BAGHDAD, Monday: The weightlifters on Iraq’s national women’s team train hard every day, both to bring home the medals and to help ease the financial burden of running a home.

Jerking weights heavier than themselves at a rundown gym in Baghdad’s conservative Shiite neighbourhood of Sadr City, the young women and girls come together for three hours every day.

The girls are focused as they work out between the small gym’s peeling pale mint walls, one of which is adorned with a giant painted Iraqi flag.

With their dark hair in high buns and dressed in team green tracksuit tops, black shorts and leggings, they raise an arm and turn from side to side to warm up.

Then they work out hanging from a pull-up bar, before moving to different mats to get down to the business of lifting weights.

“To those who say weightlifting is not for girls, I say we can do everything men do,” says Huda Salim al-Saedi, 20, patting chalk powder from her hands.

“I challenge men to lift weights and I’m proud of it,” says the weightlifter, her eyebrows trimmed neatly and a black bandana keeping her hair from falling in her face.

Huda was one of the first to be recruited when coach Abbas Ahmed in 2011 set out to create Iraq’s first national female weightlifting team.

At first, it was an uphill battle.

“It was very, very hard,” says the former men’s coach, who is now 54.

“Society rejected the idea,” with conservatives considering the sport inappropriate for women and girls.

There was also no state funding for the project.

So Ahmed first approached families whose members were already fans of the sport.

Huda seemed like an ideal candidate. She had practised Taekwondo since the age of eight and had long been a fan of weightlifting on television.

Today, she’s a cornerstone of the Iraqi women’s team and its most promising member.

Huda helped to train her sister Hadeel, who just turned 17, and last year both of them competed in Asian championships.

The 20-year-old won bronze in the “snatch” discipline in her category at the Asian Championships in Turkmenistan, lifting 90 kilos in one swift motion above her head. She finished first overall at the Asian Junior Championship in Nepal.

Her younger sister Hadeel also competed there taking 10th place lifting 68 kilos in the “snatch,” while in another competition in Kathmandu, the Asian Youth Championships, she came in fourth overall.

But beyond making their relatives proud, Huda and Hadeel’s accomplishments have also provided their family with some financial security.

“Thanks to weightlifting, I have a salary and money to cover my family’s needs every month,” Huda says, with her sister’s pay cheque also helping make ends meet. - AFP 

Khaled Mahmud is no longer interested in the job of Bangladesh team's technical director, saying the environment around the players has become "dirty".

He made these comments after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said it was unlikely to find a head coach before the Nidihas Trophy in March.

It is increasingly possible that the current coaching setup will go with the team to the T20 tournament in Sri Lanka considering the board has already rejected Richard Pybus and Phil Simmons' applications for the head coach's position.

Mahmud said Bangladesh's loss in the ODI tri-series final and the Test series has put him under pressure. He claimed he was being unfairly targeted, even though several previous Bangladesh coaches had begun their careers with defeats.

Dav Whatmore, Jamie Siddons and Chandika Hathurusingha had all started their stints poorly.

"Personally I am no longer interested to work with Bangladesh cricket," Mahmud said. "I honestly feel it is becoming very dirty. I have always worked for the development of Bangladesh cricket. There is no self-interest involved [on my part]. But I am no longer interested.

"The board will decide whether I should be going to the Nidihas Trophy. The fact that I am still around after our defeats is the biggest talking point. A lot of big coaches started off with bad results. Bangladesh's performance may be because of our planning but there are more stories."

The only stories he elaborated upon were his gripe with the media and the talk about the Dhaka pitch.

Mahmud questioned the Bangladesh players whom he said were not ready to battle on the spin-friendly track.

"I don't want to give any excuses whether it was a turning wicket or a bouncy track. If I am a player, I should play well in all types of wickets. There's no point using the wickets as an excuse.

"Wasn't the wicket tough for Roshen Silva who was playing only his second Test match? He struggled, he fought. We didn't fight. I didn't see that someone struggled for a long time and then got out to a brilliant delivery. It becomes viral when people start talking about the wicket," he said.

Mahmud said that they had prepared well in advance to play on spin-friendly pitches, and reiterated that Sri Lanka's lack of experience meant that they could have been easily countered in home conditions.

"Everyone knew how the wicket would play at least 15-20 days ahead. We were unlucky in Chittagong where the wicket didn't play as it should have. If we could play against Australia on a turning wicket, so is Sri Lanka God?

"What do the Sri Lankans have that we can't play against them? They only had Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva. How many Tests have they played?" 

WELLINGTON: Captain Kane Williamson silenced his critics with a half century as New Zealand defeated England by 12 runs in the fourth match of the T20 tri-series in Wellington Tuesday, severely denting the tourists' hopes of making the final.

Williamson top-scored with 72 from 46 balls and opener Martin Guptill contributed 65 as the Black Caps battled to a tight victory over England.

The hosts had set a target of 197, and restricted England to 184 for nine in reply.

The result leaves Jos Buttler's men without a win in the series after losses to Australia in their previous two matches.

Buttler put the hosts in after winning the toss, hoping an mottled-looking drop-in pitch with huge bald patches would prove unplayable.

But the gamble backfired as the wicket held up and New Zealand's batsmen finally hit their stride after three straight T20 losses.

“The wicket obviously played a lot better than everyone thought and produced a really good game,” said Buttler, who was standing in as captain for the injured Eoin Morgan.

Williamson said it was a crucial win for New Zealand, who can seal a spot in the final of the triangular series with a win over Australia on Friday in Auckland.

On a personal note, his captain's knock was also rewarding after he had come under fire for a recent lean spell in the shortest form of the game. 

DHAKA: Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has been ruled out of the first Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka after he failed to recover from a finger injury, it was announced Tuesday.

The star all-rounder also missed the recent Test series against Sri Lanka after sustaining the injury during the one-day international tri-series final against the same opponents in January.

Bangladesh, who lost the tri-series final and the Test series, initially included Shakib in their squad for the two T20 matches, the first of which is on Thursday in Dhaka.

“He was making good progress so we thought he might be available for both the matches. But it seems now he cannot play the first Twenty20,” said chief selector Minhajul Abedin.

Batsman Mahmudullah, who captained Bangladesh in the Test series in Shakib's absence, will also fill in as skipper for the T20 opener.

Selectors asked left-arm spinner Nazmul Hossain to join the squad as a replacement for Shakib in the first game. 

 Batsman Kusal Perera, who was named in the 15 member squad to take part in the upcoming T20 internationals against Bangladesh has been ruled out of the two games following medical advice.

According to medical opinion, Perera needs more time to recover from the side strain, which he suffered during the second ODI match against Zimbabwe in the recently concluded ODI Tri-Series in Bangladesh, where Sri Lanka became champions.

Perera did not leave with the T20 players, who left the country yesterday. He will be replaced by Kusal Mendis. 

Supun Sumanaratne of Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala scored a double century against Dharmapala College Pannipitiya in their ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 inter Schools Cricket tournament match played at Welagedara Cricket Stadium Kurunegala yesterday. He had 35 boundaries in his knock which came in 209 deliveries.

St. Anthony’s Katugastota recorded their ninth victory of the sseason. by beating Zahira College Colombo by 116 runs at Katugastota. Spinner Nimnaka Jayathilake had a match bag. of 11 wickets Nipun Dhananjaya of St. Joseph Vaz turned in an all-round performance against Wesley Colombo. He took a match bag of 10 wickets and scored 52 runs.

Rohan Sanjaya of Tissa Central Kalutara also gave a fine all-round performance against Devapathiraja Rathgama. He scored a century and took 5 wickets.

S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia beat Lumbini Colombo by innings and 2 runs. St. Sebastian’s Katuneriya, Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda, Sandalanka Central, Henegama Central, Sri Rahula Katugastota and D. S. Senanayake NS Ampara won the matches against, Revatha Balapitiya, Kirindiwela Central, Sir John Kothalawala MV Kurunegala, Veluwana Colombo, Kuliyapitiya Central and Badulla Central yesterday.

Chamodya Induwara of Anuradhapura Central scored his second ton this season.

