The coastal town of Ambalangoda is set to come alive this weekend as the fifth annual ‘Battle of the Champions’. The much-anticipated two-day big match between P. de S. Kularatne College, Ambalangoda and Devapathiraja College, Rathgama will be played on March 27th and 28th at the Ambalangoda Municipal Council Grounds. Cricket fans in the area can expect a sea of color as the flags of blue, gold, and maroon representing Devapathiraja College, and green and white representing P. de S. Kularathne College, are hoisted high, signaling the start of a rivalry that has grown significantly over the last half-decade.
The encounter has evolved rapidly since its inception. Last year, the fixture reached a new milestone when it was played for three days for the first time at the prestigious Galle International Stadium, hosted by Devapathiraja College. There, for the first time in the ‘Battle of the Champions’, a result was achieved as Devapathiraja College Rathgama dominated P. de S. Kularathna College to post a 7 wicket victory.
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Devapathiraja College, Rathgama boasts a longer and more illustrious Cricketing history compared to their opponents. They are perhaps best known nationally for producing the legendary Sri Lankan paceman Lasith Malinga. However, their contribution to the sport extends beyond the Men’s arena; the college has become a production factory for the Sri Lanka Women’s National team. The current national side features prominent Devapathiraja alumnae, including leading all-rounder Kaveesha Dilhari, alongside talents such as Shashini Gimhani, Sachini Nisansala, Umesha Thimeshani, Imesha Dulani, Kavya Kavindi, and Sathya Sandeepani.
This year, the Devapathiraja side is led by the talented Gimhan Rasanjana. His team has displayed excellent form to qualify for the second round as the third-best team from the U19 Division I – Tier B (B Group) segment. Their season record includes an innings win, an outright win, and four first-innings victories.
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Skipper Rasanjana leads by example, anchoring the batting unit with 576 runs to his name, including two centuries and a fifty. His highest score of 114 came against Moratu Maha Vidyalaya, backed by another century (105) against St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala. He is well-supported by Sandaru Malshan, the second-highest scorer with 526 runs. Malshan’s season highlight was a smashing 125 runs against Moratu Maha Vidyalaya, which stands as the best individual innings by a player from the college this season. Last year’s hero, Yasiru Lakshan who scored match winning 153 runs, has contributed with 445 runs. Further, Arosha Sithumina (400 runs with five half-tons), and Sumedha Sampath (205 runs) have further solidified their lineup.
The bowling attack will be spearheaded by an all-round effort, with the unit consisting of Gimhan Rasanjana, Sandaru Malshan, Diyath Sanjitha, and Puljith Wathsuka.
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On the other side, P. de S. Kularatne College will be led by the all-rounder, Janidu Chamika. While competing in U19 Division II – Tier B (B Group), the team has shown remarkable grit to qualify for the second round as the third-best team in their segment, mirroring the achievement of their rivals. Their season stats are equally impressive, boasting an innings win, an outright win, and a couple of first-innings victories.
The batting lineup relies heavily on the right-handed opener, Adeesha Indeevara. He is the side’s highest scorer with 566 runs, including four half-centuries. He is well supported by Yasiru Abhishek who scored 95 runs inning during the last big match, has continued his form by accumulating 524 runs with four half-tons. Captain Janidu Chamika has led from the front with 349 runs, including a fifty. The middle order looks sturdy with Bhanu Anuththara (269 runs), Chathuka Hiroshima (258 runs with a century against Harischandra College, Negombo), Hirun Matheesha (242 runs), Lakindu Thihansa (133 runs), and Sasindu Kaushan (125 runs).
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P. de S. Kularatne also possesses a diverse and talented bowling unit, consisting of Binhindu Sandilu, Janidu Chamika, Yasiru Abhishek, Thisal Dilmith, and Sasindu Kaushan
P. de S. Kularatne College, Ambalangoda Squad– Janidu Chamika (Captain), Lakidu Thihansa (Vice Captain), Sasindu Kawshan, Yasiru Abhishek, Adeesha Indeewara, Banu Anuttara, Inuka Onadith, Hirun Yapa, Binhindu Sandilu, Thisal Dilmith, Chatuka Hiroshima, Hirusha Denuwan, Himasha Dhaham, Hansa Kalhara, Tharuka Ranmira, Lakmal Damsilu,
Devapathiraja College, Rathgama Squad – Gimhan Rasanjana (Captain), Puljith Watsuka (Vice Captain), Arosha Sithumina, Yasiru Lakshan, Pinsara Duthanga, Sandaru Malshan, Sumedha Sampath, Vihanga Iduwara, Osheen Kalhara, Awan Sanjitha, Linuwara Satmindu, Harsha Madhusanka, Netusha Nirmal, Adeesha Gautham, Nikesha Lasadu, Paboda Hasarel, Sineth Madhusanka, Deneth Pehasara, Sanidhu Sineth, Deneth Dinuka
