History makers, Maliyadeva Model School shatters 13-year drought to clinch maiden ‘Battle of the Tuskers’ title

For thirteen long years, the “Battle of the Tuskers” big match between Maliyadeva Model School, Kurunegala and Ibbagamuwa Central College (ICC) was synonymous with stalemates. Since its inception, the annual encounter had ended in a draw thirteen times in a row. However, the 14th edition will be remembered in the annals of school cricket history as Maliyadeva Model School finally broke the jinx, etching their names as the first-ever side to lift the trophy following a dominant 7-wicket victory. The architects of this historic triumph were Ranthul Dinantha, who scored the only half-century of a fiercely contested, low-scoring game, and spinner Vihanga Vimukthi, whose breathtaking 9-wicket match haul sealed the deal for the Models. 

After winning the toss and electing to bat first on a surface that initially looked conducive for batting, Ibbagamuwa skipper Yasiru Atigala’s decision soon backfired. Openers Nethum Nilsara and Dithnal Wijethunga provided a fiery start, but Maliyadeva Model captain Sayuru Jayathilake introduced himself into the attack to halt their progress with his right-arm off-spin. 

The pitch quickly revealed its tricky nature, resulting in a drastic top-order collapse as ICC slumped to 36 for 3. Pasan Sandanayake and Sadaru Dissanayake then staged a rescue mission, forging a valuable 38-run partnership. However, the resistance was short-lived. Following Sandanayake’s departure at 85, Dissanayake was left completely isolated at one end. The middle and lower order offered absolutely no support, with four batters registering ducks. The final four wickets tumbled with just three runs added, leaving Dissanayake stranded on an unbeaten 29. A clinical bowling display by the Models bundled ICC out for a meager 107. Jayathilake was the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets, well-supported by Vihanga Vimukthi, who claimed 3. 

Chasing a modest total, Maliyadeva Model openers Ranthul Dinantha and Aken Hettiarachchi ensured there were no early hiccups. The duo dismantled the ICC attack with an array of stylish cover drives, straight drives, powerful pulls, and handsome sweeps. Just as they were looking set, Dithnal Wijethunga provided the vital breakthrough by dismissing Hettiarachchi with the team score at 72. 

What followed was a dramatic collapse. With frontline batters doing their job, ICC skipper Yasiru Atigala and Wijethunga switched to tight, sharp spin, triggering a mid-innings crisis that saw Maliyadeva Model crash from a comfortable 124/2 to 126/5. Binuka Rathnayaka and Imeth Newan Pathirana tried to steady the ship with a 36-run stand, but the lower order proved to be a mirror image of the ICC innings, collapsing from 177/6 to 178 all out. Atigala and Wijethunga shared a staggering 9 wickets between them. Amidst the chaos, Ranthul Dinantha held his ground to register the game’s sole half-century. 

Tasked with batting again to erase a critical 71-run deficit, ICC’s second innings got off to a disastrous start, losing four wickets for just 20 runs. With the scent of an innings victory in the air for Maliyadeva, Sadaru Dissanayake and Wenusha Alahakoon staged a gritty counter-attack. Slowly but surely, the duo built a 50-run partnership and it was on the exact delivery of that milestone that ICC officially survived the threat of an innings defeat. 

However, the resistance was temporary. With the score reading 86, Yasiru Kavinga broke the pivotal stand, triggering a sudden and dramatic collapse that saw ICC plummet from 86/4 to 118 all out. Dissanayake and Alahakoon top-scored with 35 and 39 respectively, but it was Vihanga Vimukthi who was the wrecker-in-chief. The spinner dismantled the batting lineup with a rare and magnificent 6-wicket haul in the second innings, finishing with a staggering match bag of 9 wickets. 

Set a mere 48 runs for a historic victory, Maliyadeva Model took the field expecting a stroll in the park. However, the Ibbagamuwa lads had other plans. Refusing to go down without a fight, they picked up three quick wickets, injecting tremendous pressure and nerves into the chase. 

Despite the sudden jitters, the Maliyadeva batters held their nerve, carefully navigating the remaining runs to cross the finish line with 7 wickets in hand. The 14th Battle of the Tuskers will not just be remembered for the cricket played, but for the shifting of a legacy. Maliyadeva Model School’s maiden title is a testament to their perseverance, officially ending an era of draws and ushering in a new chapter of Tuskers history. 

Brief Scorecard 

Ibbagamuwa Central College (1st Innings) – 107 all out (33.1 Overs)  

Sadaru Dissanayake 29*, Pasan Sandanayake 29, Nethum Nilsara 15  Sayuru Jayathilake 33/4, Vihanga Vimukthi 29/3, Nadhun Bandara 29/1 

Maliyadeva Model School, Kurunegala – 178 all out (68.3 Overs) 

Ranthul Dinathna 52, Aken Hettiarachchi 34, Imeth Pathira 29*, Vihanga Vimukthi 23, Binuka Rathnayake 16, Dimuthu Sandakelum 10 

Dithnal Wijethunga 67/5, Yasiru Atigala 57/4, Sachin Ayodya 7/1 

Ibbagamuwa Central College (2nd Innings) – 118 all out (74.4 Overs) 

Wenusha Alahakoon 39, Sadaru Dissanayake 35, Erosh ranasinghe 14, Yasiru Atigala 11 Vihanga Vimukthi 44/6, Yasiru Kavinga 22/2, Thenuga Dias 10/1, Sayuru Jayathilake 29/1 

Maliyadeva Model School, Kurunegala – 48/3 (22.4 Overs) 

Vihanga Vimukthi 19*, Dimuthu Sandakelum 10 Yasiru Atigala 15/2, Akash Rodrigo 13/1  Maliyadeva Model School won by 7 wickets 

Special Awards 

• Player of the match – Vihanga Vimukthi (Maliyadeva Model) 
• Best Batsman – Ranthul Dinathna (Maliyadeva Model) 
• Best Bowler – Vihanga Vimukthi (Maliyadeva Model) 
• Best Fielder – Sayuru Jayathilake (Maliyadeva Model)