Battle of the maroons 2025

 

Battle of the maroons 2025

Ends in a thrilling draw

    Colombo: The 95th Battle of the Maroons, the annual cricket encounter between Ananda College and Nalanda College, concluded in a thrilling draw at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Grounds from February 28 to March 2, 2025. Despite a fierce con- test, rain played spoilsport, preventing a decisive result and allowing Nalanda College to retain the Dr. N.M. Perera Memorial Trophy.

    Ananda College set the tone by declaring their first innings at an imposing 324 for 6, with a standout performance from Dinada Athalage, who notched up an impressive 131 runs. Kenul De Zoysa (73) and Nethula Edirimanne (49) also made valuable contributions.

    In response, Nalanda College fought back with a strong first-innings total of 325 for 6. Nadul Jayalath led the charge WITH A magnificent 111, while Nemidu Akmeemana (43) and Sadew Samarasinghe (40) add- ed crucial runs. Ananda College resumed their second innings at 27 for 1, but the match was called off due to rain, leaving the traditional encounter without a winner. The excitement continued with the 48th One-Day Encounter on March 16, 2025, at the same venue. Both teams displayed exceptional skills, further fueling the historic rivalry. The much-anticipated match drew a large crowd, showcasing the unyielding spirit of school cricket.

                                                                                                                                                                                    By W. M. H. D. Wijesundara