ANANDA COLLEGE

Ananda wins 12th Battle of the Maroons in UAE

 Ananda College Old Boys in the UAE triumphed as the winners of the 12th Battle of the Maroons 2021 in the UAE. Led by Tharindu Paththapperuma and Nipuna Amarasinghe, the 1st XI and 2nd XI cricket teams of Old Anandians in the UAE delivered outstanding performances, securing both the P de S Kularathna Memorial Trophy and the Lionel Mendis Memorial Trophy. The Tag Rugby 7s encounter, played for the P de S Kularatne Challenge Shield, saw the old Nalandians emerging as winners.

The Ananda 2nd XI cricket team showcased brilliant bowling skills, with notable contributions from Kasun Boteju, Kasun Wijerathne, Shalin Dhanushka, Soujan Said, and captain Nipuna Amarasinghe. Despite the efforts of Old Nalandian Sumedha Tennakoon, who scored a patient 18 runs, Ananda successfully restricted the Nalandians to a mere 90 runs.

In response, Ananda comfortably reached the target in just 16.4 overs with four wickets to spare. The superb opening knock by Rizwan Abdeen, along with a sensible middle-order inning by veteran Srinath Samararatne, supported by Nipuna Amarasinghe and Gihan Subasinghe, sealed the victory for Ananda. Nipuna Amarasinghe, Srinath Samararatne, and Kasun Boteju were honored with the Man of the Match, Best Batsman, and Best Bowler awards, respectively.

The 1st XI team of the old Anandians continued the winning streak. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Ananda's opening batsmen Tharindu Paththapperuma and Nimesha Thajudeen made a flying start, maintaining an impressive run rate of 10 runs per over. Despite the dismissal of Tharindu, who scored 16 runs off just 9 balls, Nimesha crafted a fabulous knock of 34 runs from 26 balls, supported by Dinesh de Silva, Suresh Silva, Kushan Anjana Wijewardhana, Yasitha Senevirathna, Achinda Witharamalage, and Dilin Alwis. This collective effort set a competitive score of 143 runs in their allotted 20 overs.

The outstanding bowling performance of Kushan, Tharindu, Suresh, Dilin, and Achinda restricted the old Nalandians to a mere 98 runs, securing another victory for Ananda. Kushan Wijewardhana was named the Man of the Match for his exceptional bowling figures, while Nimesha Thajudeen received the Best Batsman award. Arunalu De Silva from Nalanda was recognized as the Best Bowler at the Battle of the Maroons 2021 in the UAE.

In the last event of the day, the Ananda vs. Nalanda Tag Rugby 7s encounter played for the P de S Kularatne Challenge Shield. The old Nalandians' Rugby team displayed an impressive performance, securing two tries. Ananda managed to secure one try, resulting in the old Nalandians clinching the P de S Kularatne Challenge Shield this year after a lapse of three consecutive times. Dilip Samanthilaka from Nalanda was honored as the Player of the Match.

Throughout the event, all players from Ananda and Nalanda wore black armbands as a mark of respect for the late Mr. Bandula Warnapura, a Sri Lankan legendary cricketer, distinguished Nalandian, and the first Test cricket captain of Sri Lanka.

The organizers' untiring efforts, along with the support and encouragement from various organizations and individuals, contributed to the success of the "12th Battle of the Maroons - 2021 in the UAE." General Mahesh Senanayake, former Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, graced the occasion as the chief guest and Mr. Ajantha Premarathne, Mr. Ravindra Gunarathna, were among the distinguished guests, 

A heartfelt shoutout was extended to the chief guest, distinguished guests, referees, umpires, scorers, sponsors, well-wishers, Sri Lions TV, Olcott Schools Alumni in the UAE, old Anandians, old Nalandians, their families and friends, and all others who supported the event in numerous ways. Last but not the least, a big shoutout to all the  players who participated in the 12th Battle of the Maroons in the UAE. Their untiring efforts, support, commitment, and dedication made this success possible