MOSCOW, Tuesday - England held their nerve against Colombia to win their first ever penalty shootout in a World Cup and reach the quarter-finals in dramatic fashion on Tuesday.

Eric Dier scored the decisive spot-kick to win the shootout 4-3 and send Gareth Southgate’s young team through to a meeting with Sweden, who earlier beat Switzerland.

A bad-tempered match at Moscow’s Spartak Stadium that featured eight yellow cards -- six for Colombian players -- ended 1-1 after 30 tense minutes of extra-time, meaning the game had to be decided by penalties.

The South American side, without injured forward James Rodriguez, appeared on the edge of reaching their second consecutive World Cup quarter-final when Jordan Henderson’s effort was saved by Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina, keeping the score at 3-2. But Mateus Uribe then rattled the crossbar and after Kieran Trippier levelled at 3-3, England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford saved from Carlos Bacca, extending his left arm to stop the ball as he dived to his right.

That gave England match point and Eric Dier made no mistake, beating the despairing dive of Ospina before he was mobbed by his teammates.

It is the first time England have won a shootout at a World Cup -- and comes after six failures in seven attempts at major tournaments before Russia. Southgate’s team were minutes away from victory during normal time but Yerry Mina rose to head home an equaliser from a corner and cancel out captain Harry Kane’s 57th-minute penalty.

The late, late goal deflated England and the momentum shifted visibly towards the South Americans, who started extra-time with a spring in their step.

“To get knocked down at the end like we did with that goal in added time, you know, it’s difficult to come back from that,” said Dier.

“But we did. We were ready for that. We knew what we had to do, we stayed calm, we stuck to our plan, we never panicked all the way through extra time. We knew that if it has to go to penalties, it has to go to penalties. We were ready for that.”

‘GIVES US BELIEF’

England, for so long under-achievers on the international stage, are the only former winners left in the bottom half of the draw and, with Sweden up next, will fancy their chances of reaching the semi-finals for just the third time in their history. Pickford is the first England goalkeeper to save a penalty in a shootout at a major tournament since David Seaman at the 1998 World Cup against Argentina.

“It’s a great night to win a penalty shootout,” he said. “Ideally we don’t want to be going to a penalty shootout but we are delighted for the fans and the whole country.

“It gives us belief to go into the Sweden game.”

Kane’s penalty in the first half made him the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, two clear of Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku. With Spain already ejected, England face Sweden in Samara on Saturday, with Russia and Croatia potential semi-final opponents. Brazil and France lurk in the top half of the draw but Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal are out.

Even Prince William got caught up in the emotion, tweeting: “I couldn’t be prouder of @England - a victory in a penalty shootout! You have well and truly earned your place in the final eight of the #worldcup.” – AFP

MOSCOW, Tuesday - Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said he had done his research on Colombia and that his “power and agility” helped save Carlos Bacca’s penalty in a nail-biting shootout victory that saw England reach the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.

The Everton player was criticised after conceding Adnan Januzaj’s winner in a group-stage 1-0 loss to Belgium, including by his Belgian counterpart Thibaut Courtois, who said he was too small.

But Pickford hit back after his save allowed Eric Dier to slot in the winning spot-kick and give England their first-ever shootout win at a World Cup finals after failures in 1990, 1998 and 2006.

“I did a lot of research on them, I’ve got power and agility,” Pickford told ITV.

“I don’t care if I’m not the biggest ‘keeper because it’s about being there in the moment and making the save and I was.”

Substitute Dier was relieved to see his penalty squirm past David Ospina, after missing a great chance to seal a last-eight spot in extra time.

“It was a nervous one, I’ve never really been in a situation like that, but I felt like I had to score after the header I missed at the end there, so I’m just thankful I scored,” said the Tottenham midfielder. – AFP

SAINT PETERSBURG, Tuesday - Just eight teams remain from the 32 who started the World Cup in Russia.

AFP Sport looks how each side are placed ahead of the quarter-finals on Friday and Saturday.

URUGUAY v FRANCE (FRIDAY 7.30 PM SLT, NIZHNY NOVGOROD)

URUGUAY

One of only two teams to win all four games so far, Uruguay boast one of the meanest defences in Russia marshalled by talismanic captain Diego Godin, and a lethal strikeforce in Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez.

Cavani’s fitness is the big concern ahead of Friday’s meeting. The Paris Saint-Germain striker limped off with a calf injury after scoring twice to end Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal’s World Cup dreams in the last 16.

FRANCE

After cruising through the group stage in underwhelming fashion, France kicked through the gears thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s blistering pace to blow Argentina away in a 4-3 World Cup classic in the last 16.

A very different task awaits in breaking through Uruguay’s brick wall of a defence that will not allow Mbappe the same space to exploit. But as legs start to tire in the latter stages, France’s strength in depth could start to make the difference.

BRAZIL v BELGIUM (FRIDAY 11.30 PM SLT, KAZAN)

BRAZIL

Along with Uruguay, Brazil share the best defensive record, having conceded just once in four games so far and are slowly starting to hit their stride at the other end of the field too as Neymar struck his second goal of the tournament in the last 16.

After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Switzerland, 2-0 wins over Costa Rica, Serbia and Mexico have taken Brazil into a seventh straight quarter-final and they remain the favourites to erase the scars of a humiliating 7-1 semi-final thrashing at the hands of Germany four years ago.

BELGIUM

Belgium will be the true test of how good the Brazilian back line is in Kazan on Friday, but coach Roberto Martinez has some big decisions to make after a stunning comeback from 2-0 down in the final 21 minutes avoided a shock exit to Japan in the last 16.

Japan picked the holes in Martinez’s attack-minded 3-4-2-1 system and the Red Devils had to rely on their superior physical power in the latter stages with Jan Vertonghen and Marouane Fellaini heading home before Nacer Chadli completing the comeback at the end of a stunning counter-attack.

Martinez must now find the right balance to harness the best from Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku without leaving Belgium exposed.

SWEDEN v ENGLAND (SATURDAY 7.30 PM SLT, SAMARA)

SWEDEN

They are not the prettiest side, but Sweden are extremely effective and happy to play the role of underdog, having seen off the Netherlands and Italy in qualifying and Germany in the group stages.

Their run to the last eight for the first time since 1994 has been built on three clean sheets in four games, but while hard to break down, they lack a potent force up front.

ENGLAND

Freed from the curse of the penalty shootout after they beat Colombia from the spot, England will be favourites to reach a first World Cup semi-final since 1990.

For 92 minutes in Moscow, the Three Lions kept their cool as Colombia lost theirs and played with a patience in possession rarely seen by England sides in recent years.

Yerry Mina’s stoppage-time header threatened to change all that, but a first World Cup win on penalties in four attempts gives Gareth Southgate’s men reason to believe this time really will be different.

