The 8th edition of the “Battle of the Hills” cricket big match concluded recently at the Wickramabahu College Grounds in Gampola, delivering a spectacle of pure cricketing dominance. In a clash between two of the Gampola town’s leading schools, Kurunduwatte Royal College staged a dazzling performance to defeat their arch-rivals, Jinaraja Boys’ College, by 5 wickets. The victory was fueled by a spectacular all-round effort from Royal Vice-Captain Dasun Sandeepa.
The drama unfolded right at the toss. Kurunduwatte Royal College skipper Kusal Chalana won the flip and made the bold decision to field first. In a surprising tactical move, Chalana opted against opening with pace and took the new ball himself, relying on his right-arm off-spin. The gamble paid instant dividends. With only the second ball of the match, Chalana trapped opener Risika Amarasinghe, setting the tone for the innings. Supported by skipper and pace bowler Oshan Kalhara Bogahadeniya, who delivered tight spells to dismantle the frontline, the Royalists kept the Jinaraja batters in check. The batting side found themselves in deep trouble at 24 for 4.
A brief resistance followed, with Abiru Anuj and Yasith Rashmika putting on 16 runs. Anuj then partnered with Anuhas Peris to construct the highest partnership of the innings, adding 21 valuable runs. However, just as Jinaraja looked to stabilize, a serious misunderstanding between the wickets ended the partnership, triggering a fatal collapse. The innings folded rapidly, slipping from 61 for 5 to 71 all out in quick succession. Abiru Anuj, who was unfortunately run out, was the top scorer with 20 runs. With the ball, Vice-Captain Dasun Sandeepa did the major damage, claiming three wickets, while skipper Kusal Chalana and Oshan Kalhara Bogahadeniya chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Chasing an under par target of 72, Kurunduwatte Royal’s openers Dasun Sandeepa and Odula Jithendra walked out with intent. The pair constructed a solid foundation, putting on 43 runs for the first wicket. Just as Royal seemed to be cruising, Jinaraja’s Thenuka Suwahas delivered a “peach of a delivery” to castle Jithendra.
Imesh Sasmika then joined the set Sandeepa, and the duo brought the Royalists to the touching distance of the target. However, the encounter took a sudden turn toward an anti-climax. Sandeepa, who had anchored the innings, fell after a poor shot selection for a well-made 37. This triggered a collapse, with Yasith Rashmika wreaking havoc. His magic with the ball saw him take three wickets in a single over, reducing Royal from 61 for 1 to 69 for 5 in a heartbeat.
With the score tense at 69 for 5 and only three runs needed, the Royal middle order held their nerve. The pressure was finally released when Tharusha Sathsara Diyabalanage hammered a pull shot over the deep square leg region. The ball sailed gracefully to the boundary rope, sealing the victory.
With this dominating 5-wicket win, Kurunduwatte Royal College equalized the victory tally with three titles, making a strong statement as the re-crowned kings of the Gampola Kingdom.
Brief Scorecard
Jinaraja Boys’ College, Gampola – 71 all out (26.1 Overs)
Abiru Anuj 20, Anuhas Peris 11, Akash Tharindu 06, Hiruka Sathsara 06 Dasun Sandeepa 12/3, Oshan Kalhara Bogahadeniya 10/2, Kusal Chalana Jeewanthaka 18/2, Tharusha Sathsara 00/1, Sandaru samod 20/1
Kurunduwatte Royal College, Kurunduwatte, Gampola – 74/5 (13.2 Overs)
Dasun Sandeepa VC 37, Odula JIthendra 17, Kusal Chalana Jeewanthaka C 07, Imesh Sasmika 05*, Yasith Rashmika 07/3, Dhanuja Umayanga 17/1, Thenuka Suwahas 22/1,
Individual Awards
- Best Bowler – Yasith Rashmika (Jinaraja Boys’ College)
- Best Batsman – Dasun Sandeepa (Kurunduwatte Royal College)
- Best Fielder – Imesh Sashmika (Kurunduwatte Royal College)
- Player of the Match – Dasun Sandeepa (Kurunduwatte Royal College)
- Photo Credits – Media Units of Kurunduwatte Royal College and Jinaraja Boys’ College, Gampola
