The 21st edition of the “Uva Battle of the Golds,” the much-anticipated big match between Bandarawela Central College and St. Joseph’s College, Bandarawela, concluded over the weekend at the Municipal Council Grounds in Bandarawela. In an encounter that went down to the wire, Bandarawela Central College dominated proceedings, largely thanks to a sensational bowling performance, but ultimately had to settle for a draw, falling just a single wicket short of a famous outright victory.
The stage was set for a classic clash, and it was St. Joseph’s College who won the toss and elected to field first, hoping to make early inroads. The Centralian openers, Sasindu Hasaral (31) and vice-captain Banchana Pasanga (22), had other plans. Despite the low scoring rate, the duo demonstrated immense patience and application, frustrating the Josephian attack with a solid 53-run stand for the first wicket.
>>Uva Battle of the Golds returns home: Centrals and Josephians brace for epic 21st encounter<<
Just as the partnership looked set to blossom, paceman Viboothi Ruwan Bandara produced a magical spell of seam bowling. His brilliant spell dismantled the top order, and he went on to be the chief destroyer, claiming five wickets. Supported by Sachin Hirumal, who chipped in with three scalps, the Josephians wrapped up the Centralian innings. A brief resistance from Malsha Gimhan, who scored 31, was not enough to prevent a collapse, as the last three wickets fell without adding a run, bundling Central out for 142.
The Centralian fightback was ignited by their off-spinner, Janitha Gismantha. He provided the vital breakthrough by removing the Josephian opener for just a single run. St. Joseph’s skipper Sarith Malinda and Nimsara Bandara then attempted to steady the ship with a vital 44-run partnership. However, Gismantha was relentless. Once he dismissed Bandara, the floodgates opened. The spin wizard ripped through the middle order, triggering a dramatic collapse that saw the Joes plummet from 47 for 1 to 61 for 6. Although Ravindu Hasara and Viboothi Bandara offered some resistance to nudge the score towards the three-figure mark, the innings folded for 100. Gismantha was the undisputed star, finishing with stunning figures of 7 for 25.
Holding a commanding lead of 42 runs, the Centralians began their second innings with intent. However, the Josephian bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths, reducing them to 27 for 3 at one stage. Minuda Saveen then played a crucial captain’s knock, leading a rescue mission alongside the middle order. With the clock ticking and the game in the balance, Central declared their innings at 185, setting St. Joseph’s a daunting target of 228 to win.
The final session began with a twist, as the Josephian openers, Sarith Malinda and Nimsara Bandara, shattered expectations of a defensive approach by getting off to a flying start. However, the introduction of spin turned the tide once again. Janitha Gismantha and Kavishka Dananjaya bowled brilliantly, raising Central’s hopes of an outright victory. The Josephian top order crumbled under pressure, collapsing from 19 for no loss to 43 for 6 in the blink of an eye.
When the Joes were in danger, Ravindu Hasara stood firm at one end, launching a dogged battle to save the game. He found support from Theekshan Pramodya and Chamindu Thejitha. The climax of the match was nothing short of heart-stopping. When Ravindu and Chamindu were dismissed within the space of six deliveries, Bandarawela Central found themselves on the verge of victory, just one wicket away.
In a thrilling finale, the last pair of St. Joseph’s College showed remarkable grit. They resisted the fierce Centralian attack for the remaining five overs, successfully holding out to ensure the match ended in a draw. While the Josephians survived by the skin of their teeth, it was Bandarawela Central College-and specifically Janitha Gismantha, with his match haul of 11 wickets-who stole the spotlight in this pulsating chapter of the Uva Battle of the Golds.
Brief Scorecard
Bandarawela Central College – 142 all out (46.4 Overs)
Sasindu Hasaral 31, Malsha Gimhan 31, Banchana Pasanga 22, Desandhu Nimthaka 17, Aritha Nimnal 12, Minuda Saveen 10
Viboothi Bandara 57/5, Sachin Hirumal 00/3, Chamindu Thejitha 22/1, Sarith Malinda 23/1
St. Joseph’s College, Bandarawela – 100 all out (51.2 Overs)
Ravindu Hasara 24, Nimsara Bandara 23, Sarith Malinda 15, Theekshana Pramodya 13
Janitha Gismantha 25/7, Malsha Gimhan 12/2, Kavishka Dananjaya 17/1
Bandarawela Central College – 185/9 dec. (55.2 Overs)
Minuda Saveen 63, Aritha Nimnal 28, Akalpa Wijesundara 21, Oshadha Lankesh 20, Desandhu Nimthaka 17, Banchana Pasanga 15
Viboothi Bandara 56/3, Chamindu Thejitha 21/2, Sarith Malinda 28/2, Sachin Hirumal 30/1,
St. Joseph’s College, Bandarawela – 99/9 (39 Overs)
Ravindu Hasara 36, Nimsara Bandara 15, Theekshana Pramodya 14, Sarith Malinda 12, Sachin Hirumal 10
Janitha Gismantha 49/4, Kavishka Dananjaya 23/3, Malsha Gimhan 20/1
