The 96th edition of the Battle of the Maroons between Ananda College and Nalanda College is scheduled to take place from February 27 to March 1 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.
Adding further excitement to this historic rivalry, the 49th One-Day Big Match will be played on March 7 at the same venue. Notably, this encounter will mark the first-ever day-night limited overs school cricket match in the history of the series.
- Photos – Ananda College Big Match Team Preview 2026
- Photos – Nalanda College Big Match Team Preview 2026
A Look at the Rivalry
The last two-day Big Match to produce a decisive result came in 2022, when Nalanda, under the captaincy of Dineth Samarawickrama, secured an impressive nine-wicket victory. Meanwhile, Ananda College has been searching for a win in the Battle f the Maroons since 2003. Their last triumph came 23 years ago when, led by Duminda Kularatne, they recorded a commanding innings and eight-run victory.
Historically, Ananda College holds the upper hand in the series, having secured 12 wins compared to Nalanda’s seven victories. Last year’s encounter, which was extended to three days for the first time, ended in a draw, although Nalanda claimed first-innings honours.
The One-Day Big Match statistics also favor Ananda College. Out of 48 matches played, Ananda has emerged victorious on 27 occasions, while Nalanda has claimed 15 wins. The 48th One-Day encounter in 2025 was unfortunately abandoned due to rain.
Team Previews
Ananda College
This year, Ananda will be led by right-handed batter and right-arm offspinner Kithma Withanapathirana. In the Under-19 Division I two-day tournament, Ananda has played seven matches, registering one outright victory and two first-innings wins, while suffering two first-innings defeats.
Vidanapathirana has been the standout performer with the bat, amassing 269 runs to lead the team’s scoring charts. Left-arm spinner Himira Kudagama has been equally impressive with the ball, claiming 23 wickets to top the wicket taking list for Ananda. The team is coached by Kalum Perera.
Ananda College Squad – Kithma Withanapathirana ©, Nethula Edirimanne (VC), Binara Iduwara, Chamathka Irusha, Ashinsa Nainayaka, Rashan Wijerathna, Janadeepa Okash, Sharada Jayarathna, Danindu Sellaperuma, Dasith Batugahage, Thinura Makawita, Ovin Perera, Mishika Abeywardane, Daniru Ranasinghe, Deneth Bimsara, Himira Kudagama
Nalanda College
Nalanda College will be captained by right-handed batter and left-arm fast bowler Osanda Pamuditha. During the current two-day tournament campaign, Nalanda has recorded one first-innings win but faced four first-innings defeats along with one outright loss.
Pamuditha has led from the front with the bat, scoring 383 runs to become Nalanda’s leading run-scorer. Right-arm leg-spinner Malsha Fernando has been the pick of the bowlers with 20 wickets to his name. The team continues to benefit from the guidance of former Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Zoysa, who serves as the head coach for Nalanda College.
Nalanda College Squad – Osanda Pamuditha (C), Nadul Jayalath (VC), Lithum Wijekuamara, Ranmith Dinuwara, Mihin Zoysa, Dunitha Anusara, Sahash Godage, Hasith Rathnayake, Sadew Wijesekara, Nemidu Akmeemana, Omith Rathnayake, Methuka Perera, Dunal Yenuka, Thiviru Ranasinghe, Gevindu Manamper, Malsha Fernando
Cricket enthusiasts will be able to witness both the 96th Battle of the Maroons and the historic 49th One-Day Big Match live on ThePapare, Sri Lanka’s No 1. Sports Channel. The matches will also be available for viewing via the Dialog Play App and on ThePapare.com.
With history, pride, and tradition at stake, this year’s Battle of the Maroons promises to deliver another memorable chapter in one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated school cricket rivalries.
