Rajith Navodya shatters 46-year record as Maliyadeva seizes control in ‘Battle of the Rocks’
The 42nd ‘Battle of the Rocks’ big match between Maliyadeva College and St Anne’s College witnessed a historic display of batting dominance on the second day, as Maliyadeva piled up a mammoth total to seize control at the Welagedara International Cricket Stadium in Kurunegala.
Resuming from their overnight score of 105 for 2, the Maliyadeva batsmen faced a stern test during the early stage of the day’s play. The grassy surface, combined with the early morning moisture, offered ample assistance to the fast bowlers. The session could have taken a different turn within the first few minutes when Rajith Navodya offered a simple chance; however, Ishan Khan put down the opportunity, a miss that would prove costly for St Anne’s.
Capitalising on the mistake of their arch-rivals, the batting pair Rajith Navodya and former skipper Chandupa Abeysinghe settled into a cautious and responsible partnership. As the innings progressed and the shine wore off the ball, runs began to flow thick and fast. Both batsmen reached their half-centuries, stroking the ball to all parts of the ground. Rajith shifted gears aggressively in the latter part of the morning session, bringing up a well-deserved century. Maliyadeva completely conquered the morning session, adding 111 runs without losing a single wicket as they walked off for lunch in a commanding position.
The breakthrough for St Anne’s finally came immediately after the lunch break. Chandupa Abeysinghe, attempting an aggressive cut shot off Nesad Weerasekara, failed to keep it down and was caught at first slip by Dinuga Abeysekara, who held onto the catch after a slight fumble. In a dramatic turn of events, new batter Dineth Amarasinghe was dismissed on the very next ball. Going for a big hit, the ball travelled like a bullet to silly mid-off, where the fielder did well to grasp the catch after it hit his chest, giving Weerasekara two wickets in two deliveries.
Dushan Sayuranga provided brief support to the set batsman Rajith before being caught behind. However, the innings regained momentum as skipper Dimath Abeysinghe joined Rajith in the middle. Rajith continued his assault, passing the 150-run mark and etching his name in the history books.
In a monumental achievement, Rajith Navodya shattered a 46-year-old record for the highest individual score in the ‘Battle of the Rocks’ history. He surpassed the previous best of 156 runs, set by Maliyadeva’s Sudarshana Guruge in 1980. Shortly after breaking the record, Rajith’s magnificent innings came to an end when he was caught while attempting to clear the long-on boundary. He departed with a mammoth 157 runs, studded with 15 fours and three sixes.
Following Rajith’s departure, skipper Dimath Abeysinghe took charge, executing an assault on the St Anne’s bowlers with support from Sonal Ashwin and Thaveesha Balasooriya. Dimath approached his century with a slightly cautious approach, raising concerns about the run rate in the context of a potential drawn game. However, he reached the milestone in style, dispatching a boundary through a glorious straight drive.
With Dimath on his century, the long-awaited declaration signal finally came from the Maliyadeva dressing room. Maliyadeva declared their innings at a colossal 420 for 7, establishing a first-innings lead of 233 runs. For St Anne’s, Nesad Weerasekara was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Sanuja Disanayake chipped in with two.
Facing a tricky nervous period before stumps, St Anne’s openers managed to negotiate the Maliyadeva attack, scoring 15 runs in 10 overs. They successfully safeguarded their wickets, hinting at a determined effort to bat through the next day to save the game.
Despite St Anne’s resilient start, Maliyadeva holds the upper hand heading into the final day. With a solid batting performance backed by their clinical bowling on day one, Maliyadeva has a prime opportunity to secure their seventh title. However, early wickets in the morning session will be crucial for Maliyadeva to convert their dominance into a victory and retain the title.
Brief Scorecard – Day 2 Stumps
St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala (1st inning) – 187 all out (55.2 Overs)
Kushan Subasinghe 58, Yashmin Jayasundara 52, Binaru Denuwan 24, Dinuga abeysekara 17, Sanuja Dissanayake 15 Nishudha Chandrasiri 68/4, Dimath Abeysinghe 45/3, Sonal Ashwin 50/3
Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala – 420/7 (111.3 Overs)
Rajith Navodya 157, Dimath Abeysinghe 103*, Chandupa Abeysinghe 71, Thaveesha Balasooriya 31*, Thiwanka Pabasara 24, Sonal Ashwin 11 Nesad Weerasekara 92/3, Sanuja Dissanayake 93/2, Dinuga Abeysekara 32/1, Yashmith Jayasundara 65/1
St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala (2nd inning) – 15/0 (10 Overs)
Dinuga Abeysekara 98, Senuka Kemsara 6*
St. Anne’s College trailing by 218 runs with 10 wickets in hand
Previous record holder for the highest individual inning in the history of “Battle of the Rocks”, Sudarshana Guruge (Right) with his brother Chandana Guruge. The duo dominated the Maliyadeva Batting lineup during the early 80’s.
Rajith Navodya raises his bat after etching the history by shattering a 46 years old record for the highest individual score.
Maliyadeva skipper Dimath Abeysinghe made a quick century from 95 balls.