Manthila Wijerathne (S. Thomas’) scored a century while Samith Harshitha (Henegama Central) gave a fine all-round performances against Veluwana Vidyalaya Colombo. He scored 116 runs and took a match bag of 7 wickets Kaveesh Sathsara (P. De S. Kularathne Ambalangoda) took 8 wickets for 17 runs against S. de S. Jayasinghe Central Dehiwala at Karandeniya. Brian Julius (St. Peter’s Negombo) took 8 wickets for 48 runs against Kalutara Vidyalaya.

* At Mt. Lavinia. S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia

Lumbini Colombo: 179 in 67.3 overs (Kevin Kemitha 43, Laknidu Upendra 38, Dishan Fernando 22, Prabath Madhusanka 20, Vimukthui Kulathunga 20, Shanon Fernando 6/33, Thevin Eriyagama 2/30) and 99 in 31 overs (Dushan Fernando 20, Sandunil Sankalpa 24, Pavith Rathnayake 4/23, Thevin Eriyagama 2/9, Shannon Fernando 2/40)

S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia: 280/5 decl. (126/3 o/n) in 59 overs (Manthila Wijerathne 106 n.o., Dulith Gunarathne 86, Maneesha Rupasinghe 29 n.o., Thevin Eriyagama 24, Pasindu Nandun 3/44)

* At Katugastota. St. Anthony’s Katugastota won by 116 runs

St. Anthony’s Katugastota: 123 in 28.2 overs (Sunera Jayasinghe 46, Sasith Hirudika 25, Mohommed Khalid 4/24, Aravinth Rashendran 2/25, Dilhara Ramesh 2/28) and 273/7 decl. in 36.5 overs (Deon Stouter 115, Theeksha Gunasinghe 71, Sunera Jayasinghe 40, Yasith Nirmala 2/25) Zahira Colombo: 130 in 25.2 overs (Dilhara Shaminda 24, Mohommad Shamas 22, Kalhara Senarathne 3/15, Nimnaka Jayathilake 3/28, Satheesh Wickramarachchi 2/30) and 150 in 33 overs (Chathura Dilrukshan 54, Nimnaka Jaythilke 8/49, Thamasha Abeykoon 2/43)

* At Campbell Park. Match drawn

Wesley Colombo: 273 in 76.1 overs (Movin Subasinghe 82, Hasith Geesara 47, Sakuntha Liyanage 33, Thisura Akmeemana 30, Buddhima Wijesundara 28, Shenal Dangalla 22, Nipun Dhanajaya 6/74, Avindu Shehara 3/66) and 72/8 decl. in 29.4 overs (Hasith Geesara 27, Sashan Deneth 4/29, Nipun Dhananjaya 4/24)

St. Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa: 183 (34/2 o/n) in 66.4 overs (Anjana Rukmal 69, Thilan Pradeeptha 34, Movin Subasinghe 4/60, Mohomed Ubaidullah 2/32, Sakuntha Liyanage 2/28) and 76/3 in 11.2 overs (Nipun Dhananjaya 52)

* At Asgiriya. Match drawn.

Trinity Kandy: 181 in 41.4 overs (Trevon Percivel 63, Hasintha Jayasooriya 33, Dinuka Dilshan 5/27, Akila Mendis 3/09) and 222/5 decl. in 45.1 overs (Pubudu Bandara 96, Hasitha Boyagoda 47, Akila Mendis 3/65)

Dharmasoka Ambalangoda: 150/9 decl. in 50 overs (Ravindu Rashantha 40, surinda Mendis 36, Kavindu Nadeeshan 20, Rashmika Nimshan 3/25, Kavishka Senadeera 3/27, Vimukthi Nethumal 2/45) and 172/6 in 55 overs (Dinuka Dilshan 71, Chamindu Dilshan 38, Sachin Sandeep 33, Kavishka Senadeera 3/65, Vimukthi Nethumal 2/58)

* At Kurunegala. Match drawn.

Dharmapala Pannipitiya: 293 in 62 overs (Avishka Hasarinda 101, Malith Sandakalum 69, Ashen Egodage 40, Kaveen Bandara 4/66, Sanjeewan Priyadarshan 2/35 Dulaj Ranathunga 2/54) and 251/5 in 41 overs (Amila Dayanaka 71, Malith Sandkalum 65, Lakshitha Purasinghe 50 n.o., Dulaj Ranathunge 3/73)

Maliyadeva Kurunegala: 383 (164/1 o/n) in 84.3 overs (Supun Sumanaratne 202, Muditha Premadasa 60, Dulaj Ranathunge 46, Chaluka Athapattu 21, Chamindu Samarasinghe 5/115, Dilshan de Silva 3/114)

* At Balapitiya. St. Sebastian’s Katuneriya won by 9 wickets.

Revatha Balapitiya: 164 in 44.1 overs (Chathun Kavya 36, Avishka Dilshan 23, Dimuthu Kumara 23, Sithum Akilanka 5/32, Shehan Silva 2/32) and 91 in 35.3 overs (Avishka Dilshan 35, Sheshan Silva 5/28, Dilshan Pramod 3/30)

St. Sebastian’s Katuneriya: 233 in 50.2 overs (Kavindu Irosh 138 n.o., Rashmika Mendis 36 n.o., Dimuthu Kumara 4/59, Kavindu Dilhara 2/79) and 23/1 in 3.5 overs

* At Matale. Match drawn.

Anuradhapura Central: 299 in 76.1 overs (Chamodya Induwara 89, Madhuranga Sri Chandrarathne 42, Janith Chamuditha 40, Ashmika Prabodhana 35, Geemantha Senanayake 3/83, Shashika Bandara 2/33, Mohomad Ismail 2/63) and 261/7 in 51 overs (Chamodya Induwara 113 n.o., Ashmika Prabodana 54, Madhuranga Sri 49, Chanaka Rajapaksha 2/24, Shashika Bandara 2/53)

St.Thomas Matale: 232 (29/4 o/n) in 62.3 overs (Geemantha Senanayake 61, Shashika Bandara 51, Shehan Avandya 46, Mohammed Ismail 32, Pasindu Dilshan 4/54, Ashan Kavindu 3/17, Sithum Niluminda 2/61)

* At Kirindiwela. Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda won by 10 wickets.

Kirindiwela Central: 164 in 78 overs (Vibuthi Priyan 61, Ashan Madushanka 29, Salinda Hapuarachchi 4/29, Maleesha Bhagya 2/24) and 145 in 44.5 overs (Ashan Madushanka 47, Harsha Ranagana 29 n.o., Chathushka Kalunayake 7/53, Maleesha Bhagya 2/19)

Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda: 300/5 decl. (102/1 o/n) in 47 overs (Malindu Manabharana 142 n.o., Sajith Madhusanka 91, Vimukthi Chiranthaka 25, Shehan Lakshan 2/76) and 10/0 in 1.4 overs

* At Henegama. Henegama Central won by 365 runs.

Henegama Central: 174 in 34.2 overs (Ishan Harshana 44, Risitha Sankalpa 3/58, Dhananjaya Bandara 2/21, Ravindu Rasanka 2/29, Damith Chathuranga 2/30) and 377/9 decl. (211/4 o/n) in 75 overs (Samith Harshitha 116, Pramith Darshana 53, Sasanka Dulaj 52, Damith Chamal 50, Vimukthi Lakshan 29, Sisikalum Lochana 24, Ravindu Rasanka 3/68, Dhananjaya Bandara 2/78, Rishitha Sankalpa 2/90)

Veluwana Colombo 68 in 31 overs (Ishad Lahiru 6/11, Samith Harshitha 2/06) and 118 in 36.3 overs (Ravindu Rasanka 24, Risitha Sankalpa 22, nilupul nirashitha 20, Samith Harshitha 5/35, Lahiru Perera 5/59)

* At Sandalankawa. Sandalanka Central won by 6 runs.

