Nadul cracks ton as Maroons Battle fizzles out to a draw

By M. Shamil Amit

A knock of 111 inclusive of 12 boundaries by opener Nadul Jayalath for Nalanda against traditional rivals Ananda was the highlight of the final day’s play of the 95th Battle of the Maroons which fizzled out to a high-scoring draw which concluded at the SSC ground yesterday.

Of course with the match marred by rain on day one and two, the fate of the match was visible after the completion of the second day’s play with the Anandians making 324/6 declared and Nalanda ending on 58 for no loss.

Nalanda resuming their innings on the final day made a bold reply of 325/6 declared which began with openers Nadul Jayalath and skipper Sadew Samarasinghe adding another 32 runs for a partnership of 90 before they were separated with Sadew’s dismissal for 40.

Nadul shared brief stands of 39 runs for the second wicket with Manupa Manmith and 32 runs for the third wicket with Osanda Pamuditha which followed with a 71 runs stand for the fourth wicket with Nemidu Akmeemana before he was dismissed.

With just over one session of play remaining the Anandians batting the second time ended the day on 27/1. 

(Pix by Kushan Pathiraja)