In a highly anticipated clash, the 94th edition of the “Battle of the Maroons” between Ananda and Nalanda is set to kick off today and continue on March 3 at the SSC grounds in Colombo.
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Nalanda, led by the versatile all-rounder Sajitha Vithanage, boasts a formidable squad. Key players include the leading batter Sadew Samarasinghe, who has amassed over 600 runs, along with Manupa Manmitha and Risitha Jayaratne. Captain Sajitha has contributed with both bat and ball, scoring over 250 runs and claiming 17 wickets. Deputy skipper Minod Caldera leads the bowling attack with an impressive 38 wickets.
Ananda, captained by Iruth Gimshan and assisted by deputy Ashinsha Nainayake, features a strong batting lineup. Kanchana de Livera, Kithma Withanapathirana, and Iruth Gimshan have been consistent contributors with the bat. Deputy skipper Ashinshan Nainayake has been outstanding with the ball, claiming 51 wickets, while Kaveesha Mendis has been a valuable all-rounder.
Both teams have had a mixed season, with Nalanda winning two out of nine matches and Ananda securing a victory in one out of twelve games. Nalanda’s recent win against Ananda in the previous year adds extra spice to this encounter.
The historic rivalry, which began in 1924, has seen Ananda leading the series with 12 wins, while Nalanda has clinched victory in 7 matches. The schools have produced over 55 national cricketers, including notable figures such as Bandula Warnapura, Arjuna Ranatunga, Roshan Mahanama, Marvan Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardena, and Dinesh Chandimal.
