Akash’s masterclass ton and Lakmal’s five-fer steal show as “Battle of the Crowns” ends in a draw

The highly anticipated 2nd “Battle of the Crowns” unfolded recently at the legendary P. Sara Oval International Cricket Stadium, delivering a compelling mix of early drama, sudden collapses, and individual brilliance. While the spirited rivalry between Carey College and title-holders Christ King College, Ja-Ela, continued to grow, the big match ultimately ended in a tame draw. However, the encounter will be long remembered for Sayura Akash’s magnificent century and Lahiru Lakmal’s rare five-wicket haul, which thoroughly stole the limelight.

Winning the toss and electing to field first, Carey College’s strategy was to exploit the early swing on a fresh wicket and put the defending champions under immediate pressure. Right-arm pacer Tuan Rashid justified his captain’s decision instantly, removing opener Promodh Chamika for just one run. Teaming up with Hirusha Dilshan, Rashid dismantled the Christ King top order, plunging them into deep trouble at 30 for 4.

A brief recovery seemed on the cards when Avishka Nirmal and Rayan Sachintha combined to take the score beyond the 50-run mark, but Dinan Ekanayaka struck to break the threatening partnership.

Heli Anjala then joined Nirmal, and the duo ground out a valuable 66-run partnership to bring some respectability to the innings. While Nirmal carried the bulk of the scoring, Anjala played the anchoring role, consuming 65 deliveries for just 9 runs. Once both settled batsmen were dismissed in quick succession, the lower order offered little resistance. Nirmal departed for a well-compiled 60, laced with nine boundaries, while Wishmitha Alok provided a late spark with a spirited 23-run cameo featuring two fours and a majestic six.

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Christ King College was eventually bundled out for 145, with Irusha Vidarshana and Tuan Rashid sharing the spoils, claiming three wickets apiece.

In reply, Carey College’s batting line-up faltered dramatically against a disciplined Christ King attack. The openers endured a painfully slow start, scoring just four runs in more than eight overs before an unfortunate run-out left them reeling at 5 for 2.

Hirusha Dilshan then launched a much-needed counterattack, finding the boundary regularly, while Randula Weerakkodi held firm at the other end. However, just as the partnership began to blossom and took the score to 37, Weerakkodi fell victim to a misjudged single.

This triggered a catastrophic collapse, as Carey slumped from 37 for 2 to a dismal 66 for 8, losing six wickets for just 29 runs. Dilshan’s resistance ended at a fiery 42, which included five fours and two sixes. Although Tuan Rashid chipped in with a breezy 25 featuring one four and two sixes, Carey could only muster 105 runs.

The destruction was orchestrated by Lahiru Lakmal, who produced a magnificent spell of fast bowling to finish with a match-defining five-wicket haul.

Armed with a crucial 40-run first-innings lead, Christ King College suffered an early setback when Promodh Chamika departed for a duck off the second ball of the innings. However, the stage was set for reliable opener Sayura Akash to claim the individual honours of the encounter.

Akash first featured in a 55-run stand with Vihanga Dilum before taking complete control of the game in a 75-run partnership with Heli Anjala. Dictating terms and launching a relentless assault on the Carey bowlers, Akash brought up a brilliant century. His magnificent knock finally came to an end when Tuan Rashid struck back, but not before he had compiled a superb 122 runs, exquisitely decorated with 16 boundaries and a six.

By the time the declaration finally came from the Christ King pavilion—perhaps a touch too late to force a positive result—the defending champions had posted a formidable 253 for 5. Adding to the batting fireworks, Avishka Nirmal continued his fine form, smashing a 49-ball half-century that included four boundaries and a six.

Faced with an improbable target and only a few overs remaining, Carey College reached 13 for 1 at the close, ensuring the match ended in a draw.

Ultimately, the two captains shared the Rev. Charter William Challenge Trophy, a fitting conclusion to a game defined by standout individual performances rather than a team victory.

Cricket fans will not have to wait long for the next chapter of this emerging rivalry. The two spirited sides are set to collide once again in a limited-overs encounter for the Rev. Nihal Heshan Challenge Trophy in due course.

Scorecard in Brief

Christ King College, Ja-Ela (1st innings) – 145/10 (45.4 overs)

Avishka Nirmal 60, Wishmitha Alok 23, Rayan Sachintha 13, Sayura Akash 12

Irusha Vidarshana 14/3, Tuan Rashid 26/3, Akid Ossen 17/2, Dinan Ekanayaka 17/1, Hirusha Dilshan 26/1

 

Carey College, Colombo (1st innings) – 105/10 (37.5 overs)

Hirusha Dilshan 42, Tuan Raashid 25, Aluthdurage Sanula 09 n.o.,

Lahiru Lakmal 27/5, Promodh Chamika 26/2, Chanidu Wenusara 20/1,

 

Christ King College, Ja-Ela (2nd innings) – 253/5 dec. (53 overs)

Sayura Akash 122, Avishka Nirmal 50, Rayan Sachintha 23, Lahiru Lakmal 20, Vihanga Dilum 18, Heli Anjala 16,

Hirusha Dilshan 66/2, Akid Ossen 76/2, Tuan Rashid 88/1

 

Carey College, Colombo (2nd innings) – 13/1 (6 overs)

Randula Weerakkodi 06 n.o., Akid Ossen 06 n.o.

Lahiru Lakmal 06/01

Individual Awards

• Player of the match – Sayura Akash (Christ King College, Ja-Ela)
• Best Batsman – Avishka Nirmal (Christ King College, Ja-Ela)
• Best Bowler – Lahiru Lakmal (Christ King College, Ja-Ela)