Sandalanka Central: 125 in 42.4 overs (Nidula Abeyrathne 25, Mithun Ravindu 24, Pasindu Geethanjana 3/16, Sachintha Sahan 2/23, Ayesh Devmina 2/11) and 182 (12/0 o/n) in 55.4 overs (Kasun Chathuranga 68 n.o., Binod Chathuranga 37, Unesh Harshana 22, Hasintha Lakshan 2/19, Ayesh Dewmina 2/21, Shehan Kokila 2/25)

Sir John Kothalawala MV Kurunegala: 68 in 33.1 overs (Pasindu Geethanjana 29, Ravindu Wijenayake 3/20, Induwara Wijethilake 2/09, Saumya Niwanthaka 2/18) and 172 in 58.3 overs (Madhushanka Dassanayake 28, Binod Chathuranga 5/66, Induwara Wijethilake 2/23)

* At Katugastota. Sri Rahula Katugastota won by 10 wickets

Kuliyapitiya Central: 359/9 decl. in 65.2 overs (Madhawa Herath 138, Heshan Jayasekara 90, Chathun Ransinghe 49, Sandaruwwan Wijerathne 3/93, Dilshan Arambegedara 3/123, Madushan Paranavithana 2/73) and 95 in 26.2 overs (Chathun Ranasinghe 32, Madushan Paranavithana 5/20 Dilshan Arambegedara 3/37, Lahiru Wijerathne 2/22)

Sri Rahula Katugastota: 431 (138/5 o/n) in 94.3 overs (Janith Mahitipe 149, Sandaruwan Wijerathne 95, Chamika Samarasekara 44, Madushan Paranavithana 40, Kushan Lakdilu 3/39, Chathun Ranasinghe 2/96) and 16/0 in 1.1 overs

* At Badulla. D. S. Senanayake NS Ampara won by 11 runs

D. S. Senanayake NS Ampara: 109 in 38.1 overs (Pasan Dewmina 44, Yasindu Duwanga 21, Asanga Wijesekara 4/14, Anuja Abeyanayake 4/45) and 83 in 25.3 overs (Pahasara Dharmadasa 4/03, Themiya Bandara 2/10, Chirath Akalanka 2/24)

Badulla Central: 48 in 24.2 overs (Tayeshan Sulakshana 5/21, Yasindu Ruwanga 2/03) and 133 in 51.4 overs (Lakshan Madubashitha 42, Asanga Wijesekara 26, Dineth Warnasuriya 23, Yasindu Ruwanga 4/31, Tayeshan Sulakshana 3/32)

DAY ONE SCORES

Matches will be continued today (14)on day two.

* At Darley Road. Ananda Colombo: 144 in 51.3 overs (Lakshitha Amarasekara 27 n.o., Kamesh Nirmal 22, Miranga Wickramage 7/28, Lakshan Gamage 2/45)

St. Joseph’s Colombo: 181/7 in 54 overs (Revan Kelly 76, Jehan Daniel 44, Shevaan Rassool 26, Daminda Reshan 3/46)

* At Matara. Dharmaraja Kandy: 119 in 47 overs (Virajith Ehelepola 43, Supun Kavinda 3/12, Keshara Nuwantha 2/21, Thilan Prashan 2/25, Shashika Dulshan 2/32) St. Servatius Matara: 119/4 in 46 overs (Supun Kavinda 26, Pushpika Dilshan 25)

* At Makandura. Bandaranayake Gampaha: 174 in 53 overs (Madhawa Thathsara 40, Sahiru Roshen 30, Imesh Fernando 5/48, Mahesha Theekshana 5/61 ) St. Benedict’s Kotahena: 95/7 in 40 overs (Shanilka Nirmal 41, Prabash Alwis 3/13, Arosha Wickramage 2/26)

* At Rathgama. Devapathiraja Rathgama: 148 in 52.1 overs (Jeevaka Shasheen 43, Raveen Yasas 26, Kalpa Chethiya 20, Rohan Sanjaya 5/52, Sathin Himash 2/22)

Tissa Central Kalutara: 267/5 in 54 overs (Rohan Sanjaya 101, Sathin Himash 64, Ramesh Madushanka 27, Yohan Ravishka 23, Pawan Sandesh 2/38)

* At Godigamuwa. Kalutara Vidyalaya:* 153 in 41.4 overs (Deelaka Fernando

55, Vishara Fernando 20, Sunera Abeygunawardena 20, Brayan Julias 8/44)

St.Peter’s Negombo: 171/9 in 51 overs (Umesh Lakshan 40, Brayan Julius 37, Thisara Dissanayake 32, Shaune Maleesha 24, Sanindu Fernando 20 n.o., Kavindu Jayawickrame 3/43, Avishka Lakshan 3/52, Dileesh Arunodya 2/23)

* At Padukka. Siri Piyarathana Padukka: 311 in 89.1 overs

(Kavinda Eshwara 99, Rajitha Ashan 43, Sandaru Sanilka 38, Yasiru Dineth 37, Dimuth Sampath 33, Pasindu Nirmal 3/33, Umesh Tharaka 2/39, Achintha Nimesh 2/62) Kegalu Vidyalaya: 4/0 in 3 overs

* At Karandeniya. S. de S. Jayasinghe Central Dehiwala: 129 in 39 overs

(Dilshan Kavinda 50, Kanishka Keerthi 37, Kaveesh Sathsara 8/17) P. De S. Kularathne Ambalangoda: 119/7 in 42 overs (Ishara Dilshan 38, Dhanuja Lakmal 23, Manusha Theekshana 20, Dilshan Kavinda 3/34, Keshara Sasanka 2/32)

* At Polgahawela. Wayamba Royal Kurunegala: 174 in 55.3 overs (Chanuka Rathnayaka 106, Monick Nethushan 4/33, D Danisius 3/14) St. Patrick’s Jaffna: 94/4 in 37 overs (P. Kasto 30 n.o., Chamod Rathnayake 2/15)

* At Kolonnawa. Loyola Bopitiya: 118 in 47 overs (Sanka Prasad 47 n.o., Eranda Madushanka 8/50) and 1/0 in 2 overs

 Henry Olcott Kolonnawa 128 in 45 overs (Dinenjaya de Silva 54, Charithanga Lakshan 3/24, Kavishka Saparamadu 3/31)

* At Matugama. St. Mary’s Mathugama: 174 in 61.5 overs (Kovindu Wickramasinghe 44, Namal Madushanka 42, Chamindu Imash 24, Nisal Malinga 5/60, Nimesh Malinda 3/48, Malith Nawanjana 2/21)

Christ King Ja-Ela: 138/3 in 28.3 overs (Lahiru Silva 52, Pethum Nissara 30, Lahiru Dilshan 2/42)

* At Balangoda. St. Michael’s Batticaloa: 153 in 53.3 overs (Kirishan 35, Thanusarupan 33, Dranavan 27, Hansaka Rajapaksha 7/66) Ananda Maithreya Central Balangoda: 215/5 in 56 overs (Ravindu Ekanayake 78 n.o., Lithija Kalhara 52, Thushan Chandrasena 25, Sankanath Vishwaneth 22, Printhawan 2/18, Nelushantha 2/85)

* At Jaffna. Skandavarothaya Jaffna: 65 in 30.1 overs (V. Jathushan 3/03, K. Kapilraj 3/18, T. Dinoshan 2/18) and 55/4 in 15 overs (K. Thanushan 26, K. Kapilraj 3/21)

St. John’s Jaffna: 229 in 46.1 overs (M. Abinash 60, T. Dinoshan 46, D. Sherophan 32, D. Jadushan 22, N. Saumyan 21, S. Sothian 4/35, S. Dansan 2/38, A. Thanushan 2/65) (YK) 

SYDNEY, Monday: Australia captain Steve Smith won his second Allan Border Medal on Monday, becoming the fifth player to claim the country’s highest individual cricket honour more than once.

Smith, who recently guided his team to a 4-0 Ashes triumph over England, joined Ricky Ponting (four times), Michael Clarke (four), Shane Watson (twice) and David Warner (twice) as a multiple winners of the award, Cricket Australia said on Monday.

The 28-year-old Smith, who scored his highest test score of 239 in the third match of the series against England in Perth, also picked up his second test player of the year award.

“I‘m pleased that I can be sitting here today and be recognised for what I’ve done over the year,” Smith said.