RUSSIA v CROATIA (SATURDAY 11.30 PM SLT, SOCHI)

RUSSIA

The hosts have delighted their public by surpassing all expectations to make it to the last eight thanks to a stunning penalty shootout elimination of 2010 winners Spain.

Russian players were on their knees in exhaustion after defending for 120 minutes in Moscow with just 26 percent possession and they must now summon another huge physical effort, with Croatia expected to dominate the ball once more.

CROATIA

Arguably the outstanding performers of the group stage, Croatia were made to suffer to make it past Denmark on penalties.

Luck often has not accompanied Croatia in the knockout stages after bright tournament starts, but having bounced back from the blow of Luka Modric’s missed penalty four minutes before the end of extra-time in the last 16, the time for a highly talented generation may have come.

– AFP

Happy are those who instinctively know....

It is a brave rugby heart that would give Sri Lankan hopes that ultimate step up to world cup status and rank us among the rugby elite...

This globally fascinating discipline has little time or quarter for amateurs and hesitant islanders, who are unable to clear their lines.

Sri Lanka Rugby ...formally the Ceylon Rugby Football Union, then the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union....history, pride, respect, courage and a potent recurring dream to be counted and considered among the greatest rugby nations.

Grand ideals that still remain outside the hallowed committee chambers of the IRB gentleman’s club in sunny Dublin...and observer status for Asian rugby still reaching and hoping.

Japan’s remarkable journey to world recognition...certainly stayed resilient through several world cups, to shine brighter in the last hosted by England.

Was Asian rugby finally on the map? ...would our mania be marked and rewarded with elevated status to the top 30 list?

But before we embrace and embark ...should we not consider, since it’s necessary to upgrade our ranking thoughts.

Can you conceivably envisage Hong Kong or South Korea stepping up behind Japan as the next Asian super rugby union?

Hold that bold grey matter utterance...South Korea did dispatch the defending football world champions Germany ...on an early shuttle back home....remarkable, mesmerizing and true.

But alas the comparisons end at the tunnel entrance to the stadium ....Hong Kong v England or Korea v Australia, is still a loaded dream and possibly after Japan hosting the Rugby World Cup next year ...some food for impact thoughts?

On that inspired thought how about Ireland v Sri Lanka? ....our dream continues for XVs ...but is very much reality for 7s.

On that perfect pass, our 7s team, led by the hardworking Muthuthanthri ...are currently in Paris for an extended experience tour.

The Sri Union finally able to get on board and some practical game time for the squad to absorb pressure and mature under different conditions.

This is very much the tip of the iceberg...and positive impact for our Asian series ambitions.

Let’s hope it’s not anywhere close to the iceberg that re-wrote the Titanic trip from Southampton...?

Fiji the 7s islanders super force play more than 10 tournaments as the national squad before they land in Hong Kong for the 7s .....some wisdom and generous servings of traditional kava certainly make them invincible, and very much the mighty islanders that pretty much own the Hong Kong stadium.

Over the last 5 years, Fijian 7s magic and running style has ignited the former British colony beyond conventional imagination and added new dimension to the games global charm.

Let’s wish our national 7s team the strength and skill to outplay and push past, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea on the circuit ...then step up physically to own the Asian series 2018..

Grand thoughts indeed.

At home in our city by the sea....it was all Milo Knockouts final under lights at the impressive Racecourse rugby arena.

Traditional rivals St Peter’s v St Joseph’s was the cracking duel to decide the President’s trophy championship.

Joes the defending champions under the careful eye of coach Nilufer Ibrahim, and very much the favorite to retain the title, given their blackrock defence with 14players for 50 minutes of their league encounter.

Gemunu Chetiya and company looking for some pure icing on that season’s cake ....and more celebrations for an absorbing season.

St Peter’s and the mistakes from their 10/5 league loss ...more pressure on coach Martis and staff to sort ...can they match Joe’s forward power and dictate terms on the day or maybe Peters threes break free...all..in the middle?

Will history repeat itself and a resounding win for the Maradana marauders? Or will the Bamba brigade finally live to expectations?

All answers ...in the middle after 70 minutes.

What a relentless final and a match to wax lyrical about.

Joes hearts...On fire and 15 points lead with 20 mins remaining.

It’s just as they planned...all in order and controlled...just the last bits ....

Peters for their worth and pride had not given up hope ....and despite mighty pressure, they clawed back the 15 points by stepping up the pace and mind on the scoreboard.

There was the slightest chance and only adrenaline, skill and sheer belief that carved the blue white and gold name on that Milo trophy 24/21 final score magical impossible.

It was a classic as finals go ...and the nature of deciders...that one team should triumph 21-all might have been a fitting result?

History will gleefully record that it was an epic final that was all the way down to the wire and easily either contender for the impressive Racecourse podium.

Most importantly, the game climbed beyond expectations and reinforced the pleasing standards of schools rugby in paradise...in spite of its governing structure that definitely require a healthy spring clean at best.

The skill and talent far too rich to take for granted.

Let’s hope sanity and wisdom prevail and we can all hail our divisions of this remarkable union code.

Sri Lanka Rugby will need to harness new solar power in the months ahead post AGM and administrative requisites.

The games stakeholders need to consciously cooperate and create our new generation...high performance union sooner rather than later.

Blessings Sri rugby hearts ...the future is upon us ....lets step up and back our islanders abilities.

Cheers indeed!

A Sri Lankan migrant worker helping to build the 2022 World Cup had the trip of a lifetime when he was taken to the opening match of the current tournament in Russia.

Najeem Inamul Hasan, 27, was among eight workers invited to accompany the former Barcelona star, Xavi Hernandez, on a five-day visit to Moscow.

Xavi is global ambassador for the tournament Qatar will host in four years’ time and head of the Generation Amazing programme, tasked with helping build football at grassroots level as part of its World Cup legacy.

During the trip the group attended the opening ceremony and first match of the tournament at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium which saw the hosts beat Saudi Arabia 5-0.

Najeem, from Mutur in Eastern Sri Lanka: ‘The most exciting part of the trip was watching the opening match of the World Cup, which was a tremendous experience and an incredible atmosphere in the stadium. The hospitality of the Russian people was wonderful.’

Among the party were also workers from Ghana, India, and Bangladesh, who were all hand-picked because of their work as Generation Amazing coaches who could go back to Doha and inspire others. Xavi, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010, met up with Russian youth footballers.

He said: ‘We have workers here from Qatar, but the programme also helps people in their home countries. As the word says, I think this programme is spectacular, so I am proud to have shared this experience with this group.

‘To be at the World Cup is a once in a lifetime experience, and I too am learning a lot every day from all those taking part in the fantastic project’.

As a young boy Najeem’s life was thrown into turmoil when his home was caught up in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and the family moved to Pottuvil. By the time he was 18 he had lived in four different places and been in five different schools.

He started played in a local football team, Liverpool FC, named after the legendary English side, and was able to do this regularly when he moved to Qatar in 2016 and joined Generation Amazing while working on the construction of World Cup stadiums.

