41st Battle of the Rocks ends in stalemate as Maliyadeva dominates

Dialog Axiata Head of Brands – Masterbrand and Strategy Aaqib Reyal (third from left) handing over the trophy to both Captains Buddhima Sahan and Chandupa Abeysinghe along with National Cadet Corps Director Training Colonel Hemantha Dewpura

The highly anticipated 41st Battle of the Rocks between traditional rivals Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala, and St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala, concluded in a tame draw at the Welagedara Stadium yesterday. Despite Maliyadeva’s commanding first-innings performance, the game failed to produce an outright winner.

Maliyadeva resumed their overnight score of 221 for 6 and went on to post a formidable total of 309 runs. The highlight of their innings was a magnificent century by Chandupa Abeysinghe, who anchored the batting with a well-composed 106 runs. He received solid support from Vinuka Galappaththi, who chipped in with a crucial 65, while Sonal Ashwin (44), Dimath Abeysinghe (33), and Rajith Navodya (28) made valuable contributions to the total. St. Anne’s bowling effort was spearheaded by Shehan Kumara, who claimed 3 for 94, with Yashmith Jayasundara (2 for 43) and Bazeer Shakeel (2 for 63) chipping in with crucial breakthroughs.

In response, St. Anne’s found themselves in deep trouble as they struggled against Maliyadeva’s disciplined bowling attack. They were bundled out for a paltry 119 in 55.5 overs. Chamith Sasenjana and Yashmith Jayasundara managed to score 25 runs each, while Oshada Kodikara (19) and Kushan Subasinghe (16) showed brief resistance. However, they were undone by the brilliance of Thaveesha Balasooriya, who produced a match-winning spell, claiming 5 wickets for 52 runs.

With a commanding first-innings lead, Maliyadeva opted to bat again and reached 50 for 4 in 11 overs before the match was called off. Rajith Navodya top-scored with 27, while Yashmith Jayasundara continued his good form with the ball, picking up 2 for just 1 run.

Chief scores 

Maliyadeva Kurunegala (221/6 overnight) 309 in 102.4 overs (Chandupa Abeysinghe 106, Vinuka Galappaththi 65, Sonal Ashwin 44, Dimath Abeysinghe 33, Rajith Navodya 28: Shehan Kumara 3/94, Yashmith Jayasundara 2/43, Bazeer Shakeel 2/63) and 50 for 4 in 11 overs (Rajith Navodya 27: Yashmin Jayasundara 2/1)

St. Anne’s Kurunegala 119 in 55.5 overs (Chamith Sasenjana 25, Yashmin Jayasundara 25, Oshada Kodikara 19, Kushan Subasinghe 16: Thaveesha Balasooriya 5/52)