“I don’t play for these kind of awards, I play to try and help the team win and stand up as the leader of the side... It’s been a challenging year and I‘m proud of the way I have accomplished a few things,” he added.

- Agencies 

SYDNEY, Tuesday: Paceman Jackson Bird was Tuesday ruled out of Australia's Test squad for South Africa with a hamstring injury and replaced by fellow speedster Chadd Sayers.

Bird pulled his hamstring while bowling in a domestic match in Brisbane last weekend and is expected to be sidelined for up to three weeks, opening the door for the uncapped Sayers.

"It's disappointing for Jackson, but it is exciting for Chadd at the same time," Australian captain Steve Smith said.

"It's kind of a like for like sort of bowler, they're pretty similar. They both stand the seam up nicely and Chadd's been rewarded for what he has done in Shield cricket over the last couple of years, which is great."

Sayers was the leading wicket-taker in the Sheffield Shield last season with 62 victims.

"He's a difficult one (to face)," Smith added. "Because he is so short not many balls go over the stumps, which makes him a pretty handy proposition when the ball is seaming around. I think it is a good selection."

Sayers joins fellow quicks Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, Pat Cummins and Jye Richardson for the four-Test South Africa series which kicks off on March 1.

AUSTRALIA - Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc. – AFP 

DOHA: Beaten Australian Open finalist Simona Halep said Tuesday she enjoyed everything that happened in Melbourne despite being left in tears at losing the chance of her first Grand Slam title.

“Everything was beautiful at that tournament even if I lost the final,” the Romanian said at a press conference in Doha as she arrived to play in this week’s Qatar Open.

“I took only the positives and I’m really motivated to go ahead. So everything was really good for me.” Halep was defeated in a memorable and gruelling three-set final by Caroline Wozniacki in Melbourne last month, which also meant she lost her world number one ranking to the Dane.

Previously, she admitted the loss, her third Grand Slam final defeat, had left her in tears.

Doha represents Halep’s first return to competitive action since Australia as she has been nursing an ankle injury. The injury forced her out of Romania’s Fed Cup tie with Canada last weekend.

Halep has the possibility of reclaiming the world’s top ranking this week if she reaches at least the quarter-finals and goes one round further than Wozniacki.

The 26-year-old’s first game is against Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova, a former world number eight. 

All hail the islands rugby league, the Dialog premier competition, signed sealed, Kandy triumphant, and fully delivered for 2018.

It has been a journey of significant consequence when you consider the quality dictates that kept it all fair and TMO friendly from November ...perhaps a quick trip to across the English channel, might give Welsh fans a beneficial boost in the arm?

Coach Jones, more than content to claim it for the boys ..and simply move to the next ...it was a remarkable let off and impossible to imagine, given technology and margin for human error?

Wales stunned England and the 1000s of fans...showing how big their hearts for world class delivery.

For us islanders, it was pretty much done and Kandy dusted 3-weeks ago, but still a supercharged finish against Havelocks.....The match was predictable, and true to form ...a 2nd half step which shocked fans and the lions front row.

Farzil amiable Marija signing off his 15 years of pain and dedication, with a 3-try blitz that had the crowd in a frenzy.

A perfect script for his impressive time at school, club, country and Asian rugby.

Best wishes from all rugby islanders for his next step.

Havelocks falling two points short and CR losing in the last min is massive news for the Clifford Cup knockouts....Lady Clifford less nervous about the weather, and well set for more intense sentiment, in the middle.....

CR v CH will be all or nothing, and a tantalising opportunity for both sets of Colombo 7 warriors to stamp their class and claim their time in history...it’s nothing short of gut wrenching and absolutely no love lost at all.

Patience and skill will be tested to the core ...Ratwatte ready for all sorts and able to inspire his backs to deliver, Omalka hopefully injury free and hungrier for impact and yards, skipper Kavindu able to lead by example and ignite the grandstand at Racecourse ...it’s billed as a thriller and medical advice for weak hearts not to attend?

CH are equally hungry, having gifted generously in both rounds, find themselves staring down the barrel ...No Russian roulette rugby fans ..this is bite the bullet on demand, and full on for this competition.

Keys to a decent essay is between the back row graft team of Sasanka, Yoshita, and Muthutanthri....The more they win the breakdowns, the more they hand Keegal, Herath, Weerakoon, Lee, and boots Samuel, good ball for gains up the park, worries for Saranga all behind and back to his lethal best.

Rugby fans ...prepare the mind for pressure and kit up for the red and stripes quarters .....my mind racing and pounding at the thought ..12 years of running against the Longdon Place lot has never been straightforward...always guts and courage to survive the battle and sharp wit to hit them hard, but essential to dominate in the loose and outwit them with open play ...an impressive list of forwards from both sides ..will well remember the thick Wintegeno air in the dressing room and the taste of adrenaline as we run out.

If you are the betting sort ...feel free to have a flutter and confuse the experts ...this is down to old fashioned blood and guts ...blessings for a scorcher that rips into all we consider normal and fair.

Let's the warriors prevail...!

Navy v Police is a big step for our boys in blue ...as is Air Force v Kandy at Nittawela.

Havelocks v Army will be a tester and down to the last quarter ..if all upfront is control by Havies...life for Dulaj, Dabere, Nishon, Herath and Hasantha...fair.

But can Sharo be his lethal self to contest and rip balls for turnovers...or will he end up giving penalties away for lack of discipline? …your guess is as good if not better than mine ...but history does not favour our ex Peter’s back row Fernando, to hold his nerve and that extra yard or gesture of need ..?

Let's wish him patience and wisdom around the park, it’s going to be Havelcks skills v Army fitness and power.

The quarter finals are upon us ...All courage and pace under pressure to all the boys fit and ready to satisfy Lady Clifford’s grand design and mesmerize islanders rugby hearts to echo faster ...it’s all or nothing and everything on the day ...step up step strong and may skills be the dictate from start to finish.

Adrenaline faithful, check your reserve and breathe bigger oxygen...it’s the only way to survive.

All hail the islanders and little fuss about form...

Enjoy max weekends...

Bula Bula Sri api....

Sanath Jayasuriya Cricket Foundation (SJCF) ‘Red’ team emerged champions of the inaugural Inter-Club Cricket Academy Under-10 Cricket Championship conducted by the Sanath Jayasuriya Cricket Foundation. SSC ‘Red’ and CCC ‘Maroon’ won the second and third places respectively.

Rachintha De Silva of Sanath Jayasuriya Cricket Foundation ‘Red’ team was adjudged the Man Of the Tournament and Best Fielder while his teammate Kithma Sithmal won the Best Bowler and Player Of the Final awards. Rehan Pieris of Colts Cricket Academy team was picked as the Best Batsman.

The first ever inter-club junior tournament saw 10 teams from main cricket playing clubs vying for honours.

The victorious Sanath Jayasuriya Cricket Foundation ‘Red’ team is coached by Chamara Guruge under the supervision of academy’s head coach Dilruk Mendis.

Sri Lanka national teams, over the past four decades, had the services of at least a couple of Observer Schoolboy Cricketer main award winners.

When Sri Lanka emerged world champions in 1996, beating Australia by seven wickets in the final, there were six Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award winners in that invincible team – captain Arjuna Ranatunga, Asanka Gurusinha, Roshan Mahanama, Kumar Dharmasena, Muttiah Muralitharan and Sanath Jayasuriya, who was adjudged the man of the series.

There is no exception this time around as the current Sri Lanka national team is studded with three former Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year main award winners in Dinesh Chandimal (2009 winner), Niroshan Dickwella (2012) and Kusal Mendis (2013).

Having made it to the Sri Lanka team just months after their crowning glory, the trio have become vital ingredients of the national team, cementing their places in double quick time.

Sri Lanka Test captain Chandimal is the most experienced of the three, winning the prestigious Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title in 2009 when he was representing Ananda College, Colombo. Former Trinity skipper, Dickwella won the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title in 2012. Kusal Mendis, who led Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa with distinction, was adjudged Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year in 2013. Months later, he was chosen to captain Sri Lanka Under-19 team to Bangladesh in 2013.

