The much-awaited final clash of the Inter-University Cricket Championship took place recently between the University of Kelaniya and the University of Colombo. Though the stage was set for a close tussle, the lads from the University of Colombo produced a clinical performance to defeat the University of Kelaniya in ruthless fashion.
The skipper from the University of Kelaniya won the toss and elected to bat first. However, Colombo’s bowling line-up delivered disciplined spells, applying constant pressure on the Kelani batsmen. R. Samarahewa made a quick 47 runs and was the top scorer of the innings, while Eranga Jayakody contributed a brisk 44 runs to lift the total. Although Kelaniya maintained a healthy run rate, regular wickets hindered their progress. Eventually, they were bowled out for just 199 runs in 44.5 overs. Devindu Kekirideniya produced a magical bowling spell, claiming six wickets to destroy the Kelaniya innings.
- Inter-university Rugby; Relentless Ja’pura outmuscle Sabaragamuwa in Nittawela
- Inter-university Rugby; Colombo shock Kelaniya with superb second half rally
- University of Colombo defends the title at the high-stakes final in Nittawela
Chasing a target of 200, the University of Colombo made a solid start and put immediate pressure on the bowlers. Anishka de Zoyza played a match-winning knock of 89 runs and was the top scorer, while Pubudu Bandara anchored the chase with a steady half-century. The game soon became one-sided, as Colombo chased down the target within 41 overs to clinch the gold medal.
Brief Scorecard – Final
University of Kelaniya – 199 all out (44.5 overs)
R. Samarahewa 47 (41), Eranga Jayakody 44 (51)
Devindu Kekirideniya 6/30, Anishka de Zoyza 1/7
University of Colombo – 200/1 (41.0 overs)
Anishka de Zoyza 89 (119), Pubudu Bandara 61 (115)
Dineth Samaraweera 1/44, Binura Ranasinghe 0/19
In the bronze medal final, the University of Moratuwa opted to bat first against the University of Ruhuna. Frontline batsman Muftee Mysan scored a brilliant half-century, going on to make 67 runs — the top score of the match. Gavin Botheju added a valuable 33 runs as Moratuwa posted a competitive total of 246 all out in 49.1 overs. For Ruhuna, Daham Dulara picked up three wickets while Ramesh Dilash claimed one.
In reply, the University of Ruhuna struggled to find rhythm against Moratuwa’s formidable bowling unit. Without any meaningful partnerships to build momentum, they were bundled out for just 134 runs, handing Moratuwa a mammoth 112-run victory and the bronze medal.
Brief Scorecard – Bronze Final
University of Moratuwa – 246 all out (49.1 overs)
Muftee Mysan 67 (66), Gavin Botheju 33 (36)
Daham Dulara 3/58, Ramesh Dilash 1/23
University of Ruhuna – 134 all out (50 overs)
Harith Madhusha 24 (45), Eranga Jayakody 20 (27)
Asanga Upendra 2/20, Behan Wikramasinghe 2/23
In the semifinals, the University of Colombo marched into the final with an 8-wicket victory over the University of Ruhuna. Thewin Amarasinghe had a dream game, scoring a century and taking a five-wicket haul. In the other semifinal, the University of Kelaniya successfully defended a below-par score of 207 to secure their spot in the final.
Brief Scorecard – Semifinals
Semifinal 1
University of Ruhuna – 195/9 (50 Overs)
Koojana Perera 83 (100), R. Debagamage 26 (25)
Thewin Amarasinghe 5/37, Behan Wikramasinghe 2/29
University of Colombo – 201/2 (39.4 Overs)
Thewin Amarasinghe 104 (123), Anishka de Zoysa 65 (75)
Koojana Perera 1/21, Oshan Chandima 1/48
Semifinal 2
University of Kelaniya – 207 all out (49 Overs)
Dulara Fonseka 50 (73), Randul Samarahewa 34 (39)
Gavin Botheju 4/33, Yasiru Ruwantha 2/25
University of Moratuwa – 160 all out (37.1 Overs)
Muhtee mysan 50 (70), Isuru Kavishan 25 (49)
Nikil Weerasekara 4/27, Chamath Chathurya 2/24
Final Results
1st place – University of Colombo
2nd place – University of Kelaniya
3rd place – University of Moratuwa
4th place – University of Ruhuna
