Sithmal’s knock helps Ananda even honours against Nalanda 

93rd Battle of the Maroons 

Coming to the annual Big Match as underdogs, Ananda needed their inexperienced batting lineup to produce something special to be on par with their arch-rivals. Kithma Sithmal and Kanchana de Livera stood out for them producing just that as their vital knocks in the first innings helped them salvage pride against Nalanda at the annual encounter that ended in a draw at the SSC ground yesterday.

In reply to Nalanda’s 280 for five wickets declared, Ananda posted 235 runs thanks largely to the batting efforts of Kithma Sithmal and Kanchana de Livera.

Sithmal anchored the fragile batting lineup with a valiant knock of 90 runs. Livera departed after an aggressive knock of 43 runs which included seven fours. From then on Sithmal took it upen his shoulders to anchor the innings. His 184-ball innings helped Ananda survive for 87 overs and avoid the danger of being enforced the follow on as others failed to top 20 runs. He was also the beneficiary of two costly fielding mishaps.

However, his marathon innings left only a session for the two teams to battle it out in the second innings.

For the second time in the match, Nalanda declared their innings for the loss of five wickets. They had a lead of 166 runs. Chasing a rather unlikely target Ananda were 22 for two wickets at stumps.

For Nalanda Eranga Jayakodige did well in the batting department top scoring with 83 runs. After they were put to bat Nalanda lost three wickets but the middle order lived up to their reputation to post their eventual total.

Special Awards:

Man of the Match:

Eranga Jayakodige   

Best Batsman:

Kithma Sithmal  

Best Fielder:

Chanul Athukorale 

Best Bowler:

Kaveesha Mendis