The 19th Battle of the Golds between D.S. Senanayake College and Mahanama College concluded in a draw after a gripping contest that saw fortunes shift dramatically in their first-ever 3 day Big Match held at SSC in Colombo. Yesterday (11) was the final day of the historic encounter. DSS won first innings honours but Mahanama fought valiantly in the reply by setting a target to force a result.

Mahanama College, having won the toss, elected to bat first, posting a total of 235 in their first innings. Thaviru Perera led the charge for Mahanama with a resilient 77, while Gimantha Dissanayake contributed a valuable 56. D.S. Senanayake's Shanel Binushka proved to be the most effective bowler, claiming 5 wickets for 65 runs. Dilash Kumaranayake also chipped in with 2 crucial wickets.D.S. Senanayake College responded with 249 in their first innings, securing a slender 14-run lead. Chanul Athale was the standout performer for D.S. Senanayake, crafting a well-made 73.  Sithum Vihanga was the pick of the Mahanama bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 67 runs.Mahanama College began their second innings trailing by 14 runs. 

The opening pair of Dulnith Sigera and Sineth Veerarathne, provided a solid start with an unbeaten partnership of 93 runs by the close of play on day 2. Sigera reached his half-century, scoring 65. Later on day 3 Sineth Veerarathne also reached his half-century. Chamika Heenatigala played a crucial unbeaten innings of 69 runs for Mahanama.

Mahanama College declared their second innings at  271/7 in 54 overs setting D.S. Senanayake is a target. Shanel Binushka and Chithun Baddage took 2 wickets each for DSS in the second innings.

D.S. Senanayake College began their second innings but lost wickets at regular intervals. Randeesha Bandaranayake remained unbeaten 38 not out.

DSS ended their second innings at 127/8 in 49 overs at the close of play.

Anuka Wijewardana and Gimantha Dissanayake took 2 wickets each for Mahanama in the second innings.

Key performances:

Chanul Athale (DSS) :73 runs in the 1st innings

Shanel Binushka (DSS): overall 7 wickets in the game

Thaviru Perera (Mahanama) 77 runs (1st innings)

Gimantha Dissanayake (Mahanama):  56 runs (1st innings) and 2 wickets (2nd innings)

Sithum Vihanga (Mahanama): 4 wickets (1st innings)

Dulnith Sigera (Mahanama) :50 runs (2nd innings)

Sineth Veerarathne (Mahanama): 50 runs (2nd innings)

Chamika Heenatigala (Mahanama):69* (2nd innings)