the initial threat, laying a solid foundation with a 20-run opening stand within the first five overs.
However, the complexion of the game changed dramatically when Danuli Pamodya Thennakoon was introduced into the attack. An emerging young talent representing the Sri Lanka Women’s National Under-19 Cricket Team, Danuli made an immediate impact. She struck with her very first delivery, finding the stumps of Thanukshi Radaliyagoda, who had looked set to anchor the innings.
Undeterred, Danuli struck again in her next over, removing the well-set Damsara Dinuri, once again by rattling the stumps. The young spinner delivered yet again in her third over, dismissing the promising Anuravi Medagedara. To make matters worse for Kegalu Balika, a run-out occurred in the same over, triggering a spectacular collapse.
The innings plummeted from a comfortable 20/0 to a disastrous 22/4 in the blink of an eye, swinging the momentum firmly in favour of the Devians. A brief recovery seemed on the cards when Nethu Nimnadi arrived at the crease. She stitched together a fighting 13-run partnership with Sadewmi Liyanage in an attempt to stabilise the innings.
Following another quick flurry of wickets, Chathuni Wickramasinghe joined Nethu, and the duo managed to steer their side past the half-century mark. However, the dismissal of Nethu Nimnadi triggered another collapse.
When rain first interrupted play after 23.2 overs, Kegalu Balika was struggling at 66/9. The innings was defined by the exceptional bowling spell of national youth cap Danuli Thennakoon, who returned outstanding figures of 4 wickets for just 8 runs. She was well supported by Dilshara Oshadi, who chipped in with a couple of wickets. Despite the impressive bowling display, the Maliyadeva Balika side will be disappointed with their discipline, having conceded 28 extras in such a low total.
Chasing a target of 67, Maliyadeva Balika opened with Isumi Hirunitha and Nethmi Upeksha, while pace bowler Anuravi Medagedara took the new ball for Kegalu Balika. Sensing the possibility of another rain interruption, the Devians looked to push for a quick finish.
However, the aggressive approach backfired, as the first wicket fell in the second over with the score on 12. Things went from bad to worse for Maliyadeva Balika in the very next over, as they lost a couple more quick wickets, including their star performer with the ball, Danuli, who was castled by Anuravi Medagedara for a duck.
With the score reeling and Kegalu Balika suddenly back in the contest, the stage was set for a low-scoring thriller that looked destined to go down to the wire. However, just as the tension reached its peak, the heavens opened up. A heavy shower swept across the Asgiriya grounds, drenching the pitch and forcing the players off the field, ultimately leading to the match being abandoned.
Consequently, the captains of both sides shared the honours of the 2nd “Clash of the Crowns” title. While the game ended without a winner, the spotlight firmly belonged to Danuli Pamodya Thennakoon, whose mesmerising spell of spin bowling provided the most memorable moments of a weather-affected day at Asgiriya.
Scorecard in Brief
Kegalu Balika Vidyalaya, Kegalle – 66/9 (23.2 overs)
Nethu Nimnadi 14, Damsara Dinuri 09, Sadewmi Liyanage 05, Danuli Thennakoon 08/04, Dilshara Oshadi 13/02, Nethmi Upeksha 11/01
Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya, Kurunegala – 15/3 (3 overs)
Nethmi Upeksha 08, Boomi Deshani 03 n.o. Anuravi Medagedara 15/02, Nethu Nimnadi 00/01
No decision, match abandoned due rain.
