In a historic clash at the Uyanwatta Ground in Matara, Rahula College broke their long-standing hoodoo to secure a memorable innings and 23-run victory against the arch-rivals Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya in the 15th ‘Battle of the Golden Lions’ big match cricket encounter. The match, played in front of a packed house, will be remembered for the masterclass all-round performance of Rahula’s star player, Hirun Manyuga, whose heroics with both bat and ball sealed the maiden title for the hosts.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first under overcast conditions, Dharmapala Vidyalaya found themselves in early trouble. Openers Bisara Anjana and Sithika Katugampola adopted a cautious approach, managing just 28 runs before the first breakthrough arrived. Rahula’s pace sensation, Hirun Manyuga, introduced into the attack by finding the leading edge of Sithika’s bat to draw first blood. This wicket triggered a collapse as Manyuga wreaked havoc. In the space of just 14 runs, the paceman struck thrice, reducing the visitors to 42/3.
A brief recovery seemed on the cards when Nimnath Vinsara and Nisalitha Sandiw partnered up for a 34-run stand. However, off-spinner Naviru Nethwan put an end to the resistance by clean bowling Vinsara. The spin duo of Manyuga and Nethwan then tore through the fragile middle order, leaving Dharmapala reeling at 111/7.
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Although tailenders Ramiru Mandeepa and Dinura Nethvidu showed some grit, the final three wickets crumbled for the addition of just seven runs. Dharmapala Vidyalaya was bowled out for 139 runs. Hirun Manyuga was the chief destroyer, claiming a five-wicket haul, well-supported by Naviru Nethwan, who picked up four wickets.
In reply, Rahula College looked to dominate. Hirun Manyuga, fresh from his bowling exploits, opened the batting and translated his form seamlessly. Together with Pawara Pabasara, he cemented a solid 71-run opening stand. The partnership was finally broken when left-arm pace bowler Sanuga Gamage struck to dismiss Pabasara. However, the relief for Dharmapala was short-lived. Janiru Wijayawardana joined Manyuga, and the duo put up a clinical batting. They added another 71 runs for the second wicket, executing stylish strokes all around the ground. Manyuga eventually fell for a fluent 75 runs, adorned with seven boundaries, caught off the bowling of Dinura Nethvidu.
Meanwhile, Janiru Wijayawardana anchored the innings. He forged crucial partnerships of 42 runs with Aayu Kaviraj, 47 runs with Pramudith Navanjana, and 43 runs with Nadil Sandesh. In the process, Janiru reached a rare big match century, compiling a magnificent knock of 104 runs before being dismissed by Sanuga Gamage. With a substantial lead on the board and a few quick wickets falling, Rahula declared their innings, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb. Sanuga Gamage was the pick of the bowlers for Dharmapala, finishing with three wickets.
Trailing by a significant margin, Dharmapala’s openers, Bisara Anjana and Sithika Katugampola, adopted a survivalist approach in their second innings. The pair managed to see off the new ball until the 8th over, but the introduction of Hirun Manyuga proved fatal once again. Manyuga castled Bisara with a beauty and, in the very next delivery, trapped Nimnath Vinsara LBW. Combined with a couple of run-outs, Rahula’s fierce attack ruined the top order, leaving Dharmapala in deep trouble at 32/5. With the Rahula Lions smelling their maiden title, Nisalitha Sandiv and Sanuga Dulmika mounted a spirited rear-guard action. The pair defied the bowlers for 24 overs, adding 59 valuable runs to drag the contest towards a stalemate.
The breakthrough eventually came courtesy of Nadil Sandesh, who found the stumps of Nisalitha with a straight delivery. Once the stand was broken, the floodgates opened. The tail was quickly wiped out as Dharmapala was bundled out for 114 runs.
This remarkable victory etched a new chapter in the history books of the “Battle of the Golden Lions.” For his devastating bowling, including a nine-wicket match haul, and his crucial 75 runs, Hirun Manyuga was unanimously named the Player of the Match. His performance was the cornerstone of Rahula College’s triumph, ending the long wait for a title in style.
Scorecard in Brief
Dharmapala College, Pannipitiya (1st innings) – 139 all out (51.2 overs)
Nisalitha Sandiv 35, Rumiru Mandeepa 23, Bisara Anjana 21, Nimnath Vinsara 16, Sithika Katugampola 12
Hirun Manyuga 48/5, Nawiru Nethwan 29/4, Nadil Sandesh 15/1
Rahula College, Matara (1st innings) – 276/7 dec. (62.1 overs)
Janiru Wijayarathne 104, Hirun Manyuga 75, Aayu Kaviraj 29, Pawara Pabasara 28, Pramuditha Nawanjana 22, Nadil Sandesh 14,
Sanuga Dulmika 95/3, Menusha Pabasara 49/1, Dinura Nethvidu 52/1
Dharmapala College, Pannipitiya (2nd innings) – 114 all out (54.4 overs)
Nisalitha Sandiv 37, Sanuga Dulmika 31, Sithika Katugampola 20, Dinura Nethvidu 13,
Hirun Manyuga 35/4, Nadil Sandesh 18/3, Naviru Nethwan 25/1
Rahula College, Matara won by innings and 23 runs
Individual Awards
- Player of the Match – Hirun Manyuga (Rahula College)
- Best Batter – Janiru Wijayarathne (Rahula College)
- Best Bowler – Hirun Manyuga (Rahula College)
- Best Fielder – Aayu Kaviraj (Rahula College)
