Nalanda College Colombo outclassed Trinity College Kandy in their annual 1st XI cricket encounter played at Campbell Place recently. The Nalandians recorded a well deserved 7 wicket win at their home backyard against the visitors from the hill capital. Trinitians have been the custodians of the Sanga-Mahela Challenge Trophy introduced for this encounter since 2018. Nalanda won the toss and invited Trinity to take first lease of the wicket by batting first.

Nalanda skipper Sajitha Vithanage was the pick of the stars as he excelled with both bat and ball, he scalped a match bag of 7-wickets and scored a valuable 40 runs to pave the path for a famous win against the strong Trinitians. Minod Caldera also shone in the bowling department by bagging 6-wickets. 

The annual cricket encounter between Trinity and Nalanda has been a mainstay in the school cricketing calendar since its inception in 1978. Named after two of Sri Lanka’s iconic cricketing legends, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, who are alumni of these esteemed institutions, the Mahela-Sanga Challenge Trophy embodies the spirit of cricket and camaraderie between the two schools.

This year's theme, "Spirit of Cricket Legacy for Future Generations," reflects the commitment of both schools to instil the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and integrity in young cricketers.

Chairman of the organising committee Ravi Ahangama said: "The Mahela-Sanga Challenge Trophy is more than just a cricket match; it's a celebration of the rich cricketing tradition and camaraderie between Trinity and Nalanda.”

Secretary of the organising committee Kumudu de Silva added: "The bond between Mahela and Sanga transcends the cricket field, serving as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and the community at large. This match is an opportunity for our students to learn from the legacy of these cricketing greats."

Organised by Nalanda College 88 Group Batch, the Mahela-Sanga Challenge Trophy aims to promote friendship, sportsmanship, and healthy competition between the two schools.

This year Malith Ratnayake led the Trinity College team whilst Sajitha Vithanage steered the victorious Nalandian outfit. 

Brief Scores

Trinity College 72 (Rajindu Tillakaratne 19, Sajitha Vithanage 4/14, Minod Caldera 3/11, Nadul Jayalath 2/21) & 109 (Pulisha Tillekeratne 20, Vathila Udara 20, Sajitha Vithanage 3/35, Minod Caldera 3/50, Thisara Dewdunu 2/13) 

Nalanda College 172 (Sajitha Vithanage 40, Sadew Samarasinghe 34, Minew Paranavithana 33, Sathmina Serasinghe 23; Vathila Udara 5/29, Chaniru Hansana 2/33) & 11/3 (Thisal Yapa 2/2)

Result - Nalanda College won by 7 wickets