Ananda College the school of former national and World Cup winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga and the school that has produced so many champion cricketers is naturally considered esteemed.
A bit of history
History of Ananda College cricket expands a long way down but long story short; Arjuna Ranatunga, a name that every local knows and the man responsible for putting Sri Lanka on the map is an illustrious product of Ananda College. Following his trail legends such as Maravan Attapattu and Thilina Kandamby are also inputs that Ananda processed into the national franchise. Former T20 skipper Dinesh Chandimal who is currently touring Australia and New-Zealand for the 2015 Cricket World Cup might be the next Anandain to follow after Arjuna to be in a world cup winning team if Sri Lanka manage to own the crown of cricket for the second time.
Season thus far
The 2014/2015 season for the school cricket giants has not been the best of the ones in terms of player performances and wins. However having secured 4 outright wins against Wesley College, St. Benedict`s College, Dharamashoka College and Rewatha College they have performed fairly ahead of the 81st Battle of the Maroons on the 7th and 8th March at SSC Grounds, Colombo.
Key Players
Skipper Sammu Ashan playing in the batting line up on the fourth slot has been experiencing a rough patch in trying to find the sweet sound of the ball off his willow. With only two half centuries for the season the rest of the team could only have hopes that he will find touch before the train leaves ahead of the 81st Battle of the Maroons. Playing the role of an all-rounder in the outfit he has captured 38 wickets during the season and will slot himself as a part time bowler to break up the momentum of the opposition.
3rd year colors-men Lakkana Jayasekara the savior of Ananda College for the season, playing in as the opening batsman of the batting card the performance of this stylish right hander has been exceptional. Scoring 833 runs this season he has been providing the ideal start for the innings all the time not only guiding his outfit to victory but saving his team from defeat. Scoring 2 centuries while scoring a double century against Dharamashoka College, Ambalangoda it has been one of those years where he has been reigning.
Nisal Fransico following up the order right after Lakkana Jayasekara has been the anchor of the batting line up holding it as steady as possible. While capitalizing on the start of the openers he plays his own game of cricket scoring runs and building up partnerships which is an essential factor in the game. Scoring a total of 760 runs this season this left hander has 2 centuries under his belt scored against S.Thomas` College, Mount-Lavina and Prince Of Wales College, Moratuwa.
Sandaken Pathirana powering up the bowling department has captured 82 wickets this season being the go-to bowler at all times when the outfit is under pressure. Having 2 ten wicket hauls he has been a threat to the opposition without a doubt. He will be one of the bowlers to watch out ahead of the 81st Battle of the Maroons with his fine form in his bowling.
Coaching Contingent
Ruwan Zoyza is the man in-charge Ananda College for this year. Having coached the side for three long years he possesses a sound knowledge of each and every player; on their weakness, strengths and how to use them to lead the side to a winning situation. Thisura De Silva functions as the assistant coach while Priyanka Nandasena is the Master-in-Charge of cricket at college.
In their own words
Skipper in reply to the question on his thoughts about the battle of the maroons “We have balanced side and our top order batsman have been performing well through-out the season while our bowlers are also in fine form. So I myself as the captain believes if we play good cricket we could win the game”.
Master-In-Charge Priyanka Nandasena sharing his views with ThePapare.com “Both the sides have been performing well so it will be a tight game this year. But the side who plays sound cricket will end up on the winning side and I hope that it will be us”.
Full Squad with disciplines
Sammu Ashan – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Off Spin
Lakkana Jayasekara – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Off Spin
Dilanka Sandaken – Right Hand Bat – Left Arm Leg Spin
Sahan Arachige – Left Hand Bat – Right Arm Off Spin
Kasun Perera – Left Hand Bat – Left Arm Leg Spin
Nisal Fransico – Left Hand Bat – Right Arm Leg Spin
Kavishka Anjula – Left Hand Bat – Right Arm Medium Fast
Shenal Korale – Left Hand Bat – Right Arm Off Spin
Dileepa Jayalath – Right Hand Bat – Left Arm Leg Spin
Nipun Haggalla – Right Hand Bat – Wicket Keeper
Asel Saranga – Right Hand Bat – Left Arm Leg Spin
Nipun De Sliva – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Medium Fast
Dinuka Jayarathene – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Medium Fast
Rahal Fernando – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Off Spin
Supun Waragoda – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Off Spin
Dushan Hettige – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Off Spin
Lahiru Attanayake – Right Hand Bat – Wicket – Keeper
