Historic rivalry ends in draw as time runs out

Monday, 7 April 2025 04:32 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Dialog Axiata Group Chief Commercial Officer Munesh David, handing trophy over to Lashmika for the Best All-Round Performance at the 91st Battle of the Saints in presence of Chief Guest for the 91st Battle of the Saints Encounter Suraj Abeysekara, SJC Rector Rev. Ranjith Andradi, SPC Rector Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo, SJC Prefect of Games Rev. Fr. Samesh Anthony, SPC Sports Coordinator Rev. Fr. Praveen Wijesekara, along with two Joint Committee Co-Chairmen Michael Elias and Terrence Fernando

The highly anticipated 91st Battle of the Saints cricket encounter between St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s College, sponsored by Dialog Axiata, the premier connectivity provider, concluded in a tame draw at the SSC Grounds yesterday.

St. Joseph’s resumed Day Two at 150-3, chasing St. Peter’s first innings total of 243. Despite Yenula Dewthusa’s composed knock of 86, which anchored the Josephian innings, they failed to capitalise fully on their solid overnight position. Dewthusa formed crucial partnerships of 91 runs with Senuja Wakunugoda (48) for the fourth wicket and a further 64 runs with Rishma Amarasinghe (27) for the fifth—but the Josephian batting order couldn’t push for a substantial lead, declaring at 240-7.

Joshua Sebastian emerged as the pick of the Peterite bowlers, claiming four wickets for 80 runs, while Lashmika Perera provided excellent support with figures of 3-64.

Under pressure to set a challenging target, St. Peter’s faltered dramatically in the second innings, losing three wickets for just 29 runs before collapsing further to 30-4. Nathan David offered resistance with a fighting half-century (53), while Jason Fernando contributed 45, but the Peterite middle order struggled against Maanasa Madubashana’s devastating spell of 5-57.

St. Peter’s were eventually dismissed for 168, setting St. Joseph’s a modest victory target of 172. However, with limited overs remaining, the Josephians managed only 70-2 when stumps were drawn, with Abishek Jayaweera unbeaten on 31.

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