Twenty-year-old Chandimal has represented Sri Lanka in 46 Tests to aggregate 3,413 runs with an attractive average of 43.75, cracking 10 centuries and 16 fifties that included a career best knock of 164. In 139 ODIs, Chandimal has aggregated 3,433 runs with an average of 32.69. He has scored four ODI centuries and 21 fifties with a career best knock of 111.

Following the footsteps of most other past recipients of the prestigious title, Chandimal made his Sri Lanka debut just months after he was crowned the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year in 2009. He did not get an opportunity for a long innings - made an unbeaten 10 on his ODI debut for Sri Lanka against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on June 1, 2010, when the visitors had a nine-wicket victory.

Chandimal is one of the most technically accomplished batsman in the Sri Lanka team who is capable of hitting the ball to all corners of the ground with a wide range strokes. Ever since his Sri Lanka debut, he has shown maturity at the crease with a good temperament to build and pace an innings.

Dickwella, one of the most successful Trinity captains and a reliable top order batsman, signaled his entry to the big league by winning the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title six years ago – having scored over 1,000 runs in the previous season. He is an attacking left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman. Dickwella, who turns 25 on June 23, has been particularly impressive in limited-overs cricket, ever since he basted an explosive 104 off 91 balls in the final of the Inter-Provincial One-Day Tournament in 2013.

Just months after winning the main title at the Mega Show, Dickwella was selected to represent Sri Lanka ‘A’ in its tour of England in 2013. Since then, he has proved his class both as a top order batsman and safe hands behind stumps. Having made his Sri Lanka debut in 2014 against India in Ranchi, Dickwella has represented Sri Lanka in 36 ODIs to aggregate 1,074 runs with two centuries and five half tons with a career best ODI innings of 116.

Dickwella is just ten runs short of reaching the milestone of 1,000 Test runs after figuring in 16 matches, producing eight half centuries that includes a career best innings of 83.

In a recent interview, the Trinity Lion has said that winning the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title was a great source of encouragement. “Winning the award was a great encouragement for me. It gives me great pleasure to learn that the contest has lasted for four decades.

This has produced a bunch of some great cricketers in the All Island and Outstation competitions. Most of the recipients are doing well in their chosen professions, be in cricket or otherwise. My best wishes for a successful run of the contest in future”, Dickwella was quoted as saying.

Mendis, who had scored many match-winning innings for Prince of Wales before he was adjudged the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year in 2013, too has shown good form with the willow. Even before he had stepped into the national team, his aggressive batting had earned him a large following.

As a safe wicketkeeper and dependable right-hand batsman with an attacking bent, Mendis has often let his willow to do the talking. Just months after winning the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title five years ago, he was appointed Sri Lanka’s under-19 captain for the Youth World Cup.

He made his Sri Lanka debut with a blistering half century – scoring 51 off 59 balls with eight boundaries in Sri Lanka’s first ODI against Ireland in Dublin on June 16, 2016. Since then, Mendis has figured in 44 ODIs for Sri Lanka has scored 1,239 runs for an average of 30.97. He has one century and 11 fifties to his credit with a career best knock of 102.

Representing Sri Lanka in 24 Tests, Mendis has aggregated 1,712 runs with four centuries and five fifties. He was the top scorer for Sri Lanka in the first innings in the recent second Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka. His brave 68 off 98 balls mainly helped Sri Lanka to take a vital first innings lead, which eventually won the match for them and with it the two-Test series.

SLT Mobitel, the national mobile service provider, continues to provide that ‘smart connection’ to the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Contest.

Under the directions of the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Telecom and SLT Mobitel P.G. Kumarasingha, the Chief Executive Officer of the SLT Mobitel Nalin Perera has made a great contribution towards the success of the event during the past decade.

The Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year continues to enjoy the longstanding association of the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA) and the Sri Lanka Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association under the blessings of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), headed by Deputy Speaker Thilanga Sumathipala.

The 40th edition of the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest is scheduled to be held in June. Incidentally, this will be the 11th consecutive year that the SLT Mobitel will be sponsoring the Mega Show, which has a rich history of producing legendary cricketers, including Sri Lanka’s World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga, world’s highest Test wicket taker Muttiah Muralitharan and the Chief ICC Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle.

Bevan Congdon, who captained New Zealand to their first Test win over Australia in 1974, has died a day short of his 80th birthday, Cricket New Zealand said.

Congdon, a captain in 17 Tests, had been in declining health for some time.

In total, Congdon played 61 Tests in a 13-year career, scoring 3,448 runs at an average of 32.22 with seven centuries. He also took 59 wickets. He played in 11 one-day internationals, including New Zealand’s first in the format in 1973 against Pakistan. His average of 56.33 in ODIs is still the best for a New Zealand batsman with a minimum of 10 innings. While he led New Zealand to only one Test victory, it was a momentous five-wicket win over Australia in Christchurch in 1974.

He was also a member of the New Zealand team that beat England in a test for the first time in 1978 at Wellington. Congdon’s 176 against England at Trent Bridge in 1976 was his most famous Test innings. He was struck in the face by England fast bowler John Snow when he was on 24 but went on to lead New Zealand to the brink of a remarkable win. New Zealand reached 440, chasing 479 to win.

“Bevan was at the center of the New Zealand team at a time it started gaining attention on the international cricket scene for all the right reasons,” NZC chief executive David White said. “He’s left a real legacy in terms of putting New Zealand cricket on the map.”

All Kandy Sports Club rugby fans are sad that the mercurial and national fly half Fazil Marija has announced that he will retire from rugby after the Clifford Cup knockouts, and his last match at Nittawela grounds was played on Sunday. The deafening cry is for him to continue for at least another year.

A player of his caliber and class is born only once in a lifetime and Kandy fans are upset that he has decided to quit when at the pinnacle of his glittering career. In the last game he scored three superb eye catching tries not easily seen at top class rugby.

Highly popular Fazil enjoyed a 15-year career at the top level. He is a player who enjoyed every moment of being a top player and crowds were thrilled to watch his world class play, and are querying as to why he is going when there is more blood and determination in him. He has always been an example to the game and the country is lucky to have a ruggerite of his calibre who represented some great teams of Kandy Sports Club and Sri Lanka on his highly successful rugby road. He is now looking forward to starting the next chapter in his life by joining the coaching scrum.

It is with huge sadness to every rugby lover to see Fazil Marija (born 2 December 1985), known as one of Sri Lanka’s finest rugby players and one of Asia’s best, play his last league game on Saturday. He was a man who was a big figure in the rugby field. He showed faith and trust for the game. He was the toughest ruggerite in the recent years, a brave player. In the last few years he had been the match-winner with his brilliant play had no equal in the game.

Marija mastered his rugby skills at Kingswood College under his cousin Ronny Ibrahim’s guidance. H represented his school teams from U-13 to U-20. He played for 1st XV in 2003 as a fly half, and went on to lead them to an unbeaten triple championship in 2004 as the captain of Kingswood College 1st XV. Marija became the best Schoolboy player in the Singer International 7’s tournament and also in the Golden Key Schools 7’s tournament, where Kingswood College won both Championships under his captaincy.

Two years back Fazil retired from national rugby, he played for the country for 14 years, considering that rugby is a rib bruising game it was admirable that he ran in amazing number of tries for club and country. His last game for Sri Lanka was in the final defeat to Malaysia at this year’s Asia Division I championship in Malaysia. He was easily the best rugby sevens and fifteen game player produced by the country in the last several years. Fazil is a player, leader, creator and altogether a fine example for all the rugby players. He is a ruggerite with plenty of ideas and ambition and certainly a knowledgeable player. Fazil’s capabilities and his potential cannot be matched by any of the fly half’s today.

Fazil hails from a famous Malay sporting family, who are rugby crazy. He first represented Sri Lanka in year 2000. In that year he toured for the first time with Sri Lanka National U 16 team for the Junior Rugby Asiad. While still at school, in 2003 he was called up by Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) to be on the starting lineup at the match against touring Hong Kong at Nittawela Rugby Stadium, Kandy. In 2004, Marija commenced his club rugby career by representing Kandy SC in their 2nd round match against Havelocks SC at Nittawela. He also went on to represent the Kandy SC in the Clifford Cup Knock out tournament matches the same year. To date, he continues to represent Kandy SC and during this period Kandy SC went onto dominate the sport by winning the League and Knockout tournaments continuously. He was adjudged ‘Most Promising Player of the Year 2004’ at the Caltex/Observer Rugby Awards. All this he achieved while he was still a schoolboy at Kingswood College. He captained Kandy SC in 2010.