‘All the workers love to play football in their free time, and Generation Amazing has been a wonderful tool for them to change their lives,’ he said. ‘It was a fabulous experience in Russia. I learned a lot more about Generation Amazing and leadership with Xavi Hernandez, and we did a wonderful session with Russian youth from the Best Buddies organisation.

‘Programmes like Generation Amazing are making a difference to people and the World Cup in Qatar will bring cultures together like no other tournament. In future I would like to use my experience in Russia to create more leaders and ambassadors in Qatar and my community, and I already have a plan to start Generation Amazing in my home country soon.

‘We also had a chance to meet the English legend Stan Collymore, it was a great day and everyone enjoyed it.’

Generation Amazing, which was set up by Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, hopes to benefit a million people around the world by 2022 by promoting football at grassroots level, often in poorest communities.

Qatar will also be taking sixteen youth ambassadors from Qatar, India, The Philippines, Nepal and Pakistan to the Russian tournament.

- Anthony Harwood

One of the main gravel supercross events in the country, the 13th Gunner Supercross 2018, organised by the Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery in association with Sri Lanka Autosports Drivers Association (SLADA) will be worked off on July 29 at the Gunner racing track in Thamankaduwa, Minneriya.

“The Gunner Supercross was started in 2004 on the concept by Major General Sunil Tennakoon and this year more than 120 competitors will compete for 12 driving and 10 riding events,” said Major General N D Wanniarachchi, General Officer Commanding – 12 Division and Senior Council Member of Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery Regiment during a press briefing at the Colombo Taj Samudra Hotel recently.

He further said that the event will be held as a fund-raiser for the welfare of Artillery Regiment war heroes and their families as well as to provide scholarships and assistance for under privileged students of these families. We undertook social welfare projects after each edition of this event such as construction of a swimming pool with access for students and general public in the region, awarding of scholarships and computers to selected children who excelled in education and improving infrastructure in selected schools while providing and establishing sanitary and water purification systems in Polonnaruwa region.

“The Gunner Supercross will be held as a segment of the CEAT SLADA championship and most of the top class drivers and riders will be seen in action this year at Gunner racing track in Thamankaduwa,” said President of the Sri Lanka Autosports Drivers Association (SLADA) Sanjaya Kariyawasam.

The Thamankaduwa Gunner track is considered one of the most challenging gravel tracks in Sri Lanka.

Gayan Sandaruwan and Ashan Silva bagged Best Rider and Best Driver awards last year.

The Singer Sri Lanka PLC has stepped in main sponsor for the 10th successive time while CEAT Kelani International Tyre (Pvt) Ltd, TVS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Browns and PLC Ltd and Elephant House being the co-sponsors.

Translated by Chamari Karunathilake

Siri Piyarathana Vidyalaya, Padukak beat St. Joseph’s College, Colombo by two wickets in their inter school under 17 division two tournament cricket match played at Colombo. Batting first Josaphians scored 158 runs and in reply visitors were 162 for 8.

St. Joseph’s - 158 in 49.4 overs - Raveen Nanayakkara 40, Thenuka de Silva 37, Dinuk Lokubalasuriya 20, Bathiya Sandeepa 3/26, D. Dilshan 2/23, Yasiru Dineth 2/39, Kavishan Kesara 2/31

Siri Piyarathna - 162/8 in 45.4 overs - Pathum Dananjaya 37 n.o, Kavinda Ishwara 25, Yasiru Dineth 20, Kavishan Kesara 21, Dillon Ludowyke 3/40, Thenuka de Silva 2/31

Sri Sumangala win by 125 runs

Sri Sumangala College Panadura beat CWW Kannangara Vidyalaya Borella by 125 runs on first innings in their inter school under 15 division one cricket match played at Bandaragama. Batting first Sumangalians declared at 227 for 6 with Namina Sandaken making 60 runs and D. Kavinda captured 4 for 51. in reply CWW Kannangara were all out for 102 runs with Damindu Theekshana claiming 3 for 15 runs.

Sri Sumangala - 227/6 - Namina Sandaken 60, Heshan Jayalatharachchi 47, Prabathb Jayasekara 35, D. Kavinda 4/51

CWW Kannangara - 102 - Theeskshana Perera 26, Damindu Theekshana 3/15, Vishwa Lahiru 3/35, Gayasha Gimhana 2/14

Praveen scores ton in wash out game

A brilliant unbeaten 101 runs by Praveen Nethsara of Darmapala Vidyalaya Pannipitiya was no

avail as their under 15 division one inter school tournament cricket match against Dharmaloka Vidyalaya, Kelaniya came to a halt due to heavy down pour half way. Praveen had 15 fours and occupied the crease for 162 minutes and faced 112 balls. Also he associated 85 runs for the fourth wicket with Senura Herath who contributed 43 runs. Batting first Palians declared at 231 for 4 and when rain stopped play Visitors were no for 1 run.

Dharmapala Vidyalaya - 231/4 Dec. in 39 overs - Praveen Nethsara 101 n/o, Senura Herath 43, Vidura Suganda 40 n/o, Helanka Viduranga 1/17, Dharmaloka Vidyalaya - 0/1

Moratu Vidyalaya victorious

Moratu Vidyalaya beat Carey College, Colombo by eight wickets in their inter school under 15 division three tournament cricket match played at Moratuwa.

Batting first Carey were all out for 85 runs with Ranidu Perera claiming 4 for 17 and in reply Vidyalians declared at 150 for 5 with Navindu perera scoring 51 runs and in their second essay visitors were all out for 90 runs with Vijith Anthoney scoring 54 runs and Pasindu Perera capturing 4 for 16 runs.

Carey - 85 - Rawzan Caffoor 22, Ranidu Perera 4/17, pasindu Peiris 2/22 and 90 - Vijith Anthoney 54, Pasindu Perera 4/16, Ranidu Perera 2/22, Dineth Fernando 2/7

Moratu Vidyalaya - 150/5 dec. - Sujithamal Fernando 34, Navindu Perera 51, Premesh Perera 25 n/o, Melan Oshanda 2/15 and 26/2, Sujithama Fernando 21

Sri Lanka will send its largest ever contingent to the 18th Asian Games with 185 athletes participating in 28 sports for the multi-sport extravaganza in Jakarta and Palembang from August 18-September 2.

“We want to give everyone the opportunity to showcase their talent. In the past there have been many instances where athletes, or sports, have tried to use influence to go to an international event. I’m giving everyone the chance to show us what they are capable of,” said an upbeat Suresh Subramaniam, president of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka.

“It is a record number of athletes we are sending to the Asian Games. But the size of the squad has been inflated due to the fact that a number of team sports will be participating. We are doing this because we want to promote team sports, apart from supporting individual athletes too,” Subramaniam added.

