Hirun Manyuga guides Rahula College to historic title in 15th “Battle of the Golden Lions”

In a historic clash at the Uyanwatta Ground in Matara, Rahula College broke their long-standing hoodoo to secure a memorable innings-and-23-run victory against arch-rivals Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya, in the 15th edition of the “Battle of the Golden Lions” Big Match. Played in front of a packed house, the encounter will be remembered for the masterful all-round performance of Rahula’s star player, Hirun Manyuga, whose heroics with both bat and ball sealed a maiden title for the hosts. 

Winning the toss and opting to bat first under overcast conditions, Dharmapala Vidyalaya found themselves in early trouble. Openers Bisara Anjana and Sithika Katugampola adopted a cautious approach, managing just 28 runs before the first breakthrough arrived. Rahula’s pace sensation, Hirun Manyuga, was introduced into the attack and immediately made an impact, inducing a leading edge from Sithika to draw first blood. This wicket triggered a collapse as Manyuga wreaked havoc. In the space of just 14 runs, the paceman struck three times, reducing the visitors to 42/3. 

A brief recovery seemed on the cards when Nimnath Vinsara and Nisalitha Sandiv combined for a 34-run partnership. However, off-spinner Naviru Nethwan put an end to the resistance by clean bowling Vinsara. The spin duo of Manyuga and Nethwan then tore through the fragile middle order, leaving Dharmapala reeling at 111/7. 

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Although tailenders Ramiru Mandeepa and Dinura Nethvidu showed some grit, the final three wickets fell for the addition of just seven runs. Dharmapala Vidyalaya were bowled out for 139 runs. Hirun Manyuga was the chief destroyer, claiming a five-wicket haul, well supported by Naviru Nethwan, who picked up four wickets. 

In reply, Rahula College looked to dominate. Hirun Manyuga, fresh from his bowling exploits, opened the batting and seamlessly carried his form into the innings. Together with Pawara Pabasara, he laid a solid foundation with a 71-run opening partnership. The stand was finally broken when left-arm paceman Sanuga Gamage dismissed Pabasara. However, the relief for Dharmapala was short-lived. Janiru Wijayawardana joined Manyuga, and the pair produced a clinical batting display. They added another 71 runs for the second wicket, playing stylish strokes all around the ground. Manyuga eventually fell for a fluent 75, decorated with seven boundaries, caught off the bowling of Dinura Nethvidu. 

Meanwhile, Janiru Wijayawardana anchored the innings superbly. He forged crucial partnerships of 42 runs with Aayu Kaviraj, 47 runs with Pramudith Navanjana, and 43 runs with Nadil Sandesh. In the process, Janiru reached a rare Big Match century, compiling a magnificent 104 before being dismissed by Sanuga Gamage. With a substantial lead on the board and a few quick wickets falling, Rahula declared their innings, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb. Sanuga Gamage was the pick of the bowlers for Dharmapala, finishing with three wickets. 

Trailing by a significant margin, Dharmapala’s openers, Bisara Anjana and Sithika Katugampola, adopted a survival-first approach in their second innings. The pair managed to see off the new ball until the eighth over, but the introduction of Hirun Manyuga once again proved decisive. Manyuga castled Bisara with a beauty and, off the very next delivery, trapped Nimnath Vinsara LBW. Combined with a couple of run-outs, Rahula’s relentless attack dismantled the top order, leaving Dharmapala in deep trouble at 32/5. 

With the Rahula Lions sensing their maiden title, Nisalitha Sandiv and Sanuga Dulmika mounted a spirited rearguard effort. The pair defied the bowlers for 24 overs, adding 59 valuable runs and dragging the contest towards a stalemate. 

The breakthrough eventually came courtesy of Nadil Sandesh, who found the stumps of Nisalitha with a straight delivery. Once the partnership was broken, the floodgates opened. The tail was quickly wiped out as Dharmapala were bundled out for 114 runs. 

This remarkable victory etched a new chapter in the history of the “Battle of the Golden Lions.” For his devastating bowling performance, which yielded a nine-wicket match haul, along with his crucial 75 runs, Hirun Manyuga was unanimously named Player of the Match. His outstanding all-round display was the cornerstone of Rahula College’s triumph, ending the long wait for a title in emphatic fashion. 

Scorecard in Brief

Dharmapala College, Pannipitiya (1st innings) – 139 all out (51.2 overs) 

Nisalitha Sandiv 35, Rumiru Mandeepa 23, Bisara Anjana 21, Nimnath Vinsara 16, Sithika Katugampola 12 

Hirun Manyuga 48/5, Nawiru Nethwan 29/4, Nadil Sandesh 15/1 

 

Rahula College, Matara (1st innings) – 276/7 dec. (62.1 overs) 

Janiru Wijayarathne 104, Hirun Manyuga 75, Aayu Kaviraj 29, Pawara Pabasara 28, Pramuditha Nawanjana 22, Nadil Sandesh 14, 

Sanuga Dulmika 95/3, Menusha Pabasara 49/1, Dinura Nethvidu 52/1 

 

Dharmapala College, Pannipitiya (2nd innings) – 114 all out (54.4 overs) 

Nisalitha Sandiv 37, Sanuga Dulmika 31, Sithika Katugampola 20, Dinura Nethvidu 13, 

Hirun Manyuga 35/4, Nadil Sandesh 18/3, Naviru Nethwan 25/1 

 

Rahula College, Matara won by innings and 23 runs 

Individual Awards

• Player of the Match – Hirun Manyuga (Rahula College) 
• Best Batter – Janiru Wijayarathne (Rahula College) 
• Best Bowler – Hirun Manyuga (Rahula College) 
• Best Fielder – Aayu Kaviraj (Rahula College)