The roar of school cricket fans in Colombo will be active again as two arch-rivals from the historic city of Kotte prepare to lock horns in the 47th edition of the “Battle of Kotte.” The much-anticipated big match between CMS Sri Jayawardenepura College (formerly Christian College) and St. Thomas’ College, Kotte, will be played on March 27 and 28 at the historic Colts Cricket Club Grounds.
As the teams gear up for the latest chapter of this storied rivalry, the momentum seems to heavily favor the lads from CMS Sri Jayawardenepura College. Enjoying a terrific season, they enter the contest as the clear favorites to lift the prestigious K.J. Ranasinghe Memorial Shield.
The inception of this legendary battle dates back to 1919, making it one of the older fixtures in the school cricket calendar. However, due to various unavoidable reasons, the series has been halted several times over the decades, adding a layer of rarity and value to each encounter. The teams battle for the K.J. Ranasinghe Memorial Shield, named in memory of the late captain of Sri Jayawardenepura College who represented the school in the inaugural edition. When looking at the history books, CMS Sri Jayawardenepura holds the upper hand in the overall victory tally, leading with 10 titles against St. Thomas’ College’s six wins. A victory this year would not only extend their lead but also cap off a stellar season for the CMS boys.
CMS Sri Jayawardenepura College
Led by the talented all-rounder Talisha Silva, CMS Sri Jayawardenepura College has been a force to be reckoned with in the Division II, Tier B tournament. Their season has been defined by grit and dominance, recording an innings win, an outright win, and a couple of first-innings victories.
The backbone of their success has been a formidable batting lineup. The opener Thulana Sethum has been the standout performer, amassing 507 runs this season, including two centuries and two half-centuries. He has received excellent support from Anjana Nidusha, the second-highest scorer with 407 runs, comprising a century and three half-centuries. The batting depth is further solidified by Manuth Malsuka (334 runs), Nisura Nethsara (296 runs), skipper Talisha Silva (260 runs), Russell Weerakkodi (258 runs), and Ranuka Sandeep (222 runs). This depth suggests that St. Thomas’ bowlers will have to work hard to dismantle the CMS batting order.
With the ball, skipper Talisha Silva leads the charge alongside Ranuka Sandeep, Pasindu Pinsara, and Rusiru Rishmitha. This quartet forms a potent bowling unit capable of dismantling any opposition on their day.
St. Thomas’ College, Kotte:
While their opponents have enjoyed the limelight, St. Thomas’ College, Kotte, led by the spirited all-rounder Dillon Frank, has had a moderate yet respectable season. Their record mirrors that of their rivals on paper, with an innings win, an outright win, and two first-innings victories proving they are no pushovers.
The Thomians’ hopes will rest heavily on the shoulders of their captain. Dillon Frank has led from the front, topping the batting charts for his side with 375 runs. The middle order will look to Avinash Perumal, the second-highest run-scorer with 342 runs, to anchor the innings. Supporting the top order are capable batsmen in Nethsara Kawya (274 runs), Sadil Perera (227 runs), Dimithri Anthony (196 runs), Ameesha Shenon (178 runs), and Pahan Ekanayake (169 runs).
In the bowling department, the Thomians will rely on the combination of Dillon Frank, Dimithri Anthony, Tharindu Ranjaka, and Ameesha Shenon to break the CMS resistance. For St. Thomas’ to stage an upset, their bowling unit will need to fire collectively to restrict the in-form CMS batsmen.
As the countdown begins, the stage is set for a thrilling two-day encounter. Will the lads from CMS Sri Jayawardenepura College continue their dominance and lift the shield, or will the Thomians from Kotte spoil the party and close the gap in the title count? All questions will be answered after what promises to be a high-octane battle at the Colts Cricket Club Grounds.
Sri Jayawardenepura College, Kotte Squad – Talisha Silva (Captain), Menul Malshuka (VC), Pasindu Pinsara (VC), Rusiru Rishmitha, Pramodara Sathsara, Anjana Nidusha, Russel Weerakkody, Thenuwara ranithu, Nisura Nethsara, Thulana Sethum, Daham Kaushalya, Ranuka Sandeep, Chanuka Wijenayake, Prasad Randika, Nishith Shenuka, Shane Wambique, Udara Gimhan
St. Thomas’ College, Kotte Squad – Dillon Frank (Captain), Nidushan Kaveesha, Thenuka Ravindu, Chamindu Ransara, Nethsara Kawya, Sanuka Perera, Avinash Perumal, Kaveesha Pahan, Ashwin Prakash, Dimithri Anthony, Tharindu Ranjaka, Ameesha Shanon, Sanjana Bulegoda, Akash Deneth, Nimithu Himansana, Aveesha Induwara, Dilshan Dulaksha, Abhishek Heman.
 and St. Thomas’ College, Kotte, will be played on March 27 and 28 at the historic Colts Cricket Club Grounds. ){kind=link}