The 28 sports are: Aquatics (swimming), Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Canoeing, Golf, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Karate, Rowing, Rugby (sevens), Sailing, Roller Sport, Squash, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball (Indoor and Beach), Weightlifting, Wrestling and Wushu.

There are 138 men and 47 women among the total of 185 athletes who will be taking part. This will include a 12-member women’s team in Kabaddi for the first time. It is expected that more than 60 officials – managers, coaches, doctors, physiotherapists, trainers, masseurs etc. will also accompany the team taking the Sri Lankan contingent number to more than 250.

“We have submitted the entire list to the Ministry of Sports and it is subject to their approval,” revealed Maxwell de Silva, NOC secretary general.

De Silva believed the size of the Asian Games squad would serve as a clarion call to all local stakeholders that the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka was keen to promote sports and provide opportunities for international participation.

“We want to send the right message to all the Federations – to let them know that ‘if you are serious, then we are serious too’. We will then give them the opportunities to represent Sri Lanka at major international events like the Asian Games,” De Silva said.

Four years ago, at the Incheon Asian Games, Sri Lanka sent a 126-strong contingent - 80 athletes and 46 officials. Sri Lanka returned home with two medals both won in cricket. The men’s team won the gold medal defeating Afghanistan in the final while the women won the bronze. Cricket is not a medal sport this time.

The Asian Games is the second-biggest multi-sport event next to the Olympic Games. A total of 45 countries will take part in 40 sports in Jakarta and Palembang, making it the second-largest sports program in Asian Games history.

Sri Lanka will mainly pin its medal hopes on athletics, kabaddi, judo, karate, wushu and rugby (men’s sevens) while there will also be a strong chance in boxing, weightlifting, golf and swimming.

“We have a number of realistic chances for medals, especially in the martial art events. In athletics, our men’s relay team is a good prospect while rugby also has a chance in sevens,” outlined De Silva.

Boxing and weightlifting, which earned the majority of medals at the Commonwealth Games will find the going harder with the opposition expected to be better than at the Gold Coast. In golf, hopes will be pinned on the shoulders of professionals Mithun Perera and Anura Rohana while all eyes in the swimming pool will be on Matthew Abeysinghe in the individual freestyle events as well as in the men’s relay event.

Antigua and Barbuda, Wednesday: Kemar Roach took five wickets as West Indies demolished Bangladesh for 43, their lowest Test total, on the opening morning of the first Test in Antigua on Wednesday.

At lunch at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, West Indies had reached nine without loss.

Bangladesh’s pitiful performance was also the second shortest first innings in the 141-year history ot Test cricket. At 18.4 overs, it was just one ball longer than Australia’s dismissal for 60 off 18.3 overs by England at Nottingham in 2015.

Put in to bat on the greenest surface seen in the ten years of Test cricket at the venue, the Bangladeshis were no match for the quality of the West Indies fast bowling.

Roach set the rout in motion by claiming the first five wickets for eight runs in just five overs despite appearing to be troubled by a muscular strain behind his right knee.

However, it was the visiting batsmen who felt the greatest discomfort with only opener Liton Das reaching double-figures in a performance that once again exposed the vulnerability of their players in conditions away from what they are generally familiar with on the Indian sub-continent.

Das was sixth out for 25, an ugly heave offering a simple catch to Roston Chase at backward point off Miguel Cummins to end any prospect of Roach claiming all ten wickets in the innings. Cummins, whose place in the final eleven was in question after a lack of success in the preceding three-Test series against Sri Lanka, took two more wickets.

West Indies captain Jason Holder, fresh from a nine-wicket haul in defeat in the final Test against the Sri Lankans in Barbados, polished off the innings with the wickets of Kamrul Islam and debutant Abu Jayed.

Jayed was always in line for his maiden Test cap given the pitch conditions and the absence through injury from the tour of Bangladesh’s most effective seamer Mustafizur Rahman.

In his very first session of Test cricket, he came to the crease as the last man in the batting line-up and had first to use the new ball in the West Indies reply.

If they were relying on their most senior players to lead them through what was expected to be a tough opening session, Bangladesh were poorly served by the experienced quartet as captain Shakib al Hassan, former skipper Musfiqur Rahim and all-rounder Mahmudullah all failed to score while opener Tamim Iqbal contributed four runs before becoming the first wicket to fall, caught at the wicket, to trigger the swift tumbling of wickets. AFP

Bangladesh 43

(L. Das 25; K. Roach 5-8, M. Cummins 3-11, 2-10)

West Indies 9-0

LONDON, Wednesday - England’s World Cup penalty shootout win against Colombia proved to be almost as nerve-wracking for British Prime Minister Theresa May as for Gareth Southgate’s players in Russia.

The 61-year-old watched some of Tuesday’s last-16 match that took place in Moscow, a spokesman said, without specifying which part exactly.

England looked on course for relatively serene progress to the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2006 World Cup before they conceded a goal in injury time.

Neither team were able to break the deadlock in extra time so the game went to penalties.

England stumbled first, with Jordan Henderson’s spot-kick saved by Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina.

But Mateus Uribe rattled the crossbar and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford saved from Carlos Bacca before Eric Dier tucked away the decisive spot-kick to complete a 4-3 win.

“She did see some of (the match),” said a Downing Street spokesman. “She actually said earlier, she struggles to watch penalties because it’s a nerve-wracking time.”

May appeared buoyed by the team’s victory at Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons.

“The country witnessed a very rare and welcome event last night -- the England football team winning a penalty shootout,” she said.

“I think the explosion of relief and most of all joy could be felt up and down the country. I want to congratulate Gareth Southgate and his team on a great performance.”

May said she was delighted England’s St George’s Cross flag would still fly over Downing Street on Saturday for the match against Sweden.

She had announced previously that the flag would fly over her official residence on days on which England played.

“Last week, I promised to fly the flag of St George above Number 10 for all of England’s remaining matches in the World Cup and I know the whole House will want to join me in wishing the England team the best of luck in Saturday’s quarter-final,” she said.

“Let’s keep that flag flying.” – AFP

HARARE, Zimbabwe, Wednesday: Pakistan knocked Zimbabwe out of the Twenty20 tri-series in Harare in a closely-fought encounter on Wednesday, beating the hosts by seven wickets with five deliveries to spare.

Opener Fakhar Zaman top-scored for Pakistan with 47 before captain Sarfraz Ahmed overcame a spirited Zimbabwean fightback and saw his side home with an unbeaten 38.

Their efforts meant that Zimbabwean allrounder Solomon Mire’s bellicose earlier innings earlier went in vain.

Mire struck 94, the highest score by a Zimbabwean in Twenty20 internationals, but Zimbabwe’s 162 for 4 was not enough to overcome the world’s top-ranked T20 side.

Zaman said Pakistan was always confident they could pull off a successful chase.

“We have a very deep batting line-up, so we were confident we could chase it,” he said.

