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

A new chapter in schoolgirls‘ 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 bat first. The decision paid immediate dividends. The opening pair, led by the 14-year-old prodigy Glamandriya Athale, came out with positive intent. They raced to a 50-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 together a blistering 121-run partnership, exposing the ill-disciplined bowling attack of the opposition. 

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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 deliveries, smashing 17 boundaries and three sixes. In a cruel twist of fate, she was run out at the non-striker’s end following a serious miscommunication while closing in on her century. Replays later suggested there had not been a clean break of the stumps, adding to the misfortune for the young batter. 

Despite the loss of Athale, Shakya Mendis continued the onslaught, compiling a brilliant 80 runs, studded with 16 stylish boundaries. Like her opening partner, Mendis was also unfortunate to be run out. Buddhist Ladies’ College managed to claw their way back slightly in the death overs, claiming four wickets while conceding just 12 runs in the final three overs. However, the damage had already been done. 

Lindsay Girls’ School posted a mammoth 321 runs from their allotted 30 overs. A staggering 76 extras (61 wides and 14 no-balls) served as a testament to the wayward bowling display of Buddhist Ladies’ College, with Venushi Thathiyana emerging as the most successful bowler with three wickets. 

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

Brief resistance came from Melinda Abigail and Nadewma Thewmindie, followed by a small partnership between Thisali Sanulya and Abigail. However, once Thenumi Dinaya departed, the innings collapsed dramatically. The final five wickets fell for the addition of just seven runs, handing Lindsay Girls’ School a commanding 224-run victory. 

Melinda Abigail remained unbeaten on 20 but was left stranded at the non-striker’s end as wickets continued to tumble around her. 

The bowling honours for Lindsay Girls’ School went to Sanuthi Sanupadi, who did the bulk of the damage by claiming a rare four-wicket haul. 

For her outstanding all-round performance, which included a valuable 35 runs with the bat and a four-wicket haul with the ball, Sanuthi Sanupadi was deservedly named Player of the Match. 

As the curtains fell on the inaugural “Battle of the Princesses,” it was Lindsay Girls’ School who walked away with the 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