94th Battle of the Maroons

by Reemus Fernando

Nalanda have the edge when they meet arch rivals Ananda in the 94th Battle of the Maroons over the weekend at the SSC ground.

It was not the best of the seasons for both Ananda and Nalanda as they had to battle through the first part of the tournament to survive. Unlike many previous editions where the annual Big Match was played after the conclusion of the two-day tournament, this time the annual encounter is played with a number of matches still to be played in the tournament proper.

Of the two teams, Nalanda captained by Sajitha Vithanage have done better bagging two outright victories against a solitary defeat and will look forward to bank on the few players who have done well.

Sadew Samarasinghe and Anupa Manmitha will carry their hopes in the batting department as they are the only batsmen to have maintained averages over 40 runs so far. While Samarasinghe has accumulated close to 600 runs this season inclusive of two centuries and three fifties, Manmitha has scored close to 500 runs. He too has two centuries to his credit. Osanda Pamuditha, skipper Vithanage and Risath Jayaratne are the others who have made an impact in batting this season.

Nalanda’s bowling attack comprises of leading wicket taker Minod Caldera (with over 30 wickets), Vithanage, Hasith Rathnayake, Osanda Pamuditha and Thisara Dewdunu.

For Ananda there are some five batsmen who have scored centuries but Kanchana de Livera, Kithma Vithanapathirana and skipper Iruth Gimshan are the only batsmen to have aggregated over 500 runs so far. They will be joined by Kenul de Zoysa and Kaveesha Mendis to form the batting line up.

Ashinsa Nainayake is Ananda’s most consistent wicket taker. Left-arm spinner has taken over 50 wickets this season. While Kaveesha Mendis spearhead their pace attack, Vithanapathirana and Ayesh Shashimal form the spin attack with Nainayake.

Ananda have suffered two defeats and registered one victory this season.

Nalanda have conceded a solitary defeat while recording two victories.