Sri Lanka, March 1 -- Nemindu Akmeemana hit a solid century and Osanda Pamuditha hammered a fighting half century as Nalanda College made a strong reply on the second day of their 96th Battle of the Maroons Inter-School Big Match against traditional rivals Ananda College, which continued at the SSC Grounds in Maitland Place yesterday.

The pair came together at a vital stage of the innings when the Nalandians were in a spot of bother and were under some kind of pressure after having lost three wickets for 62 runs in the 23rd over.

The situation was tailor-made for Nemindu and Osanda as they launched a superb counterattack on a perfect batting surface while adding a magnificent 111 runs for the fourth wicket.

Stylish left-hander Nemindu ...