118th Battle of the Maroons: Dharmaraja’s dominance secures trophy in historic draw

Dialog Axiata Business Growth and Operations Vice President /Head Thisara Kasthuriarachchi awarding the trophy along with (from left) Kingswood College POG Lakshman Tilakarathne, Kingswood College Principal Dammika Herath, Captain Kavija Gamage, Chief Guest Dharmaraja College Cricket Team 2003 Captain Muditha Wijekoon, Dharmaraja College Captain Thisara Pulindu Perera, Dharmaraja College Principal Mehesh Karunarathne, POG Kapila Ekanayake, SLIIT, Kandy, Department of Computing Head Dr.Kamalanath Samarakoon  

The 118th Battle of the Maroons between Dharmaraja College and Kingswood College concluded in a draw at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, with Dharmaraja College retaining the coveted trophy after an overwhelming display of cricketing prowess that left their opponents struggling throughout the three-day encounter.

Dharmaraja’s command of the match began from the moment they took the crease, as they constructed a monumental first innings total of 454 for 2 declared. The backbone of this imposing score was an extraordinary partnership between Tharindu Warnakula and Lakvin Abeysinghe, both of whom registered unbeaten double centuries—a feat unprecedented in the storied history of this rivalry at Pallekele Stadium.

Lakvin Abeysinghe’s masterful 203 not out came off 292 deliveries, featuring 20 boundaries and a six, showcasing his exceptional technique and concentration. His partner Tharindu Warnakula matched this brilliance, also remaining unconquered on 203, reaching his milestone from 286 balls with 17 fours and 4 towering sixes that electrified the crowd.

Their batting excellence shattered records dating back over four decades. The previous individual batting record of 200 not out, held by current Rajan Coach Senaka Dissanayake since 1983, was eclipsed by both batsmen in a display of batting dominance rarely witnessed in school cricket. Kingswood’s bowling attack was rendered ineffective, with only Heshan Weerasinghe managing a solitary wicket despite their persistent efforts.

When Kingswood came to bat, Dharmaraja’s bowlers seized control with similar authority. Led by the exceptional Nisala Abeyratne, who claimed an impressive 5 for 33, Dharmaraja systematically dismantled the Kingswood batting lineup. Dakshila Manukalpitha provided excellent support with 2 for 31, demonstrating Dharmaraja’s depth in bowling resources.

Despite Nikeshala Nanayakkara’s fighting 63 and Yasath Abeykoon’s contribution of 28, Kingswood could only muster 197 in their first innings—a deficit of 257 runs that forced them to follow on.

Dharmaraja’s stranglehold continued in Kingswood’s second innings, though their opponents showed improved resilience. Chanul Kodithuwakku’s unbeaten 52 and Aadil Sherif’s 40 helped Kingswood reach 96 for 2 before stumps were drawn, but this hardly diminished Dharmaraja’s overall superiority throughout the contest.Manukalpitha added two more wickets to his tally in the second innings, further highlighting Dharmaraja’s complete bowling performance across both innings.

Although time constraints prevented Dharmaraja from securing an outright victory, their comprehensive performance—particularly their record-breaking batting display and disciplined bowling—ensured they retained the trophy with unquestionable merit.

The 118th Battle of the Maroons will be remembered for Dharmaraja’s batting brilliance, bowling excellence, and complete command of the game—a performance that has set new benchmarks in this prestigious rivalry.

Dialog Axiata Business Growth and Operations Vice President /Head Thisara Kasthuriarachchi awarding the trophy along with (from left) Kingswood College POG Lakshman Tilakarathne, Kingswood College Principal Dammika Herath, Captain Kavija Gamage, Chief Guest Dharmaraja College Cricket Team 2003 Captain Muditha Wijekoon, Dharmaraja College Captain Thisara Pulindu Perera, Dharmaraja College Principal Mehesh Karunarathne, POG Kapila Ekanayake, SLIIT, Kandy, Department of Computing Head Dr.Kamalanath Samarakoon