Ananda Sastralaya, Kotte registered an impressive 5-wicket victory over St. John’s College, Nugegoda to clinch the 26th edition of the Battle of Sri Jayawardenapura, which concluded today (31st March) at the P. Sara Oval Grounds, Colombo.
Resuming their second innings on 18 for 1 on Day 2, St. John’s College were bowled out for 170 runs, setting Ananda Sastralaya a target of 139 runs for victory.
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The main contributions with the bat for St. John’s College came from Mohamed Mishal, who scored 33 runs, and Rugith Nimjaya, who added 31 runs.
Ananda Sastralaya’s bowlers put in a disciplined performance, led by Banuja Chamathkara, who produced a brilliant spell to claim 5 wickets for 57 runs. He was well supported by Poshitha Madanayaka, who also bowled impressively and finished with 3 wickets for 61 runs.
In reply, Ananda Sastralaya made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 32.2 overs with 5 wickets in hand.
The star of the chase was middle-order batter Chenuka Dodangoda, who played a match-winning innings of unbeaten 77 runs off 69 deliveries, an innings studded with 11 fours and a six.
Despite Tishan Damindu’s spirited effort with the ball, where he picked up 4 wickets for 35 runs, St. John’s College were unable to prevent Ananda Sastralaya from sealing a memorable win.
Brief Scores
St. John’s College, Nugegoda – 107 (34.1) Thenuka Dullewe 25, Poshitha Madanayaka 5/11, Banuja Chamathkara 2/28 & 170 (68.2) Mohamed Mishal 33, Rugith Nimjaya 31, Sandun Dewmina 29, Senura Gayeshana 24, Banuja Chamathkara 5/57, Poshitha Madanayaka 3/61
Ananda Sastralaya, Kotte – 139 (46.2) Teekshana Yahampath 33, Ganidu Dineth 28, Imeth Sathsilu 4/51, Tishan Damindu 2/1, Kavindu Dilshan 2/21 & 139/5 (32.2) Chenuka Dodangoda 77*, Nadil Perera 20, Tishan Damindu 4/35
Result – Ananda Sastralaya won by 5 wickets
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