Top order heroics, Manukalpa’s eight wicket haul seal innings win for Dharmaraja

117th Battle of the Maroons

A powerful batting display from top order batsmen and a dominant bowling performance by left arm spinner Dakshika Manukalpa guided Dharmaraja to an innings and 69 runs victory over arch rivals Kingswood College at the 117th Battle of the Maroons Big Match at the Pallekele International Stadium on Saturday.

It was the first victory in the series since 2015 and Dharmaraja achieved it with five overs to spare as Manukalpa produced an eight-wicket haul to rattle the batting line up for 78 runs in the second innings.

In reply to Dharmaraja’s 325 runs, Kingswood were bowled out for 178 runs in the first innings with Sheshan Marasinghe and Sesath Thilakaratne sharing seven wickets between them. Nisala Abeyratne accounted for two wickets. Kavija Gamage waged a lone battle anchoring with 67 runs (in 152 balls).

Forced to follow on, Kingswood lasted 30 overs but could not defy Manukalpa who took eight wickets for 30 runs.

On day one Dharmaraja declared their innings at tea after having sent Kingswood on a leather hunt. As expected, the opening pair of Pulindu Perera and Onajith de Silva provided a solid start as they amassed 152 runs for the first wicket.

Perera missed a century but his 85-ball 92 runs (14x4s, 2x6s) laid the platform for rest of the batsmen. De Silva remained unbeaten on 103 runs at tea while Isuru Pannala cracked 105 runs in 93 balls inclusive of 13 fours and two sixes.