His father Abdul Rasheed Marija, was a sportsman and played for the Police. Mother Fareeda Sherifdeen participated in sports at Kandy Good Shepherd Convent. It was she who encouraged Fazil to take up to rugby. His uncles Tuany Amidon played football and rugby for Army and was an All-Ceylon football player and one of the best dribblers in Asia. Kamil “Roy” Amith played for Kandy S.C., T.M.N. Sherifdeen - Navy SC, Fazil’s cousins Ibrahim brothers Raja, Roy, Ronnie, Rinnie and Nilifer, Buks brothers Ansar and Amjad all played for Kandy SC, Dev Ananda played for Navy SC, his brother Faizal is with Kandy SC. Except for Tuany Amidon, the others are products of Kingswood College. Fazil as a schoolboy was spotted by Kandy SC’s godfather Malik Samarawickrema in the match between Kingswood and Royal, and was invited to play in the Clifford Cup knockouts and today he is a legend in the game.

Forty minutes before the last league game against Havelocks at Nittawela on Sunday, a section of the tiers was named after him as Fazil Marija tiers. He married Yasara and are blessed with a baby Liyara.

Mahmudullah, Bangladesh's stand-in Twenty20 skipper, aims at removing the question marks surrounding his side's ability as a T20 unit when they take on Sri Lanka in a two-match series from Thursday.

Bangladesh enjoyed good fortune in their own den in the recent past but things did not go their way during the tri-nation series or the Test series that followed with Sri Lanka clinching the trophy on both occasions.

Mahmudullah, who was named to lead the side after Shakib al Hasan was ruled out of the opening game with a finger injury, said that they were keen to put to rest the doubts that constantly were on their backs and that they were making progress as a T20 side, just as they have made in the other two formats.

"Twenty20 is a different format all together and the pace of it is quite different from other formats," Mahmudullah said in Mirpur on Wednesday ahead of the last leg of the month-long series.

"We have to remove the question mark that is attached with us as a Twenty20 unit," he said. "We are keen to give a message to all the teams in the world that we are developing in the same pace when it comes to Twenty20 comparing to Test and ODIs," he said.

Mahmudullah did not believe that playing at home put pressure on them as the expectations were always high considering the fan following in the nation.

"We have raised the expectations by playing well at home for the last three years and unfortunately we could not deliver in this series," he conceded. "There is another opportunity in front of us and we must grab it," he said.

Bangladesh need to put up a proper account of their ability in the shortest version as they are currently placed 10 - ranked below Afghanistan and Sri Lanka - with their below par outcome in Twenty20 largely being attributed to not playing enough games in the format.

Bangladesh, however, have quite a few T20 games scheduled over the next couple of months with their series against Sri Lanka being followed by the Nidhas Cup in Sri Lanka, comprising India and the hosts to celebrate the 70th independence anniversary of the Island nation, which will be followed by a T20 series against West Indies in June.

[Mirpur pitch rated as “below average”]

David Boon of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees has rated the Mirpur Test pitch between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as “below average” and, as such, it has received one demerit point according to the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.

Boon, whose report has been forwarded to the Bangladesh Cricket Board, said: “From day one, there was evidence of the ball breaking the pitch surface, which resulted in uneven bounce throughout the match, along with inconsistent turn, which was even excessive at times. This pitch produced a contest that was too heavily skewed in favour of the bowlers, and didn’t give the batsmen a fair chance to display their skills.”

Sri Lanka won the Test by 215 runs inside three days with 681 runs being scored for the loss of 40 wickets. Roshen Silva with 70 not out was the top-scorer of the match.

Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday handed over annual domestic contracts to 104 players, a move to encourage talented cricketers to continue playing the game thus ensuring that the domestic cricketing structure remains strong.

Accordingly, players who took part in the Major Tournament 2016/17 and the Under 19 players, who represented Sri Lanka in the concluded Asia Cup and the World Cup were handed over contracts, during a special ceremony, held at the Duncan White Auditorium of the Ministry of Sports, with the Minister of Sports Dayasiri Jayasekera, taking part as the chief guest, while Thilanga Sumathipala, president of SLC was present during the occasion.

Twenty first-class players who performed at the highest level during the concluded domestic season, 23 emerging category players, 29 players from the under 19 age group category, 15 former national players and 17 national players, who have represented Sri Lanka in the recent past, but not considered for main contracts are among the players, who received domestic contracts for the year 2017/18 season.

The selection of players to hand over contracts, which totals to a collective sum of Rs. 85 million was based on the following criteria:

Players, who scored 750 runs or captured 45 wickets, All-rounders who scored 350 runs and captured 35 wickets, Wicket-keepers, who scored 400 runs and contributed for a minimum of 20 dismissals by playing in the Domestic Tier A matches were considered for annual contracts.

Meanwhile, players, who played in the Tier B category and scored 600 runs or took 40 wickets, or All-rounders who scored 350 runs and grabbed 35 wickets and Wicket-keepers, who scored 400 runs and contributed for 20 dismissals were also considered for annual contracts.

Under the Emerging Player category, players between the age of 23 and 29 and represented Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka A and Development team during the last 3 year period received domestic contracts.

Under 19 players, who represented Sri Lanka in the concluded Asia Cup and the World Cup are also given contracts.

Past national players, above the age of 30 years and who continues to play domestic cricket were also handed over contracts.

Sinhalese Sports Club, which became the champions of the 2016/17 ‘Tier A’ Tournament was awarded a Passenger Van worth Rs. 6.8 million, while Chaturanga de Silva, who was adjudged as the Player of the League Tournament was awarded a car worth Rs. 2.3 million.

Apart from the SLC contracts, all these players are entitled to normal financial assistance given by their respective clubs. In the meantime, SLC also provided the contracted players with a Rs. 2.5 million worth personal accidental insurance cover and a Rs. 300,000 worth medical and hospitalization insurance cover.

Left-arm leg-spinner Mihiranga Wickramage took a match bag of 12 wickets for 65 runs to bowl St. Joseph’s to an innings and two runs win over Ananda in their ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 inter-school cricket match played at Darley Road yesterday.

Wickramage took 7 for 28 and 5 for 37 to rout Ananda for totals of 144 and 123 in reply to the Josephians total of 269.

Rohan Sanjaya came up with a fine all-round performance against Devapathiraja Ratgama scoring 101 runs and taking 10 wickets in the match to steer Tissa Central Kalutara to an innings win.

St. Servatius Matara, St. Benedict’s Kotahena, St. John’s Jaffna, St. Patrick’s Jaffna, Ananda Maithreya Central Balangoda and Loyola Bopitiya were the other schools to win yesterday.

RESULTS:

* At Darley Road: St. Joseph’s won by inns & 2 runs.

Ananda: 144 and 123 in 39.3 overs (Lahiru Hiranya 28, Kavindu Gimhan 26, Mihiranga Wickramage 5/37, Dunith Wellalage 3/33)

St. Joseph’s: 269(181/7 o/n) in 79.2 overs (Revan Kelly 75, Jehan Daniel 45, Lakshan Gamage 40, Shevaan Rassool 26, Dunith Wellalage 23, Mihiranga Wickramage 22, Daminda Reshan 4/69, Asel Sigera 3/70)

* At Matara: St. Servatius Matara won by 10 wickets.

Dharmaraja Kandy: 119 and 98 in 59.5 overs (Sachintha Senanayake 33, Sashika Dulshan 3/17, Keshara Nuwantha 2/13)

St. Servatius Matara: 214 (119/4 o/n) in 81.4 overs (Supun Kavinda 26, Pushpika Dilshan 25, Upendra Warnakulasooriya 6/57) and 4/0 in 2.4 overs

* At Makandura: St. Benedict’s won by 5 wickets.

