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by Chris Dhambarage

Nalanda College with a well balanced outfit are determined to produce a result when they take on the traditional rivals Ananda College in the 74th annual Battle of the Maroons cricket encounter on March 1 and 2 at the SSC grounds, Maitland Place.

Despite losing two games outright the Nalandians have fared extremely well in the current inter school season with all their senior players striking form. Led by third year coloursman and all rounder Sanjaya Gangodawila Nalanda have build up a good side with a combination of youth and experience. They began the season on a promising note and came closer to recording a victory in their fixture against Richmond College, Galle at Campbell Place. The Nalandians did everything right in this game and they will be somewhat disappointed that they could not add the finishing touches during the final session of play. They first amassed a massive first innings total of 300 for 7 declared proving that they possess one of the strongest batting line ups this year.

Their bowlers then stuck to their task by dismissing the opposition for 156 runs in their first innings. But they faced stiff resistance from the visitors during the second innings and really struggled to dismiss them for the second time in the match. Nalanda also produced a fine performance as they figured in a high scoring draw against S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia at Campbell Place. They had the satisfaction of scoring well over three hundred runs in their first innings with Sachithra Madawala compiling a superb knock of 115. He also received good support from Gangodawila and Abeyratne.

The Nalandians continued with their impressive batting performance this year by piling up over three hundred runs in their first innings in the key game against Royal. The best effort certainly came from Sachithra Serasinghe who hit a fluent knock of 123 runs. Serasinghe batted with a great amount of responsibility and concentrated more in occupying the crease. He gave the Royal bowlers a torrid time on the field and kept the score moving at a steady pace.

Skipper Sanjaya Gangodawila has been their key player with his all round capabilities. The left hander has scored over 800 runs with a top score of 140 against Dharmaraja. In addition he has scored eight half centuries and has performed well in bowling too, capturing over 50 wickets in the Elephant Lemonade Cup 'A' Division League tournament.

In addition opener Sachitra Serasinghe has two centuries to his credit and has crossed the 500 run mark this year. Serasinghe also represented the Sri Lanka under 15 side at the Asia Cup limited over cricket tournament in Sharjah, UAE recently. Spinners Danushka Kuveju and Gihan Rupasinghe has also picked up over 40 wickets each and the pair have formed an effective combination.

Nalanda lost to St. Peter's and St. Sebastian's outright and have recorded first innings victories over Isipatana, Richmond, D. S. Senanayake, Thurstan and Wesley.

Shantha Kalavitigoda (Nalanda) holds the batting record for the highest individual score with an unbeaten 149 in 1997 and Ananda's Thilina Kandamby came close to improving on it in 1999 scoring 144. The best individual bowling performance is by former Sri Lanka player from Nalanda Yohan Gunasekera who took 8 for 32 in the 1976 'Big Match'.

The Nalanda team (from) - Sanjaya Gangodawila (Captain), Madura Warnapura (V. Captain), Yasas Hewavitharana, Sakura Wijeratne (Wicket-keeper), Danushka Kuveju, Sachitra Madawela, Sachitra Serasinghe, Tharindu Attanayake, Gihan Rupasinghe, Harsha Dharmaratne, Viranga Pathirana, Sameera Abeysinghe, Yohan de Silva, Tharun Ranasinghe.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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