The stage is set for another chapter of the historic Battle of the Blues when traditional rivals Royal College Colombo and S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia clash in their annual Big Match which begins at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Thursday.

‎Royal enter the encounter as favourites once again with a formidable batting line-up and a well-balanced bowling attack. The Reid Avenue boys will also be determined to avenge their defeat at the hands of their arch rivals in last year’s edition when the Thomians produced a stunning turnaround to pull off a surprise victory despite Royal starting the match as favourites.

‎However, Big Match cricket has always been known for producing new heroes and unexpected twists. With several players who featured in last year’s encounter returning to the field, both teams are well aware that predictions and form books can often count for little in this prestigious contest.

‎The Thomians, led by Avinash Fernando, will start with the odds stacked heavily against them. To successfully defend the shield, they will need strong batting performances from the likes of Reson Soloman, Jaden Amaraweera, Lugeesha Nimsara, Aaron Kodituwakku and skipper Avinash Fernando.

‎Soloman has been among the most consistent performers this season, amassing close to 800 runs with centuries against St. Anthony’s College Katugastota and Mahinda College Galle. Amaraweera too has enjoyed a productive season, scoring more than 750 runs with centuries against Maris Stella College Negombo and Wesley College Colombo.

‎Kodituwakku has contributed over 650 runs including a century against St. Servatius’ College Matara, while both Nimsara and Fernando have crossed the 500-run mark during the season. Despite their impressive aggregates, none of the Thomian batsmen have maintained an average above 40, which could make their task challenging against a disciplined Royal bowling unit.

‎Much responsibility will also rest on spinner Abheeth Paranawidana, who has captured over 40 wickets this season and will be expected to produce a special performance if the Thomians are to keep Royal’s strong batting order under control.

‎Royal’s batting unit, however, appears stronger on paper. Captain Rehan Peiris has enjoyed an outstanding season, accumulating more than 900 runs at an average close to 50 — one of the most impressive batting performances in the school cricket season.

‎He has received excellent support from Hirun Liyanarachchi, who has scored over 800 runs, and Ramiru Perera, who has accumulated more than 700 runs. Significantly, all three of Royal’s leading batsmen have maintained averages above 40, providing the team with a solid top order.

‎Royal also boast strong leadership experience within the side, with three captains in the playing squad — Sri Lanka Under-19 captain Vimath Dinsara, former Royal skipper Ramiru Perera, and current captain Rehan Peiris.

‎In the bowling department, former Holy Cross College Kalutara spinner Himaru Deshan is expected to play a key role alongside Dushen Udawela, Sehandu Sooriyaarachchi, and Ramiru Perera in what appears to be a well-balanced attack.

‎With Royal seeking revenge and the Thomians determined to prove last year’s victory was no fluke, another thrilling encounter is on the cards when the two proud schools renew their rivalry at the SSC. The Battle of the Blues, as always, promises drama, passion, and perhaps the emergence of new heroes in Sri Lanka’s most celebrated school cricket contest.

Teams

‎S. Thomas’

(from): Avinash Fernando (Captain), Jaden Amaraweera, Aaron Kodituwakku, Methuka Gunarathne, Stevon Peiris, Ludeesha Matharage, Reshon Soloman, Gimhan Mendis, Abheeth Paranawidana, Raphael Hettige, Shanil Perera, Nethun Withanage, Aaron De Silva, Nethuka Ometh, Vihanga Mathagaweera, Minon Warnasuriya, Sineru Thanthiriwatte.

S. Thomas’ College Team

‎Officials: Nilanka Peiris (Head Coach)

‎Royal (from): Rehan Pieris (Captain), Vimath Dinsara, Yasindu Dissanayake, Ramiru Perera, Himaru de Silva, Manuth Dassanayake, Gagan Gamage, Sehandu Sooriyarachchi, Hirun Matheesha, Chanithu Kankanamge, Sandul Abeywardena, Mudith Gunasekara, Thevindu Wewalwala, Udantha Gangewatta, Mahiru Kodithuwakku.

‎Officials: Gamini Perera (Head ‎Coach)

by Reemus Fernando

15 TH STAFFORD MOTORS – MCA G DIVISION T20 LEAGUE TOURNAMENT

Fairfirst Insurance, Mobitel, Star Garments and Stafford Motors registered wins in their league stage

matches of the 15th Stafford Motors – MCA G division T20 tournament played on Saturday.

