Sarasavi Uyana clinches title in low-scoring thriller at Asgiriya

The much-anticipated annual “Big Match” between Sarasavi Uyana Maha Vidyalaya (Peradeniya) and Berrewaerts College (Ampitiya), famously known as the Battle of Senkadagala, unfolded recently at the historic Asgiriya International Cricket Stadium. In its fourth consecutive edition, the encounter lived up to its billing, delivering a gripping low-scoring thriller where bowlers dominated proceedings. Ultimately, it was Sarasavi Uyana College who emerged victorious, securing a memorable 19-run win to reclaim the trophy.

Opting to bat first on a surface that offered significant assistance to the bowlers, Sarasavi Uyana skipper Heshan Dhananjana won the toss and elected to set a target. The decision backfired almost immediately as Berrewaerts College’s chinaman bowler, Sandaruwan, struck gold in the very first over, removing the skipper for a duck. The early setback triggered a collapse. Following a prolonged period of struggle, vice-captain Sadew Dinuka Nanayakkara was run out for a single run off 17 deliveries. The lads from Peradeniya found themselves in deep trouble, slumping to 17 for 4. A brief recovery attempt was mounted by Achira Bandara and Thineth Shanura Kariyavasam, but Berrewaerts’ Migara Abeyrathna broke the partnership, limiting it to just 14 runs.

The rescue mission for Sarasavi Uyana was launched by Oshada Krishan, who joined Thineth Shanura. The pair displayed remarkable patience and grit, slowly rebuilding the innings. Just as they were approaching a half-century stand, disaster struck again, with Thineth being unluckily run out after a brilliant knock of 37 runs, embellished with four fours and a massive six.

Anuhas Ushan briefly partnered with Oshada, but once his wicket fell, the floodgates opened. The final four wickets collapsed for a mere 8 runs, bundling the innings out for exactly 100 runs. Sandaruwan spearheaded the Berrewaerts bowling attack with three wickets, well-supported by Ravindu Nawarathna and Chamath Devinda, who chipped in with two wickets apiece.

Chasing a modest target of 101 runs, Berrewaerts College needed a solid start. However, their hopes were dashed early when opener Bashitha Rajanayaka was dismissed for a duck in the first over. Left-arm pace bowler Nidhusha Nimasara exploited the swing conditions brilliantly, wreaking havoc by claiming three wickets in his first three overs. Berrewaerts found themselves reeling at 13 for 3. A brief 17-run partnership between Ridma Kaushan and Kesara Dilruk offered a glimmer of hope, but Abises Adithya struck twice in quick succession to leave the Ampitiya lads in a disastrous position at 45 for 6.

The game hung in the balance as Milan Weerasekara and Migara Abeyrathna came together, escalating Berrewaerts’ winning hopes with a crucial partnership. Milan launched a counter-attack, playing a cameo that included a couple of huge sixes. However, just as the score ticked up to 71, Abises Adithya returned to deliver the killer blow, dismissing Migara Abeyrathna.

With the game slipping away, Milan Weerasekara shifted to a more defensive approach. Despite facing 88 deliveries, he watched helplessly as wickets tumbled at the striker’s end. Berrewaerts College eventually folded for just 81 runs.

The victory marked a superb comeback for the lads from Peradeniya. After a poor batting display, they showcased immense character and stamina with the ball to defend their low total. The 19-run victory in the Battle of Senkadagala stands as a testament to the fighting spirit of the Sarasavi Uyana boys, who clinched the glory on a memorable day at Asgiriya.

Scorecard in brief

Sarasavi Uyana College, Peradeniya – 100 all out (34.3 overs)

Thineth Shanura Kariyawasam 37, Oshada Krishan 21 n.o.

Dumidu Sandaruwan 12/3, Chamath Dewinda 11/2, Ravindu Nawarathna 18/2, Migara Abeyrathna 26/1

 

Berrewaerts College, Ampitiya – 81 all out (39.2 overs)

Migara Abeyrathna 22, Ridma Kaushan 22, Milan Weerasekara 10

Heshan Dhananjana 18/4, Nimsara Wimalarathne 16/3, Abises Adithya 22/3

 

Sarasavi Uyana College, Peradeniya won by 19 runs

Photo Credit : PXN Studios