The historic town of Ampara and the whole Digamadulla area recently came alive once again as two of its most prominent educational institutions of the District clashed on the cricket field at the D.S. Senanayake National School Grounds (DSSNS Grounds). The much-anticipated “Battle of the Digamadulla,” the annual big match between Gamini Maha Vidyalaya and D.S. Senanayake National School took center stage, delivering yet another chapter of thrilling cricket history. After a day of fluctuating fortunes and nail-biting tension, it was Gamini Maha Vidyalaya who emerged victorious, retaining the coveted trophy for another year.
Winning the toss and electing to field first proved to be a masterstroke by the Gaminians. The D.S. Senanayake opening pair of Shamal Maleesha and Sanketh Achalanka had barely settled in when right-arm pace bowler Shehan Miyuranga struck with the third ball of the match, sending shockwaves through the Senanayakian dressing room. A brief recovery was staged by Thushmitha Hasanga and Shamal Maleesha, carefully nudging the score to 31 for 1. However, the introduction of spin and changes in pace brought about a dramatic collapse. Following Thushmitha’s departure, the innings rapidly unraveled, slumping to 43 for 4 and putting the batting side under immense pressure.
With the top order back in the pavilion, Ovinidu Minthuja and Chathuka Diwashana Darmasena took on the responsibility of damage control. The duo displayed great composure, stitching together the highest partnership of the innings with a vital 38-run stand. Just as they were looking to accelerate, pace bowler Dimasha Thenuhas was recalled into the attack and immediately made an impact, disturbing Ovinidu’s stumps with a deceiving delivery.
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Sensing the need for quick runs, Chathuka Diwashana Darmasena shifted gears, taking the attack to the bowlers. He launched a brief but entertaining assault, accumulating a swift 42 runs decorated with two boundaries and a pair of sixes before mistiming a shot and being caught. His dismissal triggered a swift tumble of the tail, bundling D.S. Senanayake National School out for a modest 129 runs in 45 overs. Off-spinner Dulaj Kalpa Gihan was the pick of the bowlers with a three-wicket haul, well-supported by Amisha Chanud and Dimasha Thenuhas, who claimed two wickets apiece.
Chasing a relatively modest 130 runs, Gamini Maha Vidyalaya was expected to cruise to victory. However, big match nerves got the better of them. The innings suffered a disastrous start when opener Nawod Kumara departed for a duck in the very first over. The experienced duo of Thameesha Thenuka and Savindu Pahan then took guard, slowly rebuilding the innings. They put together the only half-century stand of the entire match, reaching 52 runs. Interestingly, this partnership was heavily assisted by the opposition bowlers, with more than half the runs coming from extras. Just as the Gaminians were eyeing the finish line, a mix-up in the middle resulted in the unlucky run-out of Savindu Pahan.
This triggered a sudden and spectacular collapse. Thameesha Thenuka followed soon after, and in the blink of an eye, the comfortable score of 54 for 1 had plummeted to 76 for 5. The Senanayakians, who had been on the back foot for the majority of the day, suddenly sensed an unlikely upset.
With the team in deep trouble and the pressure mounting, Chathusha Sadapawan Jayathilake walked to the crease with a clear game plan. By reading the game well, he launched a brilliant counter-attack. Undeterred by the falling wickets at the other end, Chathusha played with flair and aggression, smashing an unbeaten 38 runs that featured six perfectly timed boundaries. His fearless batting under pressure effectively killed off the contest, guiding Gamini Maha Vidyalaya to a thrilling 3-wicket victory.
While the scoreboard ultimately favored Gamini Maha Vidyalaya, the true essence of the “Battle of the Digamadulla” extended far beyond the boundary. The match served as a vibrant meeting point for the past and present students of both schools. Amidst the fierce on-field rivalry, the students and old boys came together in the stands, sharing their sporting passion and rejuvenating a brotherhood that transcends the result of a cricket game.
As the sun set on Ampara, it was Gamini Maha Vidyalaya that lifted the trophy, but it was the spirit of school cricket that emerged as the ultimate winner.
Scorecard in Brief
D.S. Senanayake National School, Ampara – 129 all out (45 overs)
Chathuka Diwashana Darmasena 42, Shamal Maleesha 16, Ovinidu Minthuja 11,
Dulaj Kalpa Gihan 18/3, Amisha Chanud 13/2, Dimasha Thenuhas 20/2, Pahasara Shehan 15/1, Dinul Sehas 32/1
Gamini Maha Vidyalaya, Ampara – 130/7 (39.4 overs)
Chathusha Sadapawan Jayathilake 38 n.o., Savindu Pahan 18, Anuhas Dilshan 12, Thameesha Thenuka 12,
Banuja Methu Santhul 09/2, Shalinda Senesh Liyanage 42/2, Pahan Induranga 24/1
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