Maliyadeva Model School, Kurunegala registered a thrashing win over Ibbagamuwa Central College, to clinch the 13th “Battle of the Rocks” Annual Limited Overs Encounter, which was played yesterday at Welagedara Stadium, Kurunegala.
After winning the toss, Ibbagamuwa Central College opted to field first. The Models looked for a solid partnership early, but a complete misunderstanding between the batsmen cost them the first wicket.
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Though the wickets fell in regular intervals, the Models managed to keep some double digits partnerships continuously. Maliyadeva Models batsman Ishan Khan resisted and scored a hardworking half century to put his side in a competitive position.
However, after his dismissal, the Models failed to increase their run rate and frequent runouts hindered the progress of the inning. At a stage where the Pink Tuskers were roaring back into the game, tailender Bushith Eranga came to the middle and delivered some fireworks to score 51 runs off just 28 balls (one four and five sixes).
Because of that magnificent knock by Bhushith, the Models managed to post a very competitive total of 221 runs. The Pink Tuskers were given a mammoth task and had many questions to answer, specially on a surface which looked like it favoured the bowlers. Deneth Maleesha and Chamika Mihiranga picked up 2 vital wickets each for the lads from Ibbagamuwa.
>>“Battle of the rocks” encounter to heat up Kurunegala<<
Replicating the Models’ inning, the first wicket of Ibbagamuwa went away to an unlucky runout in the first legal delivery of the inning. Therefore, they shifted gear into a defensive mode by maintaining a slow run rate by avoiding any risk. However, the Models kept bowling good deliveries on the trot and the fielders were on their feet to grab any opportunity coming their way.
Therefore, the Pink Tuskers never kept a good partnership while Sandaru Dissanayake and Bhashitha Padmakumara displayed some resistance. Frequent wickets thwarted the progress of Ibbagamuwa inning as the team was bowled out for just 122 runs. Yasiru Kavinda (3) and Ishan Khan (2) did most of the damage, and the Models registered a comprehensive 99-run win.
While dark clouds were gathering over the stadium, the Models were searching for their final scalp. Suddenly, the Models were loudly appealing for a caught behind and the Umpire’s decision was not out. Then there was an anti-climax as the striking batsman from Ibbagamuwa, Dineth Lakshan, walked back to the pavilion by honestly indicating that he had edged the ball and ruled himself out.
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Though many ill-disciplined activities were reported during this big match season, the act of Dinesh Lakshan reminds us that still this is a gentleman’s game, and that pure gentlemen from a higher calibre like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, are still alive in this magnificent game.
Maliyadeva Models College – 221 all out, 50 Overs
Bhusith Eranga 51*, Ishan Khan 50, Kanchana Rathnayake 22, Dimuth Sandakelum 20, Dinusha Abeyratne 19, Binuka Rathnayake 18
Deneth maleesha 29/2, Chamika Mihiranga 50/2, Malith Nethsiri 45/1, Yasiru Atigala 41/1
Ibbagamuwa Central College – 122 all out, 45.5 Overs
Sandaru Dissanayake 34, Bhasitha Padmakumara 28, Dineth Lakshan 12, Kasun Oditha 08*
Yasiru Kavinda 27/3, Ishan Khan 25/2, Bhusith Eranga 20/1, Induwara Rathnayake 04/1
Special Awards
Best Batsman – Bhushith Eranga (Maliyadeva Models)
Best Bowler – Yasiru Kavinda (Maliyadeva Models)
Best Fielder – Dineth Lakshan (Ibbagamuwa Central)
Man of the Match – Ishan Khan (Maliyadeva Models)
