The 50th Ambalangoda ‘Battle of The Blues’ between Dharmasoka College and Devananda College got underway at the De Soysa Stadium in Moratuwa today(20).
The Battle of Ambalangoda to be staged in Moratuwa
The official media conference for the 50th Battle of the Blues between Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda…
Dharmasoka taking first lease of the wicket after losing the toss, lost wickets at regular intervals before Kaveesh Kumara stood firm with a gritty half century while Nimesh Mendis offered him valiant support chipping in with 21 runs.
As expected it was slow going right throughout the day as Dharmasoka crawled their way to 159 before being bowled out in the 57th over with a run rate less than three runs per over. Bowling honours were shared among most Devananda bowlers as they kept the pressure right throughout while getting brilliant support in the field.
Sajina Sankalpa was the most impressive bowler out of the lot for Devananda capturing three wickets while Chathura Milan and Imesh Madushanka picked up two apiece.
In reply, Devananda made steady progress and were looking set to end the day in a strong position before the ball was thrown to the hands of Lasith Kumara late in the day. It proved to be a master-class for Dharmasoka as Kumara captured three vital scalps for as many runs to have Devananda staring down the barrel at 96/7 when umpires decided to draw stumps on day one.
Kavindu Sohan stood firm for Devananda with an unbeaten 35* and he will have to take responsibility to push his team closer to the Dharmasoka first innings total when play continues for day two tomorrow.
Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda 159 (56.2) Kaveesh Kumara 55, Nimesh Mendis 21, Chatura Milan 2/37, Sajina Sankalpa 3/23, Imesh Madushanka 2/19
Devananda College, Ambalangoda 96/7 (38) Kavindu Sohan 35*, Sachindu Uddeepana 29, Lasith Kumara 3/03
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