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Ananda College with a star studded line up are confident of putting up an impressive performance when they confront their traditional rivals Nalanda in the 70th annual Battle of the Maroons cricket encounter on March 27 and 28 at the SSC grounds, Maitland Place.

The Anandians have just concluded another successful season having recorded six victories from their seventeen outings. This is no doubt a tremendous performance and they have always rallied around through their experience and excellent team work. They have displayed a great amount of courage and determination and have proved their capability of bowling out a side twice.

Ananda's batting as usual have been quite excellent with a number of good stroke makers in their ranks. They also have the services of last year's skipper Lahiru Chaturanga who has turned out to be a solid middle order batsman. In addition Muthumudalige Pushpakumara has developed into a fine all rounder with some superb contributions during the season.

In fact Pushpakumara is their leading run getter for the season with a total of over 650 runs to his credit. He produced his best effort in the game against St. Benedict's College by compiling a magnificent knock of 122 runs. In fact he has crossed the half century mark on six other occasions which is a fantastic effort indeed.

Pushpakumara is also one of their main strike bowlers having captured over 60 wickets this season. The right arm off spinner has made his presence felt in almost every outing and has claimed over five wickets in an innings on three occasions. But more importantly he has been quite accurate throughout the season and is capable of bowling under any circumstances.

Last year skipper Lahiru Chaturanga has accumulated over 600 runs this season with a top score of 88 against Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda. He has been quite aggressive with the bat and will be hoping to conclude the season on an impressive manner. The Ananda middle order looks quite solid with the presence of Sri Lanka youth cap Thilina Kandambi, Lakshan Fernando and skipper Jithendra Perera.

The team: Jithendra Perera (captain), Lahiru Chaturanga, Maduranga Mallawarachchi, Akalanka Ganegama, Muthumudalige Pushpakumara, Thilina Kandambi, Lahiru Chathuranga, Lakshan Fernando, Mohamed Ramzi, Kasun Fernando, Chanaka Uadayanga, Sanjaya Bandara, Dinusha Bandara, Yohan Wickremage, Dinuka Madapatha, Eshan Abeysinghe, Rukshan Fernando, Lahiru Senaratne.