Fairfirst Insurance, playing in Group B, won their tournament opener by defeating group leaders Emar

Pharma by nine wickets at the Sri Lanka Cricket grounds at Bandaragama on Saturday morning. The

Fairfirst bowlers restricted Emar Pharma to 77 runs in 14.4 overs and for Fairfirst Insurance, Dulip Silva

smashed an unbeaten 63 off 42 balls with nine hits to the ropes and three over to seal the win.

In the afternoon game played at Bandaragama Mobitel powered by a half ton by Krishan Santhusha [54]

and a useful 44from Sandeepa Halangoda posted 188/8 in their 20 overs and were able to defend it as

Sneh Ekanayaka [4/12] and 3/36 Budhdhika Hewa were able to successfully defend it.

Nadira Rajakaruna smashed an unbeaten 75 off 39 balls [11 x 4 and 3 x 6] to give his team a eight wicket

win over LSEG at Dharmapala College grounds in Pannipitiya.

In the afternoon game, Stafford Motors overcame Sitecore by four wickets with 50 balls to spare.

At SLC ground Bandaragama:

Fairfirst Insurance

beat Emar Pharma by nine wickets

EMAR PHARMA

77/10 in 14.4 overs [Amitha Dabare 34, Devinda Ayesh 22*; Dulip Silva 1-03, Lahiru

Madushanka 2-22,Prashein Fernando 2-02, Kasun Liyanage 2-19, Sajitha Samarasinghe 2-06]

FAIRFIRST INSURANCE

80/1 in 10.3 overs [Dulip Silva 63*, Prashein Fernando 09*; Amitha Dabare 1-32]

Mobitel by 40 runs

MOBITEL

188/8 IN 20 OVERS [Krishan Santhusha 54, Sachin Indrarathne 23, Sandeepa Halangoda 44,Dinidu Samodana 31; Dhammika Perusinghe 1-32, Champika Ranaweera 1-22, Vishmitha Silva 1-40, Lakshitha Peiris 2-31, Srihan Anuruddika 2-24, Mahesh Devapriya 1-12]

ALARIS LANKA

148/10 IN 19.5 OVERS [Srihan Anuruddika 52, Lakshitha Peiris 25, DhammikaPerusinghe

17, Champika Ranaweera 23; Sachin Indrarathne 2-22, Rangana Rajapaksha 1-19, Budhdhika Hewa 3-36, Senesh Ekanayake 4-12]

At Dharmapala College grounds:

Star Garments by

eight wickets

LSEG

96/10 IN 19.5 OVERS [Rishane Liyanage 30, Nuwan Amarasinghe 22, Hishara Mudalige 11; Randu Fernando 1-23, DunikPerera 3-19, Suwahas Yapa 3-21, Dhanuka Dulanjana 1-05]

STAR GARMENTS

98/2 IN 9.1 OVERS [Nadeesha Rajakaruna 75, Sanjaya Mihiran 14; Kalpa Gamage 1- 19, Isira Deerasooriya 1-15]

Stafford Motors won by

four wickets

SITECORE 103

/10 IN 20 OVERS [Pamodith Maduwantha 10, Lilan Mihiranga 11, Dineth Sathkumara 23, Sakee Faleel 24; Shanaka Sampath 2-19, Sajeewa Vishan 1-21, Dammika Kumara 3-07, Sanjaya Fernando

1-29, Vihanga Malith 2-05]

STAFFORD MOTORS

104/6 IN 11.4 OVERS [Gajindu Yasas 38, Vihanga Malith 18, Sanjaya Fernando 21, Vishwa Rajapaksha 11*; Thanuja Senevirathne 3-37, Dineth Sathkumara 3-08]

The ICC Board and committee meetings scheduled for later this month in Doha have been called off due to the ongoing military conflict in West Asia. ESPNcricinfo understands that specific meetings, particularly those pertaining to the finance committee will take place virtually over the next few weeks. The possibility of in-person meetings in April remains open but much will depend on whether airspace has sufficiently re-opened for the board and committee members to fly safely.

The meetings were originally scheduled for March 25 to 27 and were due to include ICC Board Directors, Chief Executives, Committee members and ICC senior leadership. Three of the key issues up for discussion were global broadcasting rights ,with the deal between the ICC and *JioStar set to end in 2027, initial discussions over the next FTP and Olympic qualification for LA 2028. The second of those have already begun informally with several members approaching others as they make plans for cricket’s next four-year calendar.