“Battle of the Warriors” ends in an exciting draw as Arosha Sithumina’s fireworks light Up Ambalangoda
The 5th annual ‘Battle of the Warriors’ two-day big match between P. de S. Kularatne College, Ambalangoda and Devapathiraja College, Rathgama concluded last weekend at the Ambalangoda Municipal Council Grounds. While the match ultimately ended in a tame draw, Devapathiraja College secured a consolation first innings victory. However, the contest will be long remembered for the explosive batting display by Devapathiraja opener Arosha Sithumina, who smashed a stunning 38-ball century during the dying stages of the game.
Winning the toss on a tricky, grassy surface that favored the seamers, Devapathiraja skipper Gimhan Rasanjana had no hesitation in inserting the hosts. P. de S. Kularatne College openers Bhanu Anuththara and Adeesha Indeevara defied the conditions early on, providing a solid start. However, right-arm off-spinner Puljith Wathsuka turned the tide dramatically, triggering a collapse that saw the score plummet from 40/1 to 46/4.
Despite the early setback, the Kularatne middle and lower order showed commendable resilience. Vice-captain Lakindu Thihansa (45) and Sasindu Kaushan (40) frustrated the Devapathiraja attack with timely partnerships. While Wathsuka dismantled the top order, skipper Gimhan Rasanjana struck regularly through the middle and lower order to finish with a four-fer. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 209 runs.
In reply, Devapathiraja got off to a rocky start when Janidu Chamika removed opener Diyath Sanjitha. However, Arosha Sithumina and Sandaru Malshan launched a counter-attack, stitching together a rapid half-century stand. Sithumina, in particular, was in destructive mood, racing to a 29-ball fifty (3 fours, 5 sixes) before being dismissed by Yasiru Abhishek. At 111/3, the visitors suffered the ‘Nelson’ curse, and following the dismissal of Malshan, they stumbled to 144/7, staring at a potential first-innings deficit.
Vihanga Induwara then played a crucial knock, showcasing attacking flair to lift his side with a valuable half-century. Supported by resilient contributions from the tail-enders, Devapathiraja posted 266 runs, securing a vital 57-run lead. For Kularatne, Enuka Onadith’s five-wicket haul was the standout performance in a tough bowling outing.
Trailing by 57 runs, the Kularatne batsmen displayed far greater intent in the second innings to save the match. Adeesha Indeevara anchored the innings, forming half-century stands with Yasiru Abhishek and Sasindu Kaushan. While the top order contributed valuable runs, Indeevara remained the only half-centurion. Mystery spinner Sandaru Malshan kept the pressure on with a four-wicket haul, but the hosts declared their innings at 258/9, setting Devapathiraja a steep target of 202 runs in just 10 overs.
Chasing an unrealistic target, Devapathiraja’s openers treated the final session as a hit-out. Arosha Sithumina, who had impressed in the first innings, went on the offensive immediately, bringing up his fifty in just 20 balls. He continued his assault, eventually posting a magnificent century within just 35 deliveries. Sithumina remained unbeaten on a spectacular 105 runs, while skipper Gimhan Rasanjana provided able support with a breezy 26-run cameo off just 10 balls.
Although Devapathiraja’s late fireworks gave the crowd plenty to cheer, Kularatne’s resilient batting in the second innings proved critical in ensuring they saved the game. The draw marked the end of an exciting encounter, but it was Arosha Sithumina’s aggressive intent that truly defined the 5th Battle of the Warriors, setting a new standard for flair in this traditional school big match.
But definitely it was Arosha Sithumina’s aggressive intent that truly defined the 5th Battle of the Warriors, which definitely changed the complexion of traditional school big matches and replaced it with some aggressive intent by helping to reach greater heights.
Brief Scorecard
P.De S. Kularathna Maha Vidyalaya (1st Inning) – 209/10 (70.3 Overs)
Lakindu Thihansa 45, Sasindu Kaushan 40, Bhanu Anuththara 23, Chathuka Hiroshima 20, Enuka Onadith 17, Hirun Matheesha 14, Bihadu Sandilu 12, Yasiru Abhishek 10 Gimhan Rasanjana 46/4, Puljith Wathsuka 63/4, Diyath Sanjitha 25/1, Sandaru Malshan 40/1
Devapathiraja College, Rathgama (1st Inning) – 266/10 (62.3 Overs)
Vihanga Induwara 68, Arosha Sithumina 51, Sandaru Malshan 37, Puljith Wathsuka 30, Pinsara Duthanga 28, Sumedha Sampath 15, Oshen Kalhara 13* Enuka Onadith 62/5, Yasiru Abhishek 34/2, Bihandu Sandilu 48/2, Janidu Chamika 11/1
P.De S. Kularathna Maha Vidyalaya (2nd Inning) – 258/9 dec. (58.4 Overs)
Adheesha Indeewara 70, Sasindu Kaushan 42, Hirun Matheesha 34, Yasiru Abhishek 32, Chathuka Hiroshima 26, Bhanu Anuththara 14 Sandaru Malshan 61/4, Diyath Sanjitha 34/2, Puljith Wathsuka 36/2, Gimhan Rasanjana 72/1
Devapathiraja College, Rathgama (2nd Inning) – 156/2 (10 Overs)
Arosha Sithumina 105*, Gimhan Rasanjana 26, Sandaru Malshan 10 Yasiru Abhishek 25/1, Janidu Chamika 33/1
The match ended in a draw, Devapathiraja College, Rathgama posted a first innings victory.
Individual Awards
- Best Fielder – Puljith Wathsuka (Devapathiraja)
- Best Bowler – Enuka Onadith (P. De S. Kularathna)
- Best Batsman – Arosha Sithumina (Devapathiraja)
- Man of the Match – Sandaru Malshan (Devapathiraja)
