In its 97th year now, the age-old friendly rivalry between the two famous college in Colombo, Sri Lanka – Ananda College and Nalanda College – which was brought to New Zealand last year, saw the old boys fight it out for boasting rights on the weekend.

And taking revenge for their defeat in the first edition, Nalanda led by Pubudu Nuwan, edged past Ananda led by Chinthaka Abeygooneratne, by five wickets to win the Second Battle of the Maroons New Zealand.

Dhamindu Don who managed the Ananda team informed, “We had a new addition this year, with spectators entertained by some Sri Lankan style touch rugby during the break. Our aim is to make the third edition next year even bigger in terms of entertainment.”

Nalanda was managed by Chamika Thalakada.

Match Summary: Nalanda : 137/5 in 25.2 overs, Pubudu Nuwan -67, Suviraj Makawita -21, Kasun Rajapaksha -17/2, Ruwan Premathilake -18/1; beat Ananda : 136/10 in 32.1 overs, (Gayan Rathambalage -37, Dhamindu Chamala -24, Chathuranga Wickramasinghe -21/3, Lakmal Duwage -28/3, Nalin Ariyawansa -28/2); by five wickets.

-TIN Bureau

About the Battle of the Maroons

Battle of the Maroons is an annual cricket match played between Ananda College, Colombo, and Nalanda College Colombo, which started in 1924. Over the years, the two colleges have provided the largest contingent of players to the Sri Lankan National Cricket squad including Sri Lanka’s first test captain – Nalandian Bandula Warnapura, 1996 World Cup winning captain Anandian Arjuna Ranatunga, and former captain and batting legend Nalandian Mahela Jayawardena. Dinesh Chandimal, who is the country’s youngest ODI captain also hails from Ananda.