The stage is set for the 95th Battle of the Maroons between Ananda and Nalanda that will be played on February 28, March 1 and 2. They will meet for the first time over three days at the SSC ground.
This encounter will be organized by a joint committee will be supported once again by Sri Lanka Telekom Mobitel.
Co Chairman of Nalanda Mahela Jayawardena pointed out this big match started in 1924 exactly 100 years and only a few had the privilege to be part of it.
Sadew Samarasinghe will lead Nalanda College while Ashinsa Nainayake will lead Ananda College. Both teams are known to be well balanced and either side can emerge victorious.
Ananda is leading the series with 12 wins while Nalanda has won it seven times. This encounter be played for the Dr. NM Perera Memorial Challenge Trophy and Nalanda won it last in 2022. But before that Ananda won it in 2003.
Ananda College Principal Lal Dissanayake said that this Battle of the Maroons symbolizes the longstanding brotherhood between the two schools.
“This encounter brings ex-cricketers and all old boys who excelled in various sports, locally and internationally, to review old memories,” said Champika de Silva, Principal of Nalanda College.
Upali Dharmadasa, Co-Chairman (Ananda) of the Joint Organizing Committee, said that their main purpose was to raise funds needed for the development of both schools
Ashinsa Nainayaka the captain of Ananda is a top bowler who has taken 55 wickets from a dozen matches, including four five-wicket hauls.
Meanwhile Sadev Samarasinghe the captain of Nalanda has achieved a rare achievement of surpassing 1,000 runs, seems hungry for more runs at this encounter.
