“Battle of the Kingdoms” ends in high-scoring draw as trophy is shared

The much-awaited sporting festival of the North Central Province, the 7th edition of the “Battle of the Kingdoms” (Rajadhani Satana), unfolded recently at the historic Samadhi Grounds in Anuradhapura. The annual Big Match, contested between Anuradhapura Central College and Royal College, Polonnaruwa, lived up to its billing with a high-scoring three-day affair that eventually ended in a tame draw, resulting in the trophy being shared between the two arch-rivals. 

Anuradhapura Central College skipper Theekshana Weerasinghe won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that initially seemed justified as the bowlers found early movement. Openers Maleesha Deshan and Thejan Bandara provided a solid foundation, putting on 37 runs for the first wicket before an unfortunate run-out intervened. Bandara, undeterred, went on to forge a 40-run partnership for the second wicket and completed a gritty half-century, decorated with seven boundaries, before departing. 

At 102/4, the Royalists from Polonnaruwa found themselves in a spot of bother. However, a resilient partnership between Kavidu Edirisingha and Denith Sandul stemmed the rot. Following Sandul’s dismissal, Sasmitha Chamod joined the fray, and the pair shifted the momentum of the innings by taking the attack to the bowlers and applying immense pressure on the hosts. The 66-run stand proved crucial, with Edirisingha departing for a well-compiled 76, which included nine boundaries and a maximum. Chamod continued the aggression, guiding the total beyond the 300-run mark with support from the lower order before being dismissed for 66, including eight boundaries. Eventually, the visitors posted a mammoth 327 before being bowled out. For Anuradhapura Central, Vishad Pathiraja was the standout performer with the ball, claiming three wickets. 

Facing a mountain to climb, the hosts looked for a solid start in reply. However, left-arm paceman Lakshan Niroshana struck a crucial early blow, breaking the opening partnership in the very first over. The determined skipper, Theekshana Weerasinghe, then stood tall to anchor the innings. He established a crucial 56-run partnership with Chamod Senevirathna, contributing the bulk of the scoring. 

Weerasinghe continued to anchor the side, adding 87 runs with Pudasara Ayodya, who played a valuable supporting role. Later, the skipper built another 61-run stand with Tasun Thimira to help the hosts cross the 200-run mark. Weerasinghe played a gem of an innings, bringing up a magnificent century for the Centralians before being dismissed for a splendid 124, having struck 17 fours. At 288/7, the hosts appeared favourites to secure first-innings honours, but a sudden collapse saw them bundled out for 296. Thejan Bandara was the chief destroyer for Polonnaruwa with four wickets, well supported by Maleesha Deshan, who claimed three. 

Holding a slender first-innings lead, Royal College, Polonnaruwa, showed little urgency in their second outing. Vishad Pathiraja once again provided an early breakthrough, pushing the Royalists into a defensive mode at 34/2. It was then that Jinajith Weeramuni and Sesitha Dinsara came together, counter-attacking the bowlers with some brisk stroke play. Dinsara scored a quick-fire 67, including three fours and a six, while the pair put together a solid 128-run partnership for the third wicket. 

Following Dinsara’s dismissal, Kavidu Edirisingha joined the in-form Jinajith to construct another century stand. At the close of play, Jinajith remained unbeaten on a majestic 106, compiled with the aid of eight fours and a six. Meanwhile, Kavidu Edirisingha played a breathtaking cameo of 52 from just 25 deliveries, smashing two fours and five towering sixes. 

The lads from Polonnaruwa posted 276/6 by the end of the match. As stumps were drawn on the third day, the 7th edition of the “Battle of the Kingdoms” concluded in a draw, with both teams sharing the trophy in a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. 

Scorecard in Brief 

Royal Central College, Polonnaruwa – 327 all out (100.3 overs)  

Kavidu Edirisingha 76, Sasmitha Chamod 62, Thejan Bandara 52, Minuka Binath 44 n.o., Nihidu Nethuwara 28, Jinajith Weeramuni 15, Denith Sandul 14, Maleesha Deshan 10, Vishad Niluminda Pathiraja 60/3, Sudeera Bandara 22/1, Chanuga Dewsith 28/1, Tasun Thimira 29/1, Anjana Sudesh 31/1, Senuka Dineth 63/1, Daham Senavirathne 72/1 

 

Anuradhapura Central College – 296 all out (101.3 overs)  

Theekshana Weerasinghe 122, Tasun Thimira 47, Pudasara Ayodya 27, Daham Senavirathne 27, Senuka Dineth 25, Chamod Senevirathna 18, Thejan Bandara 89/4, Maleesha Deshan 60/3, Lakshan Niroshana  30/2, Jinajith Weeramuni 43/1 

 

Royal Central College, Polonnaruwa –  274/6 (53.2 overs) 

Jinajith Weeramuni 106 n.o., Sesitha Dinsara 67, Kavidu Edirisingha 52, Thejan Bandara 22, Daham Senavirathne 83/2, Vishad Niluminda Pathiraja 33/1, Chanuga Dewsith 35/1, Anjana Sudesh 43/1 

 

Match drawn