The official media conference for the 50th Battle of the Blues between Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda and Sri Devananda College, Ambalangoda was held on Tuesday evening at Bloomfield C & AC grounds.
The much-awaited two-day cricket encounter will be played on the 20th and 21st of May at the De Zoysa Stadium Moratuwa.
Dharamasoka College started playing cricket in 1921 while Sri Devananda College commenced hard-ball cricket, 42 years later in 1963. In this rivalry, Sokians lead the tally as they have managed 10 wins, while Devananda had registered only one win in their past 49 encounters.
The Chief Guest for the match will be Commissioner General of Prisons, Nishan Dhanasinghe and the Guest of Honour will be Dr. Sarath Nihal.
Sokians have produced some great cricketers in the past who went on to represent the national team, namely Saman Jayantha, Dinesh Chandimal and Upul Tharanga.
Sokians will be led by all-rounder Ushan Imantha. The left-handed batsman has stroked 350 runs in the 2016/17 season and while capturing over 40 wickets. 4th year coloursman, Harshajith Rushan and wicket keeper batsman Kavish Dilranga have accumulated over 700 runs this season.
Ravindu Rashantha is the anchor man for the Sokians with the bat as he has notched 800 runs in the season with 2 centuries. Rashantha was also a member of the Southern Province outfit which won the SLC u19 Provincial Tournament recently.
Left-arm spinner Kavindu Nadeeshan will lead the bowling attack for Dharmasoka with 69 wickets in 14 games. Dharmasoka had a decent season recording 2 outright wins and four 1st innings wins from their 14 matches.
“The game should be played in the spirit of the game and to preserve the brotherhood of both schools. So, I wish both teams best of luck and may the best team win. “ Dharmasoka College Principal Hasitha Kesara said at the Press Conference.
Sri Devananda will be coming in as the underdogs this year, having won 3 outrights and 5 first innings in the Singer Division II format. Dashing left-hander Amindu Udara will captain the side, having scored over 500 runs this season in 12 games. Experienced Chathura Milan and Kavindu Sohan will strengthen the middle order for the lads from Devananda scoring over 600 runs this season.
Left-arm spinner, Charith Rukshan will be looking to trouble the Sokians with the ball as he has taken 42 wickets thus-far in 13 matches.
“Unfortunately, the usual Urban Council Ground is not available in Ambalangoda due to renovation nevertheless, we expect a massive crowd for this 50th encounter. “ Sri Devananda principal Upul De Silva stated.
Dialog Axiata will be the ‘Main Sponsor’ of this match and you can catch the action LIVE on ThePapare.com and Dialog MyTV.
Dharmasoka Squad
Ushan Imantha (C), Harshajith Rushan, Kaveesh Kumara, Kasun Maduranga, Nimesh Mendis, Dinuka Dilshan, Lasith Kumara, Ravindu Rashantha, Kavindu Nadeeshan, Subash Lasanga, Sachin Sangeeth, Lohan De Soysa, Vishwa Sajee, Chanaka Karunaratne, Akila Mendis, Rayan Reeshan, Isuru Anushka (Coach)
Sri Devananda Squad
Amindu Udara (C), Sachindu Uddeepana, Chathura Milan, Kavindu Sohan, Charith Rukshan, Samith Madushan, Sajila Sankapala, Kushan Randika, Wikum Udara, Kavindu Rajapaksha, Charith Chinthaka, Imesh Madushan, Dasun Dananjaya, Praveen Avishka, Wishwa Dahanayake, Heshan Milakshan, Nimesh Thathsara, Suraj Sanjeewa (Coach)
