The scenic Surrey Village Grounds in Maggona hosted the highly anticipated limited-overs encounter of the 2nd “Battle of the Dreams” cricket big match between two prestigious educational institutes, St. Aloysius’ College, Galle, and Holy Cross College, Kalutara. Carrying the baggage of having let an outright victory slip through their fingers during the two-day encounter a few months prior, the lads from Galle arrived with a point to prove. Driven by a desire for redemption, St. Aloysius’ College delivered a commanding performance, clinching a comprehensive 31-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
The start of the game was hampered by a wet outfield, forcing the officials to reduce the contest to 36 overs per side. Winning the toss, St. Aloysius’ College captain Dulsath Nimviru had no hesitation in putting the opposition into bat, strategizing to chase a modest target. Holy Cross College’s openers, Anuhas Seeman and Chathusha Nimthera, responded positively, neutralizing the early movement with a run-a-ball 22-run opening partnership. However, right-arm pace bowler Dasindu Malika provided the crucial breakthrough for the Aloysians by dismissing the dangerous-looking Chathusha. Hansana Hinduranga then walked to the crease and combined well with the aggressive Seeman, adding a steady 33 runs for the second wicket.
Just as the partnership was starting to look threatening, St. Aloysius’ skipper Dulsath Nimviru intervened with a brilliant delivery to send Seeman back to the pavilion. This proved to be the turning point of the innings. With the departure of the set opener, the floodgates opened for Holy Cross College. The Aloysian bowling attack relentlessly targeted the good-length area, maintaining an immaculate line and length. The sustained pressure triggered a dramatic collapse, seeing the Kalutara lads plummet from a comfortable 55/1 to a dire 74/8.
Some late resistance from the tail-enders allowed Holy Cross College to scrape their way to a below-par total of 94 runs all out in just 29.1 overs. Opener Anuhas Seeman was the lone bright spot with the bat, scoring a gritty 29 runs laced with a couple of fours and a six, well-supported by Hansana Hinduranga’s 21. Captain Dulsath Nimviru was the chief architect of the batting side’s downfall, wreaking havoc with impressive figures of 4 for 15. He was ably supported by Manindu Pabasara and Sasindu Randeepa, who chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Chasing 95 for victory, the right-handed opening pair of Sasindu Randeepa and Gimhan Hansaka looked in a hurry to finish the game early. They capitalized on some wayward bowling from the Holy Cross attack, particularly in the first over bowled by pace bowler Hirusha Gimhan Fernando, who conceded a costly 19 runs, mostly through wides. The score raced to 29 in no time. Sensing the urgency, Holy Cross introduced left-arm leg spinner Omesh Nimsara into the attack. The tactical move paid instant dividends as Nimsara picked up two wickets in consecutive deliveries, instantly shifting the momentum and giving the Kalutara side a glimmer of hope.
However, the setback only brought the in-form Gimhan Hansaka together with his captain, Dulsath Nimviru. The duo initially played with caution to weather the storm before shifting gears to put their team in a definite winning position. Unfortunately, the bad weather had the final say, forcing the umpires to halt the game with St. Aloysius’ College sitting comfortably at 88 for 2.
With the rain refusing to relent, the umpires officially awarded St. Aloysius’ College a 31-run victory according to the DLS method calculations. While the Aloysians undoubtedly had the last laugh, securing sweet revenge for their two-day encounter, the true spirit of school cricket shone through. The presentation ceremony was graced with the presence of the national player Praveen Jayawickrama who was once a school cricketer of Holy Cross College. The “Battle of the Dreams” once again proved that beyond the fierce on-field rivalry, the brotherhood and intimate relationship between the lads from Galle and Kalutara continue to grow stronger with every passing encounter.
Scorecard in Brief
Holy Cross College, Kalutara – 94 all out (29.1/36)
Anuhas Seeman 29, Hansana Hinduranga 21, Yasith Tharuksha 11, Sachith Sanjula 10, Dulsath Nimviru 15/4, Manindu Pabasara 14/2, Sasindu Randeepa 16/2, Dasindu Malika 17/1
St. Aloysius’ College, Galle – 88/2 (26/36)
Gimhan Hansaka 42, Dulsath Nimviru 22, Omesh Nimsara 06/2,
St.Aloysius College, Galle. won by 31 runs (According to Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method)
Photo Courtesy : St. Aloysius’ College, Galle
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