Big Match: 71st Battle of the Golds this weekend

After a lapse of two years of Big Match cricket, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, Dialog Axiata PLC, has come forth once again to power the 71st edition of the  Battle of the Golds encounter between archrivals, St. Sebastian’s College and Prince of Wales' College of Moratuwa.

The 2021 edition of the 'Battle of the Golds is scheduled to be played at De Soysa Stadium, Moratuwa with spectators to the capacity of 50% on January 14 and 15, and the eagerly anticipated 50-over game, to be played for the 36th occasion this year, is scheduled to be played on the following day at the same venue.

The coaches of the teams, support staff, umpires and match-officials will operate from a bio-secure environment for seven days strictly in adherence to COVID-19 protocols under the supervision of the Regional Health Services.

The Cambrians will be led by middle order batsman, Dinura Fernando while the Sebastianites will play under the captaincy of stumper of the side, Sukitha Prasanna.

Cricketers from both schools have represented the game at the highest level, including 1996 World Cup winner Romesh Kaluwitharana and Sri Lanka captain Duleep Mendis from St. Sebastian's. 

The current players representing Sri Lanka include Oshada Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Avishka Fernando, Praveen Jayawickrama and Amila Aponso, all of whom are from St. Sebastian’s.

Kusal Mendis and Lahiru Thirimanne are from Cambrians. 

The tally between the two schools presently stands at six wins for the Cambrians and three wins for the Sebastianites. 

St. Sebastian’s College is the present holder of the cup, having last won it in 2011 under the captaincy of Sanitha de Mel. 

In the last encounter, the two-day Big Match ended in a tame draw, while the Cambrians secured a hard-fought 5-run victory on D/L method at the rain disturbed one day encounter.

In the limited over encounters, the Sebastianites lead with 17 wins to the Cambrians’ 15 with one tie and two abandoned games.

As the principal sponsor, Dialog Axiata has made arrangements to LIVE stream the Limited Overs match via thepapare.com, Dialog VIU mobile app and will also be shown LIVE on Dialog TV Channel 140.