The 96th Battle of the Maroons between Ananda College, Colombo and Nalanda College, Colombo ended in a draw today (1st March) at SSC Grounds, Colombo.
Replying to Ananda’s formidable first-innings total of 353, Nalanda produced a commanding batting performance to post 424 for 8 before declaring. The backbone of the innings came from the middle order as Nemindu Akmeemana and Mihin Zoysa delivered two outstanding centuries to turn the contest in Nalanda’s favour.
- Nethula Edirimanne’s century headlines Day 1 of the Battle of the Maroons
- Akmeemana century puts Nalanda in the driving seat on day two
Akmeemana compiled a superb 142 off 248 deliveries, laced with 16 fours and two sixes, displaying immense patience and control at the crease. Zoysa complemented him perfectly with a fluent 119 off 213 balls, striking 11 boundaries and a six in a polished knock that ensured Nalanda secured a vital first-innings lead. Kithma Withanapathirana was the most successful of the Ananda bowlers, finishing with 3 wickets for 84 runs.
- Photos – Ananda College Big Match Team Preview 2026
- Photos – Nalanda College Big Match Team Preview 2026
Trailing by 71 runs, Ananda began their second innings under pressure but managed to reach 170 for 6 before making the declaration, setting Nalanda a target of 100 runs for victory in the limited time remaining. The opening batter Danindu Sellapperuma led the charge with a magnificent 96 off 132 balls, an innings studded with 15 fours that shifted the momentum back in Ananda’s direction.
 at SSC Grounds, Colombo.){kind=link}