17 run victory to Nalanda

After months of hard work, preparation and anticipation, the OAAQ cricket team competed in the annual Battle of the Maroons encounter on Sunday 3rd of November 2019 at the Wolston Park Cricket Club, Wacol. 

In summary, Nalanda emerged as winners, defeating Ananda OBA by 17 runs. Ananda OBA led by Subash Hathurusinghe won the toss and elected to bowl first. In the allotted 35 overs, Nalanda amassed 215 runs for the loss of 8 wickets, with Desh Kongalage contributing 71 and Gihan Perera 75 not out. Unfortunately Ananda missed a few opportunities in terms of catches, which was one of the factors that led to Nalanda surpassing a total of 200 runs. 

For Ananda, top bowling performances were recorded by Subash Hathurusinghe (7 overs 3/39) and Uthpala Jayaweera (4 overs 2/19), whilst Vidu Jaagoda Arachchi (5 overs 1/31) and Rakith Senanayake (6 overs 1/42) are notable mentions. 

In the resulting run chase, Ananda was all out for 198 in 35 overs.  

Batting performances to be highlighted were by Vidu Jaagoda Arachchi for his innings of 54 runs, and Buddhi Wijesekara (41) and Rakith Senanayake (34) for their solid contributions. For Nalanda OBA, Sudath Jayaweera was the standout performer, taking 4 wickets for 43 runs from 7 overs.

For his outstanding contributions with bat and ball, Gihan Perera (Nalanda) was named the manof the match, while Desh Kongalage

(Nalanda) and Sudath Jayaweera (Nalanda) were worthy recipients of the best batsman and best bowler awards respectively.

We would like to commend Subash and the team on their hard work and commitment to this cause in keeping the spirit of the brotherhood alive. In putting their best efforts forward in the coming year, we are certain that the Ananda OBA will be closer to victory at the next encounter.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Queensland Nalanda OBA for organising and hosting the annual big match for 2019,as well as all those who attended and supported the event on the day. Please keep an eye out for future QLD Battle of the Maroons event details through Facebook and our website.