Bandaranayake Gampaha: 174 and 175 in 48 overs (Dileepa Sandaruwan 40, Hasitha Pathirage 36, Maheesha Theekshana 4/73, Vihanga Ruwanara 3/28)

St. Benedict’s: 147 (95/7 o/n) in 58.3 overs (Kaveesha Jayathilake 42 n.o., Shanilka Nirmal 41, Prabash Alwis 3/25, Arosha Madhushan 3/42, Janindu Jayawardhane 2/26) and 203/5 in 28.4 overs (Shehan Fernando 56 n.o., Thilan Chathuranga 55, Gayashan Hettiarachi 2/18)

* At Ratgama: Tissa Central Kalutara won by inns & 65 runs.

Devapathiraja Ratgama: 148 and 137 in 42.5 overs (Jeewaka Shasheen 31, Pathum Madusanka 26, Kalpa Chetiya 20, Mithira Thenura 5/20, Rohan Sanjaya 5/79)

Tissa Central: 350 (267/5 o/n) in 76 overs (Rohan Sanjaya 101, Sathin Himash 64, Kosala Ravindu 32, Mithila Thenura 31, Ramesh Madushanka 27, Tharaka Sandaruwan 25, Yohan Ravishka 23, Raveen Yasas 4/67, Pethum Madhusanka 3/126, Pawan Sandesh 2/38)

* At Polgahawela: St. Patrick’s Jaffna won by 9 wickets.

Wayamba Royal Kurunegala: 174 and 137 in 27 overs (Chamod Rarthnayake 28, Harsha Dewasinghe 28, G. Ratheeshan 4/43, A. Diettricks 2/40)

St. Patrick’s Jaffna: 216 (94/4 o/n) in 58.3 overs (Monick Nethushan 54 n.o., P Kasto 44, Aiwan Roshanthan 22, A Benathan 20, Chamod Rathnayake 6/27) and 96/1 in 19.5 overs (A. Diettricks 36, J Anojan 28 n.o., D. Dilakshan 27 n.o.)

* At Karandeniya: Match drawn.

S. de S. Jayasinghe Central Dehiwala: 129 and 141/8 in 74 overs (Kanishka Keerthi 57 n.o., Shamidu Hansaka 30, Ravindu Udayanga 27, Lakindu Tehan 3/29, Kaveesh Thathsara 2/31)

P. de S. Kularatne Ambalangoda: 236 (119/7 o/n) in 79.5 overs (Kaveesh Thathsara 47, Ishara Dilshan 38, Achala Akalanka 33, Danuja Lakmal 23, Manusha Theekshana 20, Dilshan Kavinda 4/65, Keshara Sasanka 3/59)

* At Jaffna: St. John’s Jaffna won by inns & 87 runs.

Skandavarothaya Jaffna: 65 and 77 (55/4 o/n) in 30.4 overs (K. Thanushan 26, K. Kapilraj 3/23, V. Jathushan 3/25, J. Subeebshan 2/09, M. Abinash 2/14)

St. John’s Jaffna: 229;

* At Padukka: Match drawn.

Siri Piyaratana Padukka: 311 and 200/7 in 31 overs (Rajiths Ashan 64, Sandaru Sanilka 57 n.o., Avishka Shehan 22, Pasindu Nirmal 2/43)

Kegalu Vidyalaya: 230 (4/0 o/n) in 68.3 overs (Madushan Gunasinghe 69, Achintha NImesha 53, Ruchira Chamara 31, Sandaru Shanilka 3/67, Dimuthu Sampath 3/84 Ravindu Keshan 2/13, Yasiru Dineth 2/19)

* At Balangoda: Ananda Maithreya Central Balangoda won by inns & 157 runs.

St. Michael’s Batticaloa: 153 and 80 in 31 overs (Jonny Priyanthan 41, Shashika Dilanka 5/39, Hansaka Rajapaksha 4/18)

Ananda Maithreya Central: 390 (215/5 o/n) in 90. overs (Ravindu Ekanayake 120, Praveen Godakumbura 72, Lithija Kalhara 52, Loneth Wijerathne 31, Thushan Chandrasena 25, Sankanath Vishwaneth 22, Nelushantha 4/160, Printhawan 3/52, Thanush Rupan 2/39)

* At Godigamuwa: Match drawn.

Kalutara Vidyalaya: 153 and 192 in 40.2 overs (Hiruna Madushan 57, Avishka Lakshan 35, Sunera Abeygunawardena 28, Kavindu Jayawickrama 20, Ruvin Saleena 5/69, Dineth Sathsara 3/50, Brian Julius 2/46)

St. Peter's Negombo: 174 (171/9 o/n) in 55.1 overs (Umesh Lakshan 40, Brayan Julius 37, Thisara Dissanayake 32, Shaun Maleesha 24, Sanidu Fernando 20 n.o., Kavindu Jayawickrame 3/43, Avishka Lakshan 3/52, Dileesh Arunodya 2/23) and 163/8 in 51 overs (Thisara Dissanayake 55, Umesh Lakshan 42, Lasith Peiris 20, Vishara Fernando 2/40, Kavindu Jaywickrame 2/72)

* At Matugama: Match drawn.

St. Mary’s Matugama: 174 and 253 in 66 overs (Sanjula Fernando 57, Naveen Devinda 53, Hansaka sandaruwan 37, Namal Madushanka 29, Tharindu Welgama 27, Nisal Malinga 5/70, Malith Nawanjana 3/16)

Christ King Ja-Ela: 225 (138/3 o/n) in 50.4 overs (Lahiru Silva 52, Nisal Malinga 42, Lahiru Peiris 37, Pethum Nissara 30, Lahiru Dilshan 6/89, Chamindu Himash 2/66) and33/3 in 15 overs (Chamindu Himash 2/06)

* At Kolonnawa: Loyola Bopitiya won by 94 runs.

Loyola Bopitiya: 118 and 188/9 decl. (1/0 o/n) in 54.2 overs (Tharusha Dulanjana 82, Shenal Charuka 62, Eranda Madushanka 4/54, Avishka Savindu 4/63)

Henry Olcott Kolonnawa: 128 and 84 in 30.3 overs (Dinenjaya de Silva 29, Avishka Tharindu 20, Tharusha Dulanjana 4/16, Charithanga Lakshan 3/15)

[DAY ONE SCORES]

Matches will be continued today onday two.

* At Moratuwa: D.S. Senanayake: 160 in 61.1 overs (Chamth Bandara 33, Teron Shanel 31, Uvin Osanda 23, Shehan Jeewantha 4/31, Rashan Kavishka 3/55, Nadith Ishendra 2/18)

Moratu Vidyalaya: 89/5 at close in 33 overs (Shehanda Nishendra 28, Nishan Madhushka 24, Muditha Lakshan 3/33, Nethushan Kumara 2/11)

* At Thurstan: Thurstan: 164 in 61 overs (Nipun Lakshan 87, Shalaka Bandara 19, Yeshan Wickramarachchi 15, Hashan Sandeepa 5/84, Heshan Hettiarachchi 4/36)

Mahanama: 85/3 at close in 24 overs (Bishan Mendis 42, Pawan Rathnayake 23 n.o., Nipun Lakshan 2/40)

* At BRC: Prince of Wales: 321/7 decl. in 77 overs (Sandun Fernando 94, Avindu Fernando 65, Sanoj Darshika 65, Savindu Peiris 39 n.o., Madushanka Sandaruwan 3/89, Kaliq Ammath 2/69)

Isipathana: 34/2 at close in 16 overs (Sanjula Abeywickrame 24 n.o., Avindu Fernando 2/8)

* At Wattala: St. Anthony’s: 96 in 37 overs (Rashmika Mevan 19, Pasindu Ushetti 4/15, Aveesha Keshan 4/54)

Maris Stella: 260/5 at close in 56 overs (Lasith Croospulle 129, Ashan Fernando 37, Chathura Anuradha 31 n.o., Kevin Perera 27, Kaveesha Dulanjana 2/51)

* At Debarawewa: Debarawewa National School: 285 in 63.5 overs (Shehan Malinga 83, Heshan Wijewardane 57, Chanuka Ashinsana 56, Nisala Ravishan 37, Sahath Hansala 26, Tharanga Sampath 5/54, Lashitha Chethana 3/43)

Asoka: 102/3 at close in 30 overs (Pasan Shavinda 46, Anuk Pasandul 29 n.o.)

