The 118th Lovers’ Quarrel is set to be played on the 17th & 18th of March between Richmond College and Mahinda College at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.
For the first time in two years, this annual fixture will be played in front of the spectators following the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions which were in place in 2021 and 2022.
2019 was the last time the encounter produced a result, when Richmond, led by Thaweesha Abhishek, clinched a 6-wicket win. The last time Mahinda won was back in 2008 under Rajitha Priyan’s captaincy.
Richmond College
Fourth-year coloursman, Tharinda Nirmal is set to lead Richmond College this time in his 4th big match.
In the 2022/23 season, Richmond has played 13 two-day games and registered 6 first innings wins & 5 outright wins while another match has ended in a draw. Apart from that, they have suffered just one first innings loss.
Richmond have qualified for the quarter-finals of the ongoing U19 Schools Cricket Tournament from Tier ‘A’.
Top-order batter, Kavindu Nirmana is the most valuable player in the batting front for Richmond College. The 19-year-old Nirmana, who is set to play his third big match, has scored 500 runs in the season so far.
On the other hand, Maheesha De Silva and opening batsman Thamindu Pradeeptha are in very good form, having scored more than 400 runs this season.
In the bowling department, left-arm finger spinner, Yuri Koththigoda has bagged 48 wickets including a best of 7/25.
<<< Photos – Richmond College Big Match Preview 2023 >>>
Furthermore, as an all-rounder, Tharinda Nirmal has 350 runs and claimed 46 scalps, making a huge impact to keep the balance of his team. Right-arm off-spinner, Malsha Tharupathi, who is also currently representing the Sri Lanka U19 Cricket Team, has picked up 40 wickets so-far.
Lakmal De Silva, an experienced coach, is the Head Coach of Richmond College for the sixth consecutive year with Umal Udayanga and Lahiru Maduwantha acting as his assistant coaches.
Squad
Tharinda Nirmal (Captain), Kavindu Nirmana, Bhanuka Manohara, Janeth Kaushal (WK), Maheesha De Silva, Malsha Tharupathi, Sharon Abhishek, Tamindu Pradeeptha, Chehan Subasinghe, Sihath Ramanayake, Imesh Shashindu, Kaveesha Induwara, Manuja Dulneth, Yuri Koththigoda, Seneth Sisan, Pubudu Mihiranga, Helith Edirisinghe, Minaga Ariyadasa, Nethsara Akash, Bevin Jayawardane
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Mahinda College
Fifth-year coloursman, Dhanuja Induwara is set to play his fourth big match and he is the captain of Mahinda College.
Mahinda performed well in this year’s two-day tournament as they have six first innings and one outright win. Other than that, they have also featured in one first innings loss and two no-result matches.
In 11 matches, including a century and five fifties, skipper Induwara has scored 576 runs and is their highest runsscorer. Hiruna Gallage has crossed the 500-run mark while vice-captain Dinura Kalupahana has scored 144 despite missing many games due to his duties with the Sri Lanka U19 Team.
<<< Photos – Mahinda College Big Match Preview 2023 >>>
Tharusha Dilshan who bowls right-arm off-spin has bagged 32 wickets in 11 matches and scored 282 runs this season. Right-arm seamer, Shehan Hasaranga and left-arm spinner Arosha Udayanga have picked up 28 and 19 wickets respectively.
At this time, Tharanga Maharamba is acting as the Head Coach of Mahinda College while Sulalith Wijethunga is his assistant.
Squad
Dhanuja Induwara (captain), Dinura Kalupahana (vice-captain), Pasindu Lakshan, Hiruna Gallage, Kaveesha Gimsara, Dulana Rajapaksha, Deneth Kaushalya, Chandupa de Silva, Ranmina Hettiarachchi, Tharusha Dilshan, Pramesh Madubhashana, Kaveen Rukshan, Hareen Achintha, Shehan Hasaranga, Ninura Deelaka, Dulsith Darshana, Arosha Udayanga, Senuka Dangamuwa, Vinupa Nethmira
Don’t miss any action from the 118th Lovers’ Quarrel; Watch LIVE on ThePapare.com, Dialog TV Channel No. 70 and Dialog VIU app.
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