Ananda College led by Iruth Gimshan demonstrated exceptional team work defeating their traditional rivals Nalanda by five wickets in their limited-over encounter regaining the P. de S. Kularatne Memorial Trophy after seven years yesterday at the SSC grounds yesterday.
Dinada Athalage who crafted a superb unbeaten knock of 70 while Kanchana de Livera who scored 55 were instrumental in reaching their target of 229 with 6.5 overs to spare. Nalandians had a strong start with openers Sahan Lithmina 46 in 54 balls with 8 fours and in-form opener Sadew Samarasinghe (54) who completed thousand runs this season, contributing to an impressive partnership of 85 runs. However, despite this momentum, Nalanda struggled to maintain consistency, managing only 228 for 8 wickets in 50 overs.
Leg-spinner Ayesh Shashimal, the younger brother of Dinesh Chandimal, emerged as the most successful bowler, taking 2
Man of the Match Dinada Athalage of Ananda receiving the award.
for 39 in his ten-over spell, supported by Ashinsa Nainayake and Kenul de Soyza, who also claimed two wickets each. Ananda’s fielding lived up to expectations, restricting Nalanda’s strong batting lineup.
In their chase, Ananda openers Nethula Edirimanne (9) and Kanchana de Livera added 41 runs in 8.4 overs. Livera and Dinada Athalage displayed superb form, adding 55 runs for the second wicket. The wicketkeeper, Livera, who scored 55 runs off 67 balls with 6 fours, was dismissed in the 22nd over, bowled by Hasith Ratnayake, with Tharuka Sooriyaarachchi taking the catch. Dinada Athalage, the match-winning batter, showcased fine shots and contributed to a 75-run third-wicket partnership with skipper Iruth Gimshan, who scored 42 runs off 41 balls with 7 fours. This partnership favoured Ananda’s side, with Dinada remaining unbeaten on 70 runs off 84 balls, including 7 fours and 2 sixes, earning him the title of Man of the Match.
However, Nalandian fielding did not meet expectations, contributing to their defeat, as pointed out by Nalanda Skipper Sajitha Vithanage. Ananda skipper Iruth Gimshan expressed satisfaction with the victory, considering it a morale boost after seven years. He commended his team’s commitment and acknowledged the support from Principal Lal Dissanayake, coach Janudika Sriyapala, and the old boys.
Former Sri Lankan cricketer and distinguished Ananda alumnus, Anuruddha Polonoawita, was the chief guest at the presentation ceremony.
Chief scores
Nalanda 228 for 8 wickets in 50 overs Sahan Lithmina 46,Sadew Samarasinghe 54,Manupa Manmitha 12,Sajitha Vithanage 23, Osanda Pamuditha 13,Sathmina Serasinghe 18,Hasith Ratnayake 11,Tharuka Sooriyaarachchi 17*,Minod Caldera 19*, Ashinsa Nainayake 2/56,Ayesh Shashimal 2/39,Kithma Withanaparhirana 1/22,Kenul de Soyza 2/28
Ananda 229 for 5 wickets in 43.1 overs Kanchana de Livera 55, Dinada Athalage 70*, Iruth Gimshan 42, Kithma Withanaparhirana 10, Ayesh Shashimal 14, Kenul de Soyza 10*, Osanda Pamuditha 1/39, Minod Caldera 1/24, Hasith Ratnayake 1/24, Tharuka Sooriyaarachchi 1/12
Awards
Best Fielder Ruvishan Perera (Ananda), Best Bowler – Ayesh Shashimal (Ananda), Best Batsman – Sadew Samarasinghe (Nalanda, Man of the Match – Dinada Athalage (Ananda)
Dhammika Ratnaweera