Pakistan given a rapid start by Zaman and fellow opener Haris Sohail, who took 56 from the Powerplay.

Sohail holed out soon afterwards, but Zaman continued to show the sort of touch that made him vital to Pakistan’s successful Champions Trophy run last year.

Mixing aggression with an ability to manoeuvre the ball around the field, he cracked four fours and a six.

The tactic spoke volumes about his development as a limited overs batsman.

“In the start in T20 I was hitting every ball in my striking zone, but after playing eight to 10 games I sat with some senior players like Shoaib Malik and Sarfraz Ahmed, and spoke about my gameplans with them,” Zaman explained.

“I realised that I could play proper cricket shots and be successful (in T20), and that’s what I’ve been doing recently.”

He may have learnt even more from Ahmed’s innings of calm precision that kept Pakistan up with an asking rate that hovered around eight for much of the match.

Executing his attacking strokes perfectly, Ahmed found the gaps and the boundaries whenever they were needed.

He displayed a particularly deft touch with his late cut, taking boundaries off left-arm spinners Tendai Chisoro and Wellington Masakadza with the stroke.

With four runs needed from the final over, it was also the shot he used to end the game, gliding seamer Chris Mpofu to the third man boundary.

Where Ahmed’s innings was one of finesse, Mire’s 63-ball 94 for Zimbabwe showcased big-hitting ability.

Mire started slowly, but hit his first six into the stands beyond long leg to move into the 20s and was soon smashing Pakistan’s attack to all corners of the ground.

Mire’s fourth six took him to a 32-ball half century, his first in this format, and he wasn’t done there.

He collected a fifth six with a huge strike down the ground off Mohammad Nawaz’ left-arm spin, and then lifted fast bowler Mohammad Amir for the biggest hit of the day, over the roof of the three storey stand beyond midwicket.

He eventually fell for 94 attempting another big hit, but his 64-run third wicket stand with Tarisai Musakanda boosted Zimbabwe to a respectable total after two poor outings in this tournament.

“We were expecting 130 to 140 on this pitch, but Mire played a very good innings,” said Zaman.

It was not enough to beat Pakistan, however, who are now assured a place in Sunday’s final against Australia. - AFP

The International Cricket Council confirmed that David Richardson will step down as ICC Chief Executive when his contract expires post next summer’s ICC Cricket World Cup.

In 2002, Richardson became the first person to hold the position of ICC General Manager – Cricket, and was promoted as the Chief Executive in 2012.

ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar said: “On behalf of the ICC Board, I would like to thank David for his service and commitment to cricket over the past 16 years and, particularly, over the last six years as CEO.

“His achievements speak for themselves, but in recent history the commercial success of the sport, his leadership of the ICC team and establishing greater context for international cricket are of particular note.

“David will be missed by everyone in the game, but this is an opportunity for the ICC to drive forward our new global growth strategy, which David has played an integral part in developing, under new leadership. A global recruitment process will now get underway to identify the right person to lead the ICC.”

Richardson added: “The hardest thing as a cricketer is knowing when the time is right to retire. But for me, the end of the ICC Cricket World Cup next year is about right. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the ICC and I am particularly pleased with what we have achieved in recent times in creating greater context for all formats of the game and securing increased opportunities and clear pathways for all Members to play at the highest level.

“I will certainly do all I can over the next 12 months to ensure that we complete our work on the new global strategy for cricket aimed at growing the game both in our traditional and new markets, and, in particular put on a World Cup that does the game proud.

“I’d like to thank the ICC Chairman and the current board of directors and Member Chief Executives for their support and of course to my senior team and all of the ICC staff who are so dedicated to our great sport.”

Western Province school games 2018 concluded successfully with 55 new Western Province School records Colombo Education Zone was crowned as the overall champions and continued their dominance at the Sugathadasa Sports Complex recently.

The chief guest was the Western Province Chief Minister Isura Devapriya who awarded the certificates and the champions trophies to the winners and Western Province Chief Secretary Pradeep Yasarathna, Western Province Director of Education S G Wijebahu, Assistant Director of Education (Sports and Physical Education for Western Province Director of Education P Srilal Nonis were also present

The Results:

Under 16 Boys Volleyball Champions - Gampaha Zonal Dekatana Padmawathie Central College

Under 18 Boys Volleyball Champions – Negombo Zonal Seeduwa Davisamara M V.

Under 20 Boys Volleyball Champions – Negombo Zonal D C Masonad Vidyalaya.

Under 16 Girls Volleyball Champions – Gampaha Zonal Sangamitta Balika MV.

Under 18 Girls Volleyball Champions – Gampaha Zonal Sangamitta Balika MV.

Under 20 girls Volleyall Champions – Gampaha Zonal Rathnavali Balika MV.

Under 16 Girls Netball Champions – Colombo Zonal Musaeus College.

Under 18 Girls Netball Champions – Colombo Zonal Vishaka Balika Vidyalaya.

Under 20 Girls Netball Champions – Kalutara Holy Family Convent.

Under 20 Boys Ella Champions – Negombo Zonal Dr Kulasinghe MV.

Under 20 Girls Ella Champions – Kelaniya Zonal St Paul Balika Vidyalaya.

Under 20 Boys Softball Cricket Champions – Kelaniya Zoyal St Anthony National School.

Under 20 Girls Softball Cricket Champions Jayawardenapura Zonal Nugegoda Anula Vidyalaya.

Under 16 Football Champions Boys – Negombo Zonal Negombo Maris stella College.

Under 20 Football Champions Boys – Negombo Zonal Kandana DC Mazenod College.

Under 18 Football Champions Boys – Colombo Zonal Hameed Al Husseinie College.

Under 20 Football Champions Girls – Kelaniya Zonal Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya.

Under 17 Boys Throughball Champions – Gampaha Zonal Hemamali Maha Vidyalaya.

Under 17 Girls Throughball Champions – Colombo Zonal Sirimavo Bandaranayaka Balika Vidyalaya.

Under 20 Boys Throwball Champions – Colombo Zonal Isipathana College.

Under 20 Girls Throwball Champions – Colombo Zonal Sirimavo Bandaranayaka Balika Vidyalaya.

Wushu Champions Boys – Jayawardanapura Zonal Asian Grammer College.

Wushu Champions Girls – Colombo Zonal Musaeus Balika Vidyalaya.

Under 17 Boys Chess Champions – Colombo Zonal D S Senanayaka College.

Under 17 Girls Chess Champions – Colombo Zonal Vishaka Balika Vidyalaya.

Under 20 Boys Chess Champions – Colombo Zonal Royal College.

Under 20 Girls Chess Champions – Colombo Zonal Vishaka Balika Vidyalaya.

Under 17 Boys Basketball Champions – Colombo Zonal St Joseph's College.

Under 17 Girls Basketball Champions – Piliyandala Zonal St Josephs Balika Vidyalaya.

