The much-anticipated 26th Battle of Sri Jayawardenapura is set to unfold at the prestigious P. Sara Oval Cricket Stadium on March 31st and April 1st. The annual big match between St. John’s College, Nugegoda, and Ananda Sastralaya, Kotte, return to Colombo, promising a spectacle of cricketing fever and brotherhood. As the arch-rivals prepare to lock horns for the 26th time, St. John’s College heads into the contest with a distinct edge, fueled by a dominant recent season.
The inception of this remarkable affair of brotherhood dates back to 1990. Since then, the two schools have met on 25 occasions. While the historical ledger shows Sastralians managing to pull off back-to-back wins in 2001 and 2002, the Johnians are still in the hunt for their maiden title. The other 23 encounters have ended in tame draws, setting the stage perfectly for a potential result this year given the Johnians’ current form.
Both institutions boast a proud history lasting over a century, having produced significant talent for Sri Lankan cricket. St. John’s College has contributed national test opener Lahiru Udara, and Anusha Samaranayake, the national pace bowling coach of the SLC High Performance Centre. Ananda Sastralaya, meanwhile, claims former national paceman Ruchira Perera as their finest product, alongside youth representatives Shantha Silva and Hemantha Alles.
St. John’s College comes into the encounter riding a wave of confidence after competing in the Division – 3 Tier A tournament. They emerged as runners-up of their respective group with a dominating performance, securing a couple of inning wins, three outright wins, and a first-inning win against a solitary first-innings loss.
The team is led by fourth-year player Sandun Dewmina, a reliable bowler who has claimed 28 wickets with best figures of 5/22, while also contributing nearly 220 runs with the bat. He is ably supported by vice-captain Thenuka Dullewa, the wicket-keeper batsman who has amassed 179 runs including a fifty.
The batting lineup looks formidable with Rugith Nimjaya who was the run machine during the season, tallying 417 runs. He narrowly missed a century, scoring 97 against Nalanda Boys College, Minuwangoda. The middle order is bolstered by Tishan Dumindu (296 runs), Senura Gayeshana (267 runs), Mohamed Mishaal (341 runs), Anupa Suran (148 runs), and Imeth Sathsilu (137 runs).
In the bowling department, leg-spinner Imeth Sathsilu has been the standout, leading the side with 46 wickets. He delivered a magical performance against Bandaranayake Central College, Veyangoda, with figures of 7/21 in the first innings, finishing with a match bag of 11 wickets. Minath Methwindu, Senura Gayeshana, and Naditha Sathsara add depth to a threatening bowling attack.
Ananda Sastralaya, competing in the same division, managed to post an inning win and three first-innings wins, though they suffered an outright loss and a first-innings loss. The Sastralians will be led by the brilliant all-rounder Poshitha Madanayake. He has been in scintillating form, scoring 729 runs with a century and seven half-centuries at an average of 42.06. His highlight of the season was a brilliant 122-run knock against Sripali College, Horana, adorned with 18 fours and 3 sixes.
The vice-captain, Nadil Perera, is another prolific batter with 483 runs, including a century and four fifties. He launched an assault against Loyola College, Kochchikade, scoring 101 runs with 12 fours and 4 sixes. Top-order batter Chenuka Dodangoda has also been consistent, scoring over 500 runs with a century (104 runs) against Kottawa North Dharmapala Maha Vidyalaya and four half-centuries. The batting unit is further strengthened by Nehan Sandive, Teekshana Ushara Yahampath, Suwahas Nimsara, and Ganidu Dineth.
On the bowling front, Banuja Jayamanne has been the most successful, taking 46 wickets this season. Skipper Poshitha Madanayake closely follows as the second-highest wicket-taker with 45 scalps, making him a genuine dual-threat. Banuja Chamathkara, Yohan Lakshitha, and Chenuka Dodangoda have also contributed significantly with wickets.
As the two sides prepare to take the field, the contest appears evenly balanced on paper, but St. John’s College holds the psychological edge following their stellar season performance. Both teams will be hoping to bridge the gap between fierce rivalry and sportsmanship, promising a nail-biting finish to this two-day affair. For St. John’s, the dream of a maiden title has never looked closer, while Ananda Sastralaya will be eager to defend their historical supremacy and add a third win to their tally.
St John’s College, Nugegoda cricket team & officials
Sandun Dewmina Perera (Capt), Tenuka Dullewa(V. Capt), Senura Gayeshana, Minath Perera, Mohamed Mishaal, Rugeeth Nimjaya, Nevindu Nethsara, Kavindu Fernando, Aloka Prabash, Imeth Rajapaksa, Thishan Weerasuriya, Hansana Denuwan, Naditha Fernando, Anupa Dinisuru R.M.I.D Ratnayake (POG), Sanjeewa Rasanga (coach), Lasith Wellwaththa(MIC)
Ananda Sastralaya Kotte cricket team & officials
Poshitha Madanayake (Capt), Nadil Sathsara Perera (V. Capt), Banuja Chamthkara, Chathur Ama, Chenuka Dodangoda, Dineth Kulasekara,Yohan Lakshitha, Bigun Anuhas, Sandive Perera, Tharuja Dilnayana, Delusha Denuwan, Danidu Adithya, Sasen Thewmika, Pinidu Nimsara, Bhagya Dewanmini, Nimsara Perera, Ushara Yahampath, Dithira Athsara, K.R.N.U Perera (Coach), M.M.J Marasinghe (POG), Sayuri Kaushika (MIC),
