The second edition of the annual “Battle of the Blue and Maroons” concluded at the Alawwa Public grounds recently, with Sri Rahula Central College, Alawwa, producing a commanding performance to outclass Pannala National School by 70 runs. Seeking redemption after a defeat in the inaugural edition, the Rahulianz delivered a spectacular all-round display to clinch their maiden title in this emerging school cricket rivalry.
Pannala National School skipper Ashen Sandesh won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that initially backfired. Chiran Asanjana provided the Rahulianz with a fiery start, smashing a quick-fire 26 runs to set the tone. After a couple of early setbacks, skipper Induwara Maneth joined forces with Shehan Tharuka to completely shift the momentum. The duo launched a mammoth 142-run partnership, keeping the run rate hovering around six an over and firmly placing the hosts in the driver’s seat.
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Just as the Alawwa lads were roaring towards a massive total, Pannala’s Ometh Dulsandu provided a vital breakthrough with an exceptional delivery to dismiss the well-set Maneth for a stylish 76, which included 16 elegant boundaries. At the 35-over mark, Sri Rahula was comfortably placed at 215 for 4, eyeing a total in the region of 320 to 330. However, the innings lost its way dramatically. Yasiru Udana sparked a spectacular collapse with a superb bowling spell, triggering a middle-order slide that saw the hosts collapse from 215/4 to 247/9 in a flash. A valiant 26-run partnership for the last wicket added some respectability before Sri Rahula was eventually bundled out for 273 in 46.1 overs. Udana was the undisputed star with the ball, claiming a sparkling five-wicket haul, well supported by Dulsandu (3 wickets) and Aloka Pahasara (2 wickets).
Chasing a daunting target of 274, Pannala’s innings got off to the worst possible start as opener Kavishka Deneth was trapped for a duck by Aloka Iwan. Lakindu Thamesh and the other opener, Gihan Dhananjaya, attempted to rebuild the innings and inject some momentum, but the Rahulianz kept the pressure intact, removing Thamesh with the score reading just 43. Sandeepa Sineth and Dhananjaya then launched into a solid, watchful 60-run stand, raising hopes of a comeback for the visitors.
Just as the partnership began to threaten the bowlers, right-arm leg-spinner Sasmitha Vidath bowled an absolute peach of a delivery to hit the timber and castle Dhananjaya, who was anchoring the Pannala chase. Following this crucial blow, Sineth held fort at one end but found no substantial support from the rest of the batting lineup. With the asking rate skyrocketing, skipper Ashen Sandesh and Adeesha Nimsara attempted to clear the boundaries to relieve the pressure. However, their aggressive approach only resulted in them perishing while playing risky shots. Pannala was eventually bowled out for 203 in just 42.1 overs. Sineth scored a gritty, fighting knock of 71 runs, well supported by Dhananjaya who made 42 runs, but a lack of notable contributions from the rest of the side doomed the chase. Aloka Iwan (4 wickets) and Induwara Roshen (3 wickets) did the major damage with the ball for the hosts.
Ultimately, it was a complete team effort from Sri Rahula Central College that sealed the deal. By avenging their inaugural edition defeat, the Rahulianz have firmly established their supremacy in the “Battle of the Blue and Maroons,” marking the beginning of a new era in this exciting school cricket encounter.
Brief Scorecard
Sri Rahula Central College, Alawwa – 273 all out (46.1 overs)
Induwara Maneth 76, Shehan Tharuka 37, Chiran Asanjana 26, Induwara Roshen 24, Mandara Rashmika 20, Aloka Iwan 16*
Yasiru Udana 38/5, Ometh dulsandu 36/3, Aloka Pahasara 63/2
Pannala National School – 203 all out (42.1 overs)
Sandeepa Sineth 71, Gihan Dhananjaya 42, Adeesha Nimsara 20, Ashen Sandesh 15, Lakindu Themash 14, Yasiru Udana 14
Aloka Iwan 31/4, Induwara Roshen 34/3, Chiran Asanjana 18/1, Dilan Chathuranga 20/1, Sasmitha Vidath 47/1
Sri Rahula Central College, Alawwa won by 70 runs