Under 20 Basketball Champions Boys – Negombo Zonal Maristella College.

Under 20 Basketball Champions Girls – Piliyandala Zonal St Joseph's Balika Vidyalaya.

Under 17 Boys Kabaddi Champions – Horana Zonal Royal College.

Under 17 Girls Kabaddi Champions – Horana Zonal Taxila Central College.

Under 20 Boys Kabaddi Champions – Horana Zonal Bandaragama Central College.

Under 20 Girls Kabaddi Champions – Horana Zonal Taxila Central College.

Under 17 Boys Badminton Champions – Colombo Zonal Nalanda College.

Under 17 Girls Badminton Champions – Colombo Zonal Vishaka Balika Vidyalaya.

Under 20 Boys Champions Badminton – Colombo Zonal Royal College.

Under 20 Girls Champions – Badminton – Colombo Zonal Sirimavo Bandaranayaka Balika Vidyalaya.

Under 17 Boys Table Tennis Champions – Colombo Zonal Royal College.

Under 17 Girls Table Tennis Champions – Colombo Zonal Ladies College.

Under 20 Boys Table Tennis Champions – Colombo Zonal Royal College.

Under 20 Girls Table Tennis Champions – Colombo Zonal Vishaka Balika Vidyalaya.

Under 17 Boys Carrom Champions – Colombo Zonal Royal College.

Under 17 Girls Carrom Champions – Jayawardenapura Zonal Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya Nugegoda.

Under 20 Boys Carrom Champions – Piliyandala Zonal Prince of Wales College.

Under 20 Girls Carrom Champions – Jayawardenapura Zonal Nugegoda Mahamaya – Balika Vidyalaya.

Gymnastic Boys Champions – Colombo Zonal St. Benedicts College.

Gymnastic Girls Champions – Kelaniya Zonal Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya.

Arabic Gymnastic Boys Champions – Piliyandala Zonal St John's College Nugegoda.

Arabic Gymnastic Girls Champions – Piliyandala Zonal St John's College Nugegoda.

Arabic Gymnastic Girls Champions – Kelaniya Zonal Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya.

Karate Boys Champions – Colombo Zonal Ananda College and Negombo Zonal Maris stella College.

Karate Girls Champions – Negombo Zonal Ave Maria Convent.

Under 20 Hockey Boys Champions – Colombo Zonal Royal College.

Under 20 Hockey Girls Champions – Jayawardenapura Zone Nawala Janadhipathi Balika Vidyalaya.

Under 20 Rugger Champions Boys – Piliyandala Zonal Moratuwa Maha Vidyalaya.

Under 20 Swimming Champions Boys – Colombo Zonal St Joseph's College.

Under 20 Swimming Champions Girls – Colombo Zonal Vishaka Balika Vidyalaya.

Western Province School Games age level best players:

Under 12 boys: Kalutara Educational Zonal Pothupitiya MV, D Thevindu Sandil – Long Jump Meter – 4.71.

Under 12 boys: Kalutara Zonal Panadura Good Shephered Convent L M S Sandamini de Silva, Long Jump – Meter 4.85 New Record.

Under 14 boys: Kalutara Zonal Lyceum International school T Demantha Meegoda – Shot Put Meter 12.1.

Under 14 Girls: Minuwangoda Zonal Maradaghamulla Clayton Vidyalaya – M P A Reka Thathsarani – Long Jump 4.76 meters

Under 16 Boys: Colombo Zonal Bambalapitiya St Peters College Rumesh Tharanga – Discus Throw Meter 52.85 New Record.

Under 16 Girls: Jayawardenapura Zonal Nawala Janadhipathi Balika Vidyalaya, Kavindi Sanjana Edirisinghe Meter 400 – 58.5 sees New Record.

Under 18 Boys: Colombo Zone St. Benedict's College Kotahena – W Sadeepa Dilshan Meter 110 Hurdles Race – 143 sees.

Under 18 Girls: Colombo Zonal Gateway International School Rajagiriya – Selindha Janson Meter 200 25.1 sees New Record.

Under 20 Boys: Negombo Zonal Negombo Maristella College B D C S Dharmakeerthi, Meter 200 – 21.3 sees New Record

Under 20 Girls: Colombo Zonal Rajagiriya Gateway International School – V Randhi Cooray Triple Jump – 12.23 Meters New Record.

Athletic Meet Relay Boys: St. Peters College Colombo emerged runner up with 43 points and the Colombo Royal College team captured 44 points and placed as champions.

Athletic Meet Relay Girls: Negombo Ave Maria Convent was adjudged as the champion with 32 points and Kelaniya Lyceum International School captured 24 points and placed runner up.

Most Outstanding Athletic Player of the Year: Boys - B D C S Dharmakeerthi, 200 Meters 21.3 New Meet Record, Negombo Maristella college.

Girls: V Randhi Cooray, Triple Jump 12.23 Meters New Meet Record Rajagiriya Gateway International School.

The Most Outstanding Athletic Team: Girls Overall Champions Kelaniya Zone Lyceum International School Wattala with 150 points

Girls Runner Up: Colombo ZonalGateway International School with 127 points.

Boys Overall Champions – Colombo Zonal St. Peters College with 222 points.

Boys Runner up: Negombo Zonal – Negombo Maris Stella College with 138 points.

The Final Results: Zonal Level

Overall Champions – Colombo Zonal 1469 points, Runner up – Negombo Zone 740 points, Third Place – Kelaniya Zonal497 points, Fourth Place – Kalutara Education Zone 263 points.

Sanath Jayasuriya Cricket Foundation’s sensational opening pair Santul Wijeyrathne and Rachintha De Silva slammed back to back centuries in two different under 12 encounters versus Colts Cricket Club Colombo and Sinhalese Sports Club.

Rachintha a young upcoming Cricketer from Thurstan College Colombo played sensibly for his 78 ball knock which saw the home team winning 2-0 against SSC this weekend.

Nine year old Nalandian Santul Wijeyarathne showed his batting brilliance by securing a ton against Colts Cricket Club the previous week to draw the series one all.

St. Sebastian's College, Moratuwa drew with Siri Piyarathana Vidyalaya, Padukka in their inter school tournament cricket match conducted by Sri lanka Schools Cricket Association played at Moratuwa. Batting first visitors were all out for 140 runs with Ruchika Pamod scoring 67 runs and Mahen Silva claimed 3 for 10. When rain stopped play Sebs were 62 for no loss.

Chief Scores

Siri Piyarathana - 140 in 57 overs - Ruchika Pamod 67, Mahen Silva 3/10, Induwara de Alwis 3/28, Kushan herath 3/30

St. Sebastian's College - 62/0 in 7.3 overs - Sanesh Fernando 35 n/o, Mahen Silva 24 n/o

In another under 15 division two game Sebs drew with St. Josephs College, Colombo in their inter school tournament cricket match played at Moratuwa. Batting first Sebs declared at 234 for 7 with Krishen Bandara and Nilash Perera scoring 56 and 53 runs respectively. In reply at stumps Joes were reeling with 131 for 9.

