The 57th edition of the Battle of the Blues between Sri Devananda College, Ambalangoda and Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda ended in a draw at the UC Grounds, Ambalangoda, but not without producing a host of historic moments and record-breaking performances.
Having been put in to bat first, Sri Devananda College were bowled out for 205 runs in their first innings. Despite the modest total, Nishith Thejawa and Savinu Gihansith stood out with crucial half-centuries, providing some resistance against a disciplined Dharmasoka bowling attack.
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In reply, Dharmasoka College delivered a dominant batting performance, piling up a commanding 366 for 6 before declaring their innings. The star of the show was opening batter Chandupa Kavisha, who etched his name into the history books with a sensational double century. Kavisha scored a magnificent 205 runs off just 192 deliveries, smashing 14 fours and 11 sixes in a breathtaking knock.
His innings holds special significance as it marks the first-ever double century recorded in the history of the Battle of the Blues big match. The previous highest score was 169 runs, set by former Sri Lankan opener Upul Tharanga in 2004, also representing Dharmasoka College.
Kavisha was well supported by Omega Karunarathne, with the pair putting together a remarkable 193-run partnership for the fifth wicket. This stand now stands as the highest partnership for any wicket in the history of the Battle of the Blues.
Dharmasoka’s total of 366 also rewrote the record books as the highest team total ever recorded in the encounter. The previous best was 325 for 4, set by Dharmasoka College back in 1981.
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Trailing by 161 runs, Sri Devananda College began their second innings with determination and resilience. By the close of play on the second and final day, they had reached 226 for 6, ensuring the match ended in a draw.
Once again, Nishith Thejawa was the standout performer for Sri Devananda, following up his first innings fifty with another impressive knock. He scored 91 off 121 balls, striking 8 fours and 2 sixes, showcasing consistency and composure under pressure.
Brief Scores
Sri Devananda College, Ambalangoda – 205 (57.5) Nishith Thejawa 75, Savinu Gihansith 52, Danindu Inosha 25, Reshitha De Silva 3/37, Bigun Indumina 2/40 & 226/6 (62) Nishith Thejawa 91, Mahim Deshai 44*, Danindu Inosha 28, Thenusha Weerasinghe 23, Saveen Thiyunuwan 20, Kaveesha Sandaruwan 3/65
Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda – 366/6d (64) Chandupa Kavisha 205, Omega Karunarathna 69, Kaveesha Matheesh 38, Suhas De Silva 30, Senula Vinsara 2/67, Savinu Gihansith 2/68
Result – Match Drawn
