The 74th Battle of the Golds played between Moratu Maha Vidyalaya and Sri Sumangala College ended in a draw at De Soysa Stadium, Moratuwa.
Resuming Day 3 on a commanding 237 for 2, Moratu Maha Vidyalaya looked set to post a massive first-innings total. However, a dramatic collapse turned the game on its head as they lost their remaining eight wickets for just 35 runs, eventually being bowled out for 272.
>>Jayawickrama & Sithumina tons power Moratu Maha Vidyalaya fightback
Left-arm spinner Mevindu Kumarasiri was the architect of the collapse, producing a match-defining spell to claim 7 wickets for 107 runs. He was well supported by Bihanga Silva, who picked up the remaining three wickets for 50 runs to wrap up the innings.
Holding a first-innings lead of 136 runs, Sri Sumangala College approached their second innings positively. They raced to 134 for 2 in just 21 overs before declaring, setting Moratu Maha Vidyalaya a challenging target of 271 runs for victory.
Vidura Basuru, who impressed with a half-century in the first innings, continued his fine form with yet another fifty. Meanwhile, first-innings centurion Neksha Iddamalgoda once again delivered with the bat, scoring a valuable half-century to strengthen Sri Sumangala’s position.
>>Sandeep Wijerathne’s ton puts Sri Sumangala in command on opening day
In reply, Moratu Maha Vidyalaya made a steady start in their chase but ran out of time. They reached 97 for 1 by the end of the third and final day, as the umpires called stumps, resulting in the match being drawn.
Brief Scores
Sri Sumangala College – 408/7d (100.1) Neksha Iddamalgoda 136, Sandeep Wijerathne 116, Vidura Basuru 77, Pansilu Silva 34, Umantha Akash 21, Sandun Suwaris 2/12, Menuka Kothalawala 2/78 & 134/2d (21) Vidura Basuru 60*, Neksha Iddamalgoda 54*, Dinaru Fernando 2/49
Moratu Maha Vidyalaya – 272 (107.3) Oshada Jayawickrama 117, Deneth Sithumina 105, Mevindu Kumarasiri 7/107, Bihanga Silva 3/50 & 97/1 (27.1) Deneth Sithumina 51*, Oshada Jayawickrama 41
Result – Match Drawn