Chief Scores

St. Sebastian's - 234/7 dec. in 51 overs - Krishen Bandara 56, Nilash perera 53, Dilakshana Fernando 36, Thihaisha Mendis 28 n/o

St. Joseph's - 131/9 in 54 overs - Avintha de Alwis 44, Themiyadasa 32, Tyrell Baskaran 3/18, Jenul Hemachandra 2/19

Drawn match

In an under 15 division three game Sebs drew with Carey College, Colombo and played at Colombo. Batting first Sebs were declared at 98 for 5 and in reply Carey were 32 for 3 when rain interrupted play.

Chief Scores

Sebs- 98/5 in 47 overs - Aloka Fernando 46

Carey College - 32/3 in 25 overs - Ranula Fernando 3/4

No decision

The under 17 inter school division one tournament cricket match between Lumbini Vidyalaya Colombo and St. Johns College Panadura ended in a no decision due to rain at Panadura. Batting first visitors scored 166 runs with Kavindu Fernando making the top score 49 runs. When the game came to a halt Johnians were no for no loss. Lumbini is coached by former Kottawa Ananda cricketer Yeomal Sanjeewa.

Lumbini Vidyalaya - 166 in 46.2 overs - Kavindu Fernando 49, Ravindu Rasanka 29, Sumudu Udara 3/35, Sasika Manupriya 2/24, Ashan Dilhara 2/38

St. Johns - 0/0 in 0.5 overs

St. Sylvester's College Kandy beat St. Mary's College Kegalla by 14 runs in their under 17 division one cricket match played at Kagalu Vidyalaya Grounds recently.

Scores: St. Sylvester's College 165 for 9 in 50 overs

Charith Rajaguru 35, Nishantha Jayawickrema 31 not out, (Achintha Wickremasinghe 3/29, Hiran Biyagama 2/33)

St. Mary's College 151 all out in 49.2 overs

P. Wanasinghe 52, M. Senanayake 30, (Naveen Bandara 3/17).

Shevon Daniel left hand opener of St. Joseph’s College Colombo made his second century in this season of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 15 Division I Inter Schools Cricket tournament recently.

Mithira Thenura performed well against Veluwana College Colombo. He scored 171 runs and took 5 wickets for 25 runs. St. Joseph’s College Colombo, St. Benedict’s Kotahena, St.Thomas’ Matale and Richmond Galle won first inning against Veluwana Colombo, Sri Dharmaloka Kelaniya, Maris Stella Negombo and Debarawewa National School.

* At Darley Road:

St. Joseph’s Colombo won first inning.

St. Joseph’s: 372/4 decl. in 39 overs (Mithira Thenura 171, Shevon Daniel 134, Shalith Jayawardhane 39, Kalana Kawmina 3/134) and 192/7 in 31 overs (Shalith Jayawardhane 35, Sachintha Hewage 33, Yevin Athukorala 25 n.o., Mithira Thenura 24 n.o., Shevon Daniel 20, Asiru Shivanka 5/78)

Veluwana Colombo: 114 in 32.4 overs (Isuru Nimesh 52, Mithira Thenura 5/25, Sanchintha Hewage 2/23, Yevin Athukorala 2/43)

* At Debarawewa:

Richmond Galle won first inning.

Richmond: 117 in 36.5 overs (Pulindu Kiriella 65, Bhanuka Manohara 24, Aditha Abilash 5/24, Ashen Nethsara 3/30, Pasindu Warnakumara 2/07)

Debarawewa National School: 115 in 59 overs (Lakshitha Nayanjith 57, Lakshitha Madushan 20, Pulindu Kiriella 3/22, Nalaka Jayawardana 2/12, Pabindu Manawadu 2/14)

* At Godigamuwa.

St. Benedict’s Kotahena won first inning.

Sri Dharmaloka Kelaniya: 170 in 34.5 overs (Sahan Sandeepa 71, Hasindu Piyumal 29, Warunajith Weerasinghe 4/41, Lankaja Rathanayake 3/43) and 151/3 in 23 overs (Hasindu Piyumal 78, Sahan Sandeepa 28)

St. Benedict’s Kotahena: 240/5 decl. in 44 overs (C. G. Chathurya 58 n.o., Adeesha Randika 50, Sheron Kannangara 42, Ashen de Soysa 36, Nadiv Veerada 2/52)

* Match drawn.

St. Thomas Kotte: 215/5 decl. in 44 overs (Tharin Gimhan 73 n.o., Shaveen Malindu 39 n.o., Kuran Pramuth 29, Sithum Sandya 28, Vinul Kethmika 22, Rehan Perera 2/38)

Wesley Colombo: 192/8 in 71 overs (Hasala Vidanapathirana 41, Vindew Jayasinghe 34, Nadeen Cashin 24, Rohan Perera 22, Kulara Pramud 3/62, Charith Gimhan 2/16)

* At Matale.

St.Thomas Matalewon first inning.

St. Thomas: 209 in 57.4 overs (Malinda Dasanayake 73 Sudila Kularathna 22, Ruvinda Silva 3/37, Pasindu Silva 2/29, Savindu Perera 2/36)

Maris Stella Negombo: 98 in 28.2 overs (Sudila Kularathna 3/40 Yehan Nawaratha 4/08 Sithul wijesekra 2/03) and 1/1 in 4.2 overs

* At Dickwella:Match drawn.

St. Servatius Matara: 200/8 decl. in 42.4 overs (Rithik Anuradha 54, Buddishan Devish 43, Thisayuru Aditthya 39, Chirath Neththaru 29, Yasindu Achintha 3/45, Nisal Sakbo 2/23)

Rahula Matara: 121/6 in 45 overs (Vidusha Rashmika 35, Ruvinda Dilshan 29, Deneth Kawya 2/19, Dinesh Kanchana 2/28)

* At Gampaha: Match drawn.

Bandaranayake College, Gampaha: 229 in 57.2 overs (Dulitha Pulsara 92, Kasun Sachintha 45, Sahan Jaylath 34, Dinujaya Madushanka 22, Kusal Induwara 21, Shaveen Weerasuriya 4/44, Shenal Appuhami 3/73, Dimuthu Anuhas 2/54)

St.Mary’s Chilaw: 183/8 in 41 overs (Akash Dulanjana 64, Shenal Appuhami 55, Aritha Anusara 4/06) - YK

Sukitha Manoj and Dunith Jayatunge of St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa scored centuries against Piliyandala Central College in the first round fixture of the Singer Trophy’ Under 17 Division I Inter Schools Cricket tournament played at Railway grounds Colombo recently.

