The 13th “Battle of Tuskers” Cricket Big Match between Maliyadeva Model School, Kurunegala and Ibbagamuwa Central College, ended in a tame draw at the picturesque Welagedara Stadium, Kurunegala. This was the first instance where a 3 day school big match was played in the history of the ground, which has already hosted 7 Women’s International matches.
In the first inning, the Maliyadeva Model batsmen struggled against the Ibbagamuwa bowlers by losing three quick wickets. However, later on, Vihanga Kularathne (34 runs) and Ishan Khan (20 runs) made a solid partnership of 45 runs to lift their inning.
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Afterwards, the Pink Tuskers from Ibbagamuwa Central once again managed to come back to the game, and at one stage the Models’ score read 96/8. However, the tail enders resisted and pushed their total to 130 runs. Ibbagamuwa Central Captain, right arm spinner Malith Nethsiri, continuously troubled the batsmen with his variations in deliveries. Finally, he delivered an excellent bowling spell and paid with a dividend of six wickets.
In reply, the Ibbagamuwa side faced the same scenario as the batting unit failed to keep any proper partnership. Later, Deneth Maleesha (25) counterattacked with a couple of fours and sixes to push the score to three figure mark and were finally bowled out for just 100 runs. Sayuru Jayathilake and Vihanga Kularathne shared 3 wickets each.
In reply, Models came with a fancy lead of 30 runs on a bowling wicket. However, the Ibbagamuwa bowlers removed the top three batsmen for three consecutive ducks. Once again, Ishan Khan displayed some resistance amid the falling of regular wickets, but the Ibbagamuwa bowlers were able to put their side on the driving seat of the game, as they picked up 9 wickets for just 71 runs at one stage.
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Nevertheless, the last pair of the Models side had other plans and delivered a magnificent partnership of 46 runs, which was the best partnership of the match. Eventually, Models were dismissed for 117 runs and managed to set a challenging target of 148 runs.
Again, Malith Nethsiri was the trump card for the Pink Tuskers as he picked up 7 wickets in the 2nd inning with a match bag of 13 wickets.
Then there was a cat and mouse game with the dark clouds over the grounds and a heavy shower was at the doorstep. Ibbagamuwa Central opted to play for a draw, while Models were determined to bundle out their opponents in no time to get an outright win. However, at the end of the day, the rain was the winner as it spoiled a considerable amount of play.
Maliyadeva Models College 1st Inning – 130 all out
Vihanga Kularathne 34, Ishan Khan 20, Dimuth Sandakelum 12, Kanchana Rathnayake 11*, Dinusha Abeyratne 10, Yasiru Kavinda 10
Malith Nethsiri 44/6, Dineth Lakshan 4/1, Sachin Lakshitha 23/1, Yasiru Atigala 38/1
Ibbagamuwa Central College 1st Inning – 100 all out
Deneth Maleesha 25, Pasan Sandanayake 13, Dineth Lakshan 12, Chamika Mihiranga 11
Vihanga Kularathne 18/3, Sayuru Jayathilake 30/3, Yasiru Kavinda 24/2, Bhusith Eranga 17/1, Ishan Khan 1/1
Maliyadeva Models College 2nd Inning – 117 all out
Bhushith Eranga 23*, Ishan Khan 23, Dinusha Abeyratne 21, Vihanga Kularatne 13, Kanchana Rathnayake 12,
Malith Nethsiri 27/7, Yasiri Atigala 63/2, Sandaru Dissanayake 8/1
Ibbagamuwa Central College 2nd Inning – 2/1
Ishan Khan 0/1
Special Awards
Best Batsman – Vihanga Kularathne (Maliyadeva Models)
Best Bowler – Malith Nethsiri (Ibbagamuwa Central)
Best Fielder – Sayuru Jayathilake (Maliyadeva Models)
Man of the Match – Malith Nethsiri (Ibbagamuwa Central)