* At Piliyandala: Piliyandala MMV: 211 in 55.1 overs (Gayasha Chathuranga 53, Heshan Madusanka 33, Malshan Gunathilake 25, Chamod Sandaru 25, Sandun Thathsara 21, Anuka Pradeepika 6/101, Janidu Inura 4/52)

Sri Sumangala Panadura: 146/5 at close in 39 overs (Isuru Umanga 50, Miranga Harshana 48 n.o., Ushan Deemantha 3/21, Heshan Madusanka 2/37)

* At Sandalanka: Sandalanka Central: 191 in 61.3 overs (Nedula Abeyrathne 74, Ravindu Wijenayaka 32, Saumya Niwanthaka 27, Vinoth Chathuranga 26, Heshan Jayasekara 3/51, Angel Rodrigo 3/47)

Kuliyapitiya Central: 92/6 at close in 30 overs (Kasun Prasanga 22)

* At Veyangoda: St. Joseph’s Wattala: 98 in 39.2 overs (Malisha Bhagya 2/04, Chathushka Kalunayake 2/16, Salinda Hapuarachchi 2/24)

Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda: 196/6 at close in 58 overs (Malindu Manabharana 66, Vimukthi Chiranthaka 53, Malisha Bhagya 46 n.o., Chamod Dayan 2/77)

* At Kirindiwela: President’s Kotte: 201 in 43 overs (Iranga Hashan 102, Thanula Chamod 28, Akila Roshan 24 n.o., Sasitha Hasaranga 21, Sanjaya Jayamal 6/55, Supun Kumara 4/67)

St. Mary’s Kegalle:143 in 41 overs (Supun Kumara 45, Sajeewa Jayamal 36, Hasindu Pramuka 5/30, Hiruna Sigera 2/31)

* At Poregedara: President’s Maharagama: 134 in 47.4 overs (Thiran Sasindu 27, Yomal Wimalasena 20, Charuka Dilshan 6/44, Pahan Kaluarachchi 4/43)

St. Thomas’ Kotte: 126/5 at close in 45 overs (Ardithya Sooriyabandara 39 n.o., Janith Perera 20, Lochana Wijesekara 2/38)

* At Ratmalana: Christ King Pannipitiya: 62 in 29.3 overs (Yewesh Dulshan 23, Asindu Pramuditha 4/08, Damith Chathura 3/19, Ravindu Rasanka 2/15)

Veluwana: 251/6 at close in 70 overs (Tharusha Chamod 73 n.o., Vimukthi Dhananjaya 54, Dinura Manuwantha 47, Ravindu Rasanga 27, Lakshan Amendra 25, Rusiru Rasanga 2/23, Kavindu Nirmal 2/48, Lakshitha Dulshan 2/57)

* At Dalupotha: Galahitiyawa Central: 170 in 39.4 overs (Chamara Perera 37, Senesh Nadeeshan 33, Tharaka Gunasinghe 30, Manujith Ravishan 26, Sandaruwan Chinthaka 20, Udana Kavishan 5/15, Udesh Kavinda 2/59)

Rajasinghe Central: 100 in 54.4 overs (Chamara Perera 4/14)

* At Galagedara: Sri Sumangala Kandy: 221 in 64.1 overs (Vihanga Weerathunge 86, Chamara Bandara 39, Thimira Akalanka 24, Avishka Pushpakumara 20, U. Nimaladas 4/42, K. Thushanthan 2/20)

Hindu Kokuvil: 52/3 at close in 27 overs

* At Pelawatte. Badulla Central College: 191 in 64.3 overs (Anuja Abeynayake 45, Yomal Geevinda 31, Pahasara Dharmadasa 22, Lakshan Madubashitha 21, Geeth Thalangama 4/39, Supun Chamara 3/6)

St. Aloysius Ratnapura: 136/1 at close in 30 overs (Mohammed Rishad 69, Dasun Chamara 47 n.o.)

* At Henegama: Lyceum Wattala: 180 in 58.2 overs (Jeewathan Maheshwaran 62, Hasindu Kamesh 35, Sandeera Yasaswin 20, Pramith Dharshana 4/40, Lahiru Perera 4/69)

Henegama Central:182/6 at close in 37 overs (Sasanka Dulaj 40, Sisikelum Lochana 33, Janith Abeynayaka 29 n.o., Pramith Dharshana 20, Imantha Fernando 4/45) - YK

Former St. Sylvester’s College hockey player Desmond Ludowyke has died and his funeral took place yesterday at RC section Kanatte.

Ludowyke was a top class hockey player representing his school and Kandy Schools at Nationals. At one time he served in the general committee of the Havelock Sports Club and was also the Vice President.

The 84th Battle of the Saints annual cricket big match between St Peter’s College and St Joseph’s College is scheduled for the 2 and 3 of March at the P Sara Oval. A media conference on this was held at Barnes Hall, Jetwing Hotel in Colombo 7 on Tuesday.

In this year’s encounter the Peterites will be led by all rounder and national under 19 youth cap Santhush Gunathilake while the Darley Road school will be captained by Sri Lanka under 19 all rounder Jehan Daniel.

Speaking at the media conference Rev. Father Trevor Martin-the rector of St. Peter’s College said, “The Battle of the Saints between St. Peter’s and St. Joseph’s has a long and rich history of tradition and camaraderie spanning over eight decades as two of the leading Catholic schools in Sri Lanka. I am sure both teams will play positive cricket to bring excitement for both young and old Peterites and Josephians. I wish both schools the best of luck.”

“The Big match between the two schools is one of the most looked forward to events in the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket itinerary and this year also it will be no exception as well. I wish both the schools the very best to deliver two days of exhilarating cricket” said Rev. Father Travis Gabriel, rector of St. Joseph’s College.

St. Joseph’s leads the series tally with 12 wins and their last win came under the captaincy of Ruwantha Fernandopulle in 2008. St. Peter’s won the 2016 encounter under all-rounder Vinu Mohotty and has an overall tally of 10 wins in the series.

The chief guest at the 84th Battle of the Saints will be Viran Perera, who led the St.Joseph’s in 1991.

Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, Dialog Axiata PLC will sponsor the 84th edition of the annual Battle of the Saints encounter that will be contested for the Father Maurice J. Legoc Trophy.

The two schools have the distinction of having produced several players to the national team, with Angelo Mathews current Sri Lanka ODI captian, Chaminda Vaas, Thisara Perera, Dimuth Karunaratne, Ashley de Silva, Michael Van Dort, Roshen Silva and Sadeera Samarawickrama having represented St. Joseph’s College, while Roy Dias, Rumesh Ratnayake, Russell Arnold, Vinodhan John, Amal Silva, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Malinda Warnapura and Angelo Perera have represented St. Peter’s.

JOE-PETE LIMITED OVER GAME

The Josephian-Peterite limited overs match which is the longest running limited over encounter between schools and played for the Fr. Peter A Pillai trophy will be worked off on 24 of March at the SSC grounds. The Josephian-Peterite limited over commenced in 1975 under the Rectorship of Rev. Fr. Quintus Fernando of St. Joseph’s College and Rev. Fr. Claver Perera of St. Peter’s College, with the first game of the series played at St. Joseph’s College grounds on the 16 of March 1975.

The Josephian-Peterite limited over game which was the first encounter among schools has always attracted the highest number of spectators for a school’s 50 over cricket match.

Following their emphatic victory against South Africa in the fifth ODI at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth, India have sealed the number one position. In the latest ODI rankings released by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the ‘Men in Blue’ have cemented the top spot after taking a 4-1 lead in the six-match series.

Even if South Africa salvage pride by winning the sixth ODI scheduled to take place at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday, India will continue to remain on top of the table. They have surged to 122 rating points and opened up a four-point lead over the second-placed Proteas.

At 116 rating points, England are only two rating points behind South Africa and occupy the third spot in the ODI table. New Zealand (115) and Australia (112) are the only other teams to possess more than 100 rating points.