Senura Dimal right arm off spinner of St. Joseph Vaz College Wennappuwa took 7 wickets for 28 runs against Carey College Colombo in their fixture.

St. Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa, Richmond Galle, Moratu Vidyalaya, D.S. Senanayake Colombo and St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa won the matches.

* At Moratuwa: St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa won by 116 runs.

St. Sebastian’s: 349 in 50 overs (Dunith Jayathunge 153, Sukhitha Manoj 100, Janishka Perera 56,

Chamod Sandaru 3/64) Piliyandala Central: 151 in 39.4 overs (Chamod Sandaru 33, M. Akash 29, K. Ruchira 28, Savindu Rodrigo 2/16, Nadeera Fernando 2/20, Dulara Fernando 2/41)

l At Chilaw: D.S. Senanayake Colombo won by 107 runs. D.S. Senanayake:185 in 47.3 overs (Thenula Sansidu 43, Thavindu Navodya 31, Hasith Chamod 3/46, Channa Malith 2/28) St.Mary’s Chilaw: 78 in 20 overs (Charuka Tharindu 27, Channa Malith 22, Mahindra Salana 4/8, Thavindu Navodya 2/4, Amitha Dabare 2/7)

* At Sooriyawewa: Richmond Galle won by 6 wickets.

Kalutara Vidyalaya: 107 in 43.1 overs (Dulanga Chathumaduka 25 n.o., Ravindu Lakshan 3/11, Sumith Nimnada 3/17) Richmond: 108/4 in 39.2 overs (Chamath Dilsara 25, Avishka Lakshan 2/17)

* At Railway ground: St. Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa won by 6 wickets. Carey Colombo: 184 in 46.3 overs (Dimesh Samuel 45, Pubudu Wellagiriya 40, Senura Dimal 7/28) St. Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa: 185/4 in 33.2 overs (Pasindu Dasanayake 75, Dilshan Perera 44, Dimesh Samuel 2/58)

* At BRC: Moratu Vidyalaya won by 2 wickets. Lumbini Colombo:183/9 in 50 overs (Tharusha Nimhara 34, Shavinda Gamlath 29, Pasindu Anagipura 26, Vinura Nipun 2/23, Niraj Kavishka 2/47) Moratu Vidyalaya: 184/8 in 47.4 overs (Chathula Bhagya 44, Madushan Ferdinando 34, Shasheen Dilshan 2/20, Shavinda Gamlath 2/44) - YK

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, Wednesday - Kemar Roach led the demolition of Bangladesh with a five-wicket haul as the tourists were dismissed for 43, their lowest total ever in Test cricket, before lunch on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Wednesday.

By stumps the West Indies top-order had built on that dominant bowling effort in reaching 201 for two, a lead already of 158 runs with eight wickets in hand.

Opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite played his usual sheet-anchor role to perfection in compiling an unbeaten 88 from almost five hours at the crease.

He put on 113 for the first wicket with Devon Smith (58), while Kieran Powell stroked his way to 48 in an 81-run stand before falling just before the close of play.

Their serene progress through two sessions contrasted sharply with Bangladesh's woeful batting performance.

Apart from being their lowest Test innings total and lowest for any team in Test cricket in the Caribbean, it was also the second shortest first innings of a Test match –- 18.4 overs – in the game's 141-year history, bettering by just one delivery Australia's dismissal for 60 off 18.3 overs by England at Nottingham in 2015.

Put in to bat on the greenest surface seen in 10 years of Test cricket at the venue, the Bangladeshis were no match for the quality of the West Indies fast bowling led by Roach, who set the rout in motion by claiming the first five wickets for eight runs in the space of 12 deliveries despite appearing to be troubled by a muscular strain behind his right knee.

However, it was the visiting batsmen who felt the greatest discomfort with only opener Liton Das getting into double-figures in a performance that once again exposed the vulnerability of their players in conditions away from what they are generally familiar with on the Indian sub-continent.

Das was sixth out for 25, an ugly heave offering a simple catch to Roston Chase at backward point off Miguel Cummins to end any prospect of Roach claiming all ten wickets in the innings.

Cummins, whose place in the final XI was in question after a lack of success in the preceding three-Test series against Sri Lanka, took two more wickets before West Indies captain Jason Holder, fresh from a nine-wicket haul despite defeat in the final Test against the Sri Lankans in Barbados just over a week earlier, polished off the innings with the wickets of Kamrul Islam and debutant Abu Jayed.

Jayed was always in line for his maiden Test cap given the pitch conditions and the absence through injury from the tour of Bangladesh's most effective seamer Mustafizur Rahman.

But he would not have expected to be at the crease as the last man in the batting line-up or being the first to use the new ball in the West Indies reply, all within his very first session of Test cricket.

If they were relying on their most senior players to navigate them through what was expected to be a tough opening session, Bangladesh were poorly served by the experienced quartet as captain Shakib al Hassan, former skipper Musfiqur Rahim and all-rounder Mahmudullah all failed to score while opener Tamim Iqbal contributed four runs before becoming the first wicket to fall, caught by wicketkeeper Shan Dowrich, to trigger the swift tumbling of wickets.

Four days after his 30th birthday, Roach's unerring accuracy and decent pace proved too much for batsmen ill-equipped to cope with the seaming ball.

Four of his five wickets came via catches to the wicketkeeper or the slip cordon, while Mushfiqur was trapped LBW, a review of the on-field decision being upheld by the television official.

Bangladesh's bowlers were made to look pedestrian in the conditions and their plight was worsened by chances put down off both Smith and Brathwaite. Yet there was delight on an otherwise forgettable first day of Test cricket for Abu Jayed when he had Smith caught at the wicket to claim his maiden Test success. Mahmudullah was the other wicket-taker, removing Powell to a deflected slip catch 15 minutes before stumps. - AFP

Four Sri Lankan athletes qualified for the Youth Olympic after producing their best performance at the Asian Youth Olympic Qualification trials concluded at Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday.

Asian Junior Gold medalist steeple chase runner Wasanthi Maristella clocked a sizzling 6 minutes 35.20 seconds in the Girls 2000m Steeplechase to finish first in the Youth Olympic Asian trials and seal a place in the Youth Olympic games and get number one ranking in the world event. The Youth Olympic Games will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina from October 6-18.

France’s Claire Palou was on top of the world under 18, 2000m steeplechase list with a time of 6 minutes 35.80 seconds and Maristella clocked five seconds better than that time to seal top of the world position at Bangkok. Her training mate Asmika Herath was placed third in the event.

Earlier in the championship another Sri Lankan runner Dilan Bogoda won the 400m with a time of 48.58 seconds and qualified for the Youth Olympics

High jumper Seniru Amarasinghe leaped 2.14m to become second in Asia and equal 3rd in the world to qualify for the Youth Olympics. His performance was equivalent to a silver medal performance at the last youth Olympics.

Sprinter Shelinda Jansen too qualified for the Youth Olympics. – KR