The limited-overs encounter of the 28th Hill Country Battle of the Golds (Kanda Udarata Ran Maha Satana) concluded recently at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, delivering a spectacle of thrilling cricketing action. In a clash between two upcountry powerhouses, Sri Rahula College, Katugastota, ultimately asserted their dominance over Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College, Kandy. While the Katugastota lads controlled the low-scoring affair for most of the match, Sri Sumangala pushed them to the brink with a spirited fightback that kept the atmosphere electric from the first delivery to the final cheer.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Sri Sumangala captain Savindu Nisal looked to exploit the traditionally batting-friendly Pallekele surface. However, his decision immediately came under scrutiny when Sri Rahula spinner Kaveesha Geeth struck with just seven runs on the board. Disaster was initially averted by Kaushalya Amunugama and Themura Samarathunga, who joined forces for the second wicket. While Samarathunga played a watchful anchor role, Amunugama took on the aggressor’s role, launching a calculated counterattack. The duo stitched together a brilliant 49-run partnership, laying what appeared to be a solid foundation for a formidable total. Amunugama was the standout batter of the innings, scoring a fiery 33 runs, decorated with four boundaries and a maximum.
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Just as the Sumangalians looked set to accelerate, Sri Rahula’s Madhushanka de Silva struck back with a double blow, trapping two batters LBW in quick succession. This triggered a dramatic collapse. Despite a slightly undisciplined bowling display from Sri Rahula, which conceded 23 runs in wides, Sri Sumangala simply could not withstand the pressure and dug their own grave with a string of poor shot selections. The innings dramatically unravelled, slipping from a comfortable 70/2 to a dire 98/8 in no time. A minor recovery seemed on the cards when Nimesh Senevirathne (19) and Shamith Induwara put together a valuable 21-run partnership for the ninth wicket. However, it proved too little, too late. Sri Sumangala’s innings was wrapped up for a meagre 122 runs in 41.3 overs. For Sri Rahula, Thiyum Samaranayaka and Praboth De Silva impressed with the ball, sharing six wickets between them.
Chasing a modest target of 123, Sri Rahula still had work to do, and Sri Sumangala’s bowlers came out with intent. Right-arm pacer Ravindu Nimsara applied early pressure and was rewarded by removing opener Thiyum Samaranayaka for just one run. The innings was stabilised by a crucial 38-run partnership between newcomer Nethum Bandara and Gagana Mahakumbura. Mahakumbura, looking technically sound, scored a valuable 27 runs, including four crisp boundaries. However, just as the pair looked to be taking the game away from Sri Sumangala, pace bowler Shamith Induwara produced a brilliant delivery to dismiss Mahakumbura. Themura Samarathunga then quickly followed up, ripping through the middle order with two quick wickets to leave the Rahulians reeling at 54 for 4.
With the pressure firmly back on the batting side, right-handed power hitter Pathum Bandara walked to the crease. Rather than succumbing to the tension, Bandara executed his natural, aggressive style of play and effectively swung the momentum back in Sri Rahula’s favour. Bandara and the technically gifted Nethum Bandara combined for a match-winning partnership of 69 runs in just 13.1 overs to carry their side over the line.
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Pathum Bandara fell just three runs short of a well-deserved half-century, remaining unbeaten on an entertaining 47, featuring five fours and three towering sixes. Nethum Bandara anchored the chase perfectly, remaining unbeaten on 27. For Sri Sumangala, Themura Samarathunga was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with two wickets, but it was not enough to defend the low total.
At the end of the day, the lads from Katugastota flexed their muscles when it mattered most. Despite a few hiccups along the way, Sri Rahula College secured a dominant victory built on a clinical display across all departments, etching their name into the history books of the Hill Country Battle of the Golds.
Brief Scorecard
Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College, Kandy – 122 all out (41.3 overs)
Kaushalya Amunugama 33, Nimesh Senevirathna 19, Themura Samarathunga 12
Thiyum Samaranayaka 16/3, Praboth De Silva 31/3, Thaveeha Jayasooriya 27/2, Banuka Weerapana 02/1, Kaveesha Geeth 18/1
Sri Rahula College, Katugasthota – 123/4 (26.1 overs)
Pathum Bandara 47, Nethum Bandara 27 n.o., Gagana Mahakumbura 24
Themura Samarathunga 27/2, Shamith Induwara 12/1, Ravindu Nimsara 20/1
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