The 118th Battle of the Maroons between Dharmaraja College and Kingswood College ended in a draw at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, with Dharmaraja retaining the trophy after a commanding all-round performance across the three days.
Batting first, Dharmaraja posted a mammoth 454 for 2 declared, powered by two unbeaten double centuries. Tharindu Warnakula and Lakvin Abeysinghe both remained unconquered on 203, etching their names into history with a record-breaking partnership. Kingswood’s bowlers toiled hard but could find no way through, with only Heshan Weerasinghe managing a solitary wicket.
In reply, Kingswood were bundled out for 197 in their first innings. Nikeshala Nanayakkara top-scored with a fighting 63, while Yasath Abeykoon added 28. The standout with the ball for Dharmaraja was Nisala Abeyratne, who tore through the batting lineup with figures of 5 for 33. Dakshila Manukalpitha also impressed with 2 for 31.
Forced to follow on, Kingswood showed more resistance in their second innings, reaching 96 for 2 before stumps. Chanul Kodithuwakku played a gritty knock of 52*, well-supported by Aadil Sherif with 40 runs. Manukalpitha picked up two more wickets to cap off a fine match.
Despite Dharmaraja’s dominance with bat and ball, time ran out to push for an outright win. However, their first-innings brilliance ensured they retained the trophy, capping off a memorable edition of this historic encounter.
