Rahula College retains Manimaran – Wijesiriwardena trophy in DLS victory

The 7th edition of the “Battle of the Ends” limited over (50) cricket encounter was staged recently at the Uyanwatta Stadium Matara. In a display of sheer dominance, the host team, Rahula College, overwhelmed Hartley College, Point Pedro, to secure a massive 288-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. The match, which was interrupted by rain, saw Rahula College retain the Manimaran – Wijesiriwardena trophy for the seventh consecutive time.

Much more than a typical school cricket match rivalry, the “Battle of the Ends” is a symbolic event that bridges the ethnic and cultural divide of the island nation. It brings together Hartley College, situated in the northernmost point of Point Pedro, and Rahula College, located near the southernmost tip of Dondra. The annual clash is celebrated as an occasion of brotherhood and solidarity, connecting the hearts of the people from the North and South.

Winning the toss, Rahula College skipper Nadil Sandesh opted to bat first on the fresh, batting-friendly surface of the Uyanwatte Grounds. However, the decision was immediately tested. Hartley College’s bowlers made excellent use of early moisture on the wicket, picking up a couple of quick wickets to put the hosts under significant pressure. The setback proved temporary as Janiru Wijayawardane and Aayu Kaviraj took guard. The duo launched a counter-attack that effectively put the visitors out of the competition. Together, they established a monumental 299-run partnership for the third wicket, rewriting the history books of the Manimaran – Wijesiriwardena trophy.

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Janiru Wijayawardane, the left-handed striking batter, was destructive, scoring 167 runs off just 137 deliveries, an innings adorned with 19 boundaries. He was well-matched by Aayu Kaviraj, who scored a blistering 133 runs off only 103 balls, featuring 18 boundaries and a massive six. Although Hartley College managed to pick up a few quick wickets in the final overs, the damage had been irrevocably done. Rahula College eventually accumulated a massive total of 405 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Sritharan Mathushan and Vaithilingam Venukanan were the most successful bowlers for Hartley, sharing four wickets between them.

Facing a daunting target, Hartley College’s innings never found momentum from the start to the finish. Right-handed middle-order batter Thavendran Abishan was the sole resistance, scoring an unbeaten 41 runs amidst the collapse. The Rahula College bowling attack was relentless, with Hirun Manyuga and Naviru Nethwan displaying dazzling form to pick up three wickets each, dismantling the lads from the North. Midway through the innings, rain interrupted play, forcing the umpires to halt the contest after 28.2 overs. At that point, the visitors were required to score 374 runs according to the DLS par score, a target that proved out of reach.

With this all-round dominance, Rahula College secured a comprehensive 288-run victory. Despite the one-sided result on the field, the trophy stood tall as a bridge between the North and South, successfully sharing the spirit of brotherhood and culture that defines this unique encounter.

Brief Scorecard

Rahula College, Matara – 405/8 (50 Overs)

Janiru Wijayawardane 167, Aayu Kaviraj 133, Lithum Sewnitha 29,

Sritharan Mathushan 2/69, Vaithilingam Venukanan  2/98)

 

Hartley College, Point Pedro – 86/8 (28.2 Overs)

Thabendran Abishaan 41*,

Hirun Manyuga 3/16, Naviru Nethwan 3/37, Lithum Sewnitha 2/6)

Individual Awards

• Player of the Match – Janiru Wijayawardane (Rahula College)

Photo Credits – Rahula College, Matara FB page