Cricket: Battle of the Maroons in the UAE on Friday

The bond between Old Anandians and Old Nalandians living in the UAE will be renewed once again at the 8th Battle of the Maroons to be held on Friday (20) at the Sharjah English College grounds.  

The first cricket Battle of the Maroons encounter was initiated in the UAE by former Ananda cricket captain Saliya Senanyake along with former Nalanda cricketer Sumedha Dharmasena in 2004.  

The 8th edition of the Battle of the Maroons will be played in memory of the legendary principal P. de S. Kularatne, who was the Principal of Ananda College for 25 years.  

The Second XI game that was introduced at the 7th Battle of the Maroons will be played this year in memory of the veteran coach Lionel Mendis.  

With the success of introducing Old Anandians and Old Nalandians Rugby Teams in the UAE, this year, for the first time at the 8th Battle of the Maroons, a Tag Ruby Big Match will also be played and the two teams will be contesting for the P. de S. Kularatne Challenge Shield.  

The first Battle of the Maroons in the UAE was played in 2004, when the Old Anandians led by Sanjeewa Karunasekara beat Old Nalandians led Sumedha Dharmasena.   Since then there were seven matches played so far where Ananda holds four wins against Nalanda’s three wins.  

Former Nalanda Captain Madura Warnapura, son of Bandula Warnapura – the first ever Test captain of Sri Lanka, will lead Old Nalandians, while allrounder Yoshan Gunasekra will lead the Old Anandians.  

The Second XI team of Old Anandians will be led by a veteran cricketer Sanjeewa Karunasekara and veteran cricketer Viraj Dharmasiri will lead Old Nalandians.