The 15th edition of the “Ranmini Satana’, also known as the ‘Battle of Golds’, concluded recently at the Public Grounds in Ratnapura, delivering a spectacle of Cricketing dominance. In a clash between two leading mixed schools in the Ratnapura District, Sivali Central College staged a comprehensive performance to defeat their rivals, Gankanda Central College, Pelmadulla. From the moment the coin was flipped until the final wicket fell, Sivali Central College controlled the narrative, securing a massive innings and 44 runs victory to reclaim the trophy after a lapse of four years.
Winning the toss and putting the opposition into bat, Sivali Captain Uthsara Ranathunga’s decision paid immediate dividends. The Gankanda batting lineup failed to find any rhythm, crumbling under the pressure of a disciplined bowling attack. It was a drama of wrong shot selections as wickets fell rapidly. Only Nimesh Sathsara and Adeesh Amantha managed to reach double figures, offering little resistance against a rampant Sivali attack. Right-arm pace bowler Lasiru Lakshan was the chief destructor, bulldozing through the Gankanda innings with a brilliant five-wicket haul to restrict the visitors to a modest total.
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In reply, Sivali openers Sanuja Delgahagoda and Hirusha Weerakoon walked out with intent. The pair provided a solid foundation, taking the score to 17 for no loss by the lunch break on the opening day. Shortly after the interval, at the team score of 30, Hirusha Weerakoon was sent back to the pavilion by Vidushan Anuhas, giving the visitors their first breakthrough. However, the dismissal only brought Nidhuka Premaratne to the crease, who alongside Sanuja Delgahagoda, established a vital 55-run partnership that firmly put Sivali in the driving seat.
Sanuja Delgahagoda was instrumental in the shift of momentum, crafting a brilliant half-century. However, his innings was cut short due to an injury, forcing him to retire. With a couple of quick wickets following his departure, the Skipper, Uthsara Ranathunga, and Chamikara Gunathissa took charge. The duo stitched together a magnificent 65-run partnership, consolidating the honours for Sivali College. The Captain, anchoring the innings, reached a well-deserved half-century before stumps were drawn early on day one due to bad weather.
Resuming on the second day with a heavy forecast of showers, Sivali College decided to declare their innings immediately to maximize their chances of a result. Trailing by 123 runs in the first innings, Gankanda Central College needed a resilient opening stand to stay in the game. However, they failed to deliver. The first wicket fell with the score at just two runs, and from there, the procession to the pavilion continued unabated. By the lunch break, the lads from Pelmadulla were in deep trouble, having lost five frontline batters for just 39 runs.
The post-lunch session offered no respite for the visitors, as they failed to post any significant partnership. Danuja Hasmith was the sole batter who displayed grit and resistance against the tight bowling of Sivali College. He occupied the crease for 131 deliveries to score 26 runs, but the lack of support at the other end proved costly. During the session, the hosts wrapped up the Gankanda innings with the addition of just 35 runs.
Sivali’s bowling attack was relentless, with Lasiru Pathirana setting the tone for the huge victory. He dismantled the visitors’ batting lineup across both innings, finishing with match figures of eight wickets, including a five-wicket haul. With the bat, the half-centuries scored by Sanuja Delgahagoda and Skipper Uthsara Ranathunga provided the backbone of the victory.
Ultimately, it was Sivali Captain Uthsara Ranathunga who shone brightest. Through his astute leadership and all-round performance, he marshaled his men to an emphatic innings and 44 runs victory, marking a triumphant return of the “Ranmini Satana” trophy to Sivali Central College.
Brief Scorecard
Gankanda Central College, Pelmadulla – 44 all out (19.3 Overs)
Nimesh Sathsara 11, Adeesh Amantha 10, Sanka Lakshan 5
Lasiru Pathirana 11/05, Sachiru Sithunija 20/02, Thineth Jayawardhane 00/01, Uthsara Ranathunga 01/01
Sivali Central College, Rathnapura – 167/6 (39.3 Overs)
Sanuja Delgahagoda 51, Uthsara Ranathunga 50*, Nidhuka Premaratne 25, Chamikara Gunathissa 22, Hirusha Weerakoon 10,
Onesh Bihanga 20/03, Vidushan Anuhas 17/01, Nimesh Sathsara 34/01, Nirmal Rashmika 13/01
Gankanda Central College, Pelmadulla – 74 all out (55.1 Overs)
Danuja Hasmith 26, Danidu Nayanajith 13, Nimesh Sathsara 10,
Ayuka Munamalpe 03/03, Lasiru Pathirana 22/03, Sachiru Sithunija 19/02, Uthsara Ranathunga 13/01, Lahiru Lakshan 07/01
Sivali Central College, Rathnapura won by innings and 44 runs
Individual Awards
Best Bowler – Lasiru Lakshan Pathirana (Sivali CC)
Best Batsman – Sanuja Delgahagoda (Sivali CC)
Best Fielder – Chamath Iddamalgoda (Gankanda CC)
Player of the Match – Uthsara Ranathunga (Sivali CC)
Photo Credits – Sivali Central College and Gankanda Central College Media Units
