The 6th edition of the much-anticipated “Battle of the Blues and Greens” between Gamini National School, Bentota, and Ananda Central College, Elpitiya, concluded recently at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. While intermittent rain disrupted play and the match eventually ended in a tame draw, the encounter was not short of thrilling cricketing action, with Gamini National School securing first-innings honours.
Winning the toss and opting to field first, Gamini National School aimed to exploit the early moisture on the pitch. However, the decision was immediately challenged by Ananda Central College’s opening pair, Manusha Kaushalya and Hasindu Elpitiyavithana. The duo displayed excellent technique to negotiate the early swing and kept their wickets intact. As they settled in, they began to score freely, laying a solid platform for a substantial total.
Manusha Kaushalya was the aggressor, reaching a fine half-century studded with five boundaries. The opening partnership yielded a valuable 89 runs before Arusha Himesh struck to remove the set batsman. The breakthrough triggered a collapse, and a few overs later, Arusha returned to dismiss the other opener, Hasindu Elpitiyavithana, for a steady 44. Losing both openers in quick succession dented Ananda’s momentum, and they slumped from a comfortable 113/1 to 149/8. With the tail exposed, Ananda Central College declared their innings, hoping to make early inroads with the ball. For Gamini, Arusha Himesh and Ayush Nethma were the chief destroyers, claiming three wickets apiece.
In reply, Gamini National School found themselves in early trouble. Hasindu Elpitiyavithana, who opened the bowling for Ananda, struck immediately by removing Jeniru Rathunga for just two runs. Further quick wickets saw Gamini reeling at 51/3, placing immense pressure on the middle order.
The recovery effort was led by Ayush Nethma and Yasiru Yasanka, who batted with great responsibility. The pair put together a crucial 80-run partnership to stabilise the innings. Just as they looked set to take control, Pasindu Dilshan found the stumps of Yasiru. However, Ayush Nethma continued his brilliant form, producing a masterful knock of 81 runs, which included nine boundaries and two sixes. Thanks largely to his efforts, Gamini National School closed play on 166/5, securing first-innings honours. Pasindu Dilshan and Hasindu Elpitiyavithana were the pick of the bowlers for Ananda, claiming two wickets each.
Despite the rain-affected match ending in a draw, the batting grit displayed by Ayush Nethma stole the limelight, ensuring his side finished the encounter on a high.
Unfortunately, the cricketing action was overshadowed by events off the field. During the evening session on the final day, match officials were forced to call an early end to the game after ugly scenes unfolded among the spectators. Supporters invaded the ground shortly after the dismissal of Ayush Nethma, and a confrontation later erupted between supporters of the two schools, bringing an unsavoury end to an otherwise competitive edition of the “Battle of the Blues and Greens.”
Scorecard in Brief
Ananda Central College, Elpitiya – 149/8d (47.1 overs)
Manusha Kaushalya 53, Hasindu Elpitiyavithana 44, Yasintha Denuwan 16, Semoth Devinda 12
Arusha Himesh 35/3, Ayush Nethma 52/3
Gamini National College, Bentota – 166/5 (31.4 overs)
Ayush Nethma 81, Kuvindu Damsath 27, Yasiru Yasanka 27, Resandul Chamithu 11 n.o.
Pasindu Dilshan 16/2, Hasindu Elpitiyavithana 30/2, Sadithma Binath 25/1
