Lindsay Girls’ School Dominate Inaugural “Battle of the Princesses” with Record 224-Run Victory

A new chapter in school girls’ cricket was written recently at the SSC Grounds, Colombo, as Lindsay Girls’ School faced Buddhist Ladies’ College in the inaugural edition of the “Battle of the Princesses 2026.” In a display of sheer dominance and clinical cricket, Lindsay Girls’ School crushed their opponents by a massive 224 runs to etch their names into the history books as the first holders of the title.

Buddhist Ladies’ College, Team: Hiruni Wasala, Venushi Thathiyana, Nadewma Thewmindie, Melinda Abigail, Binuki Yashika, Thenumi Dinaya, Thisali Sanulya, Methmi Hirundi, Iyshwini Nulathma, Risindi Sanumitha, Yeheni Pabadini

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Lindsay Girls’ School Team: Glamandriya Athale, Onithi Jayawardena, Shakya Mendis, Sanuthi Sanupadi, Hiruki Fernando, Hirundi Ahasna, Akesha Perera, Yonali Nethsara, Kasuri Liyanage, Abhilasha Sanuthi, Chanumi Sethumya

Winning the toss on a batting paradise, Lindsay Girls’ School captain Onithi Jayawardena had no hesitation in opting to set a target. The decision paid immediate dividends. The opening pair, led by the 14-year-old prodigy Glamandriya Athale, came out with intent. They raced to a fifty-run partnership in a mere 3.1 overs, sending a strong statement to the Buddhist Ladies’ College bowlers. The breakthrough finally arrived for Buddhist Ladies’ College when Melinda Abigail removed skipper Onithi Jayawardena for 9 runs. However, this only brought Shakya Mendis to the crease, and the assault intensified. The duo of Athale and Mendis put on a blistering 121-run partnership, exposing the ill-disciplined bowling attack of the opposition.

Athale was in sublime form, playing a gem of an innings that combined elegance with brute force. She raced to 92 runs off just 41 balls, smashing 17 boundaries and 03 sixes. In a cruel twist of fate, she was run out at the non-striker’s end following a serious miscommunication while nearing her century. Replays later suggested there wasn’t a clean break of the stumps, adding to the misfortune for the young batter.

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Despite the loss of Athale, Shakya Mendis continued the onslaught, posting a brilliant 80 runs adorned with 16 stylish fours. Like her opening partner, Mendis was also unlucky to be run out. Buddhist Ladies’ College managed to claw their way back slightly in the death overs, picking up four wickets while conceding just 12 runs in the final three overs. However, the damage had been irreversibly done. Lindsay Girls’ School posted a mammoth total of 321 runs in their allotted 30 overs. A staggering 76 extras (61 wides and 14 no balls) served as a testament to the aimless bowling display by the Buddhist Ladies’ College, with Venushi Thathiyana being the most productive bowler with 3 wickets.

Chasing a daunting 322, Buddhist Ladies’ College began with intent. Openers Hiruni Wasala and Venushi Thathiyana provided a cracking start, putting up 49 runs within just 5.4 overs. Just as the partnership looked threatening, the floodgates opened. Within the space of three deliveries, both openers were sent back to the pavilion, victims of the tight bowling attack from Lindsay Girls’ School.

Brief resistance was offered by Melinda Abigail and Nadewma Thewmindie, followed by a small stand between Thisali Sanulya and Abigail. However, once Thenumi fell, the innings collapsed in dramatic fashion. The final 05 wickets tumbled for just 07 runs, handing Lindsay Girls’ School a dominant 224-run victory. Melinda Abigail remained unbeaten on 20 runs but was left stranded at the non-striker’s end as her partners collapsed around her.

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The bowling honors for Lindsay Girls’ School went to Sanuthi Sanupadi, who did the major damage by picking up a rare four-wicket haul.

For her all-round performance, a crucial 35 runs with the bat and a four-wicket haul with the ball, Sanuthi Sanupadi was rightfully named the Player of the Match. As the curtains fell on the inaugural “Battle of the Princesses,” it was Lindsay Girls’ School who walked away with glory, setting a high standard for the years to come.

Scorecard in Brief

Lindsay Girls’ School – 321/8 (30 overs)

Glamandriya Athale 92, Shakya Mendis 80, Sanuthi Sanupadi 35, Hirundi Ahasna 16

Venushi Thathiyana 53/3, Melinda Abigail 50/1, Binuki Yashika 74/1

 

Buddhist Ladies’ College – 97 all out (15 overs)

Melinda Abigail 20, Hiruni Wasala 17, Nadewma Thewmindie 16, Thisali Sanulya 09,

Sanuthi Sanupadi 08/04, Akesha Perera 22/2, Glamandriya Athale 13/1, Hirundi Ahasna 16/1

 

Lindsay Girls’ School, Colombo 03 won by 224 runs

Player of the match : Sanuthi Sanupadi (Lindsay Girls’ School)

Other Best Performers – Lindsay Girls’ School

Best Batter – Glamandriya Athale

Best Bowler – Sanuthi Sanupadi

Best Fielder – Hiruki Fernando

Other Best Performers – Buddhist Ladies’ College

Best Batter – Melinda Abigail

Best Bowler – Venushi Thathiyana

Best Fielder – Nadewma Thewmindie