Sri Lanka’s under 19 cricketers led by Nipun Dananjaya received a tremendous boost ahead of the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup in January when they won the Tri-Nation Under 19 tournament beating England under 19 by 77 runs in the final played at Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua on Saturday.

Match winner for Sri Lanka was left-handed opener Navod Paranavithana who stroked a brilliant century – 108 off 119 balls inclusive of 16 fours that laid the foundation for his team’s challenging total of 265-9 after choosing to bat first.

England found the target too stiff and were dismissed for 188 off 43.1 overs to hand to Sri Lanka a convincing win.

Sri Lanka had come to the final having lost their last three league matches on the trot twice to England and once to host West Indies, the third team in the competition.

However the Lankans raised their game where it mattered and came up with a noteworthy performance to outplay England who came to the final as firm favourites on the back of their victories over Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka were given a tremendous start by their left-handed openers Paranavithana and Kamil Mishara who posted 124 in 25 overs. Mishara’s contribution in the stand was an aggressive 69 off 84 balls (7 fours, 1 six).

Sri Lanka at one stage looked good enough to go past the 300-run mark when they were 203-3 in the 41st over. But the dismissal of Man of the Match Paranavithana led to a slump when six wickets fell for 27 runs, but Sri Lanka had enough runs on the board for their bowlers to launch an assault on the English batsmen.

England skipper and opening bowler George Balderson and his new ball partner Blake Cullen were the pick of the bowlers taking seven wickets between them.

England were soon pushed onto the backfoot when they began their run chase in pursuit of 266 and lost both openers with their score at 10. Jordan Cox (77) and Jack Haynes (32) set about repairing the early damage to the innings with a partnership of 64. But once the pair was separated they slumped to 77-4 before another stand of 67 developed between Cox and Lewis Goldsworthy (31).

Paranavithana removed both batsmen with his slow left-arm medium deliveries to cap a fine all-round performance as England lost their last six wickets for 42 runs to be all out for 188.

Leg-spinner Kavindu Nadeeshan continuing his good run in the tournament came up with another fine haul of three wickets. 

Karachi, Sunday: Sri Lanka opener Oshada Fernando struck a maiden century to delay Pakistan’s victory quest after the home team’s top four all scored hundreds in the second Test in Karachi on Sunday.

Set a daunting 476 runs to win, Sri Lanka were tottering at 97 for five before Oshada and Niroshan Dickwella halted the slide with a resolute 104-run stand for the sixth wicket.

But the last three overs of the day saw Dickwella fall for 65 -- bowled while attempting a reverse sweep off spinner Haris Sohail -- and Dilruwan Perera caught behind off Naseen Shah for five.

The 16-year-old Naseem had the best figures of 3-31.

At the close, Sri Lanka were 212 for seven with Oshada (102 not out) at the crease and with the visitors needing an unlikely 264 runs for victory.

Pakistan need just three wickets on Monday to win the series -- their first at home since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka side resulted in international cricket being suspended in the country.

Pakistan earlier declared their second innings at lunch on 555 for three after Azhar returned to form with 118 and Babar Azam struck 100 not out.

It was a dismal batting show by the Sri Lankans on a National Stadium pitch where the home batsmen flourished.

Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne went for 16, Kusal Mendis for a duck and Angelo Matthews for 19 before tea.

Pace spearhead Mohammad Abbas had Karunaratne caught behind in the tenth over of the innings before Naseem had Mendis snapped up in the slips.

It became 70 for three when Mathews, Sri Lanka’s most experienced batsman, edged a short delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.

After tea, young Naseem accounted for Dinesh Chandimal (two) and leg-spinner Yasir Shah dismissed Dhananjaya de Silva (nought) to leave Sri Lanka struggling at 97 for five.

Dickwella praised Oshada’s resistance.

“He is a very good batsman and has scored heavily at domestic level,” said Dickwella of the opener, who struck 13 boundaries in his 266-minute knock.

“Had we had one more big partnership we could have saved this Test,” he added.

Pakistan’s head coach Misbah-ul-Haq praised his team’s fightback.

“We were under pressure after conceding an 80-run lead in the first innings,” said Misbah. “To come out and be in a winning position is satisfying and eased the pressure.”

In the morning Pakistan batsmen flayed the Sri Lankan bowling.

It was only the second time in a Test innings that the top four all scored centuries after openers Abid Ali (174) and Shan Masood (135) grabbed theirs on Saturday. AFP

NCC, Galle CC and Police SC won matches in the first round fixtues of the “Invitation Limited Over Tournament” conduct by Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday.

NCC beat CCC by 4 wickets at CCC and Police SC beat Kandy Custom SC by 7 wickets at Police Park Colombo. Galle CC beat Sri Lanka Ports Authority CC by 7 wickets at FTZ Katunayake.

Mansoor Amjad of Galle CC (Foreign player) made unbeaten century against Sri Lanka Ports Authority CC.

* At CCC (NCC won by 4 wickets)

CCC: 196 (48.2) (Minod Bhanuka 65, Lahiru Madusanka 43, Ashan Priyanja 23, Malinda Pushpakumara 21, Sachindu Colombage 5/46, Chathuranga De Silva 2/28)

Nondescripts CC: 199/6 (46.5) (Pethum Nissanka 69, Angelo Perera 66 n.o., Sahan Arachchige 20, Lahiru Gamage 2/19, Sandun Mendis 2/39)

* At Police Park Colombo (Police SC won by 7 wickets)

Kandy Customs SC: 78 (26.2) (Asel Sigera 4/10, Sujan Mayura 2/20, Nisar Ahmed 2/23)

Police SC: 79/3 (25) (Dulash Udayanga 30 n.o., Va Indulkar 26 n.o.)

* At Marians Cricket ground Katunayake (Galle CC won by 7 wickets)

Sri Lanka Ports Authority CC: 166 (38.3) (Gayan Maneeshan 42, Adeesha Nanayakkara 36, Yohan De Silva 25, Abid Hasan 3/12, Saranga Rajaguru 2/45)

Galle CC: 167/3 (36.1) (Mansoor Amjad 119 n.o., Jacob Sachin 30, Rajeewa Weerasinghe 2/25, Hashan Vimarshana 2/31). YK

Devapathiraja College Rathgama and Rathnawali Girl’s School Gampaha won matches against St. Anthony’s Girl’s College Katugastota and Wadduwa Central College in their fixture of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 inter schools cricket tournament recently.

Devapathiraja scored 242 runs for 2 wickets in 25 overs. National cap Kaveesha Dilhari of Devapathiraja College Rathgama made unbeaten 111 runs in 64 balls with 2 boundaries and 12 sixes against St. Anthony’s Girl’s College Katugastota.

* At Rathgama (Devapathiraja Rathgama won by 174 runs)

Devapathiraja: 242/2 (25) (Kaveesha Dilrukshi 111 n.o., Umasha Thimeshani 59 n.o., Sumudu Nisansala 35 rtd.h.)

St. Anthony’s Girl’s Katugastota: 68/9 (25) Meedum Gamage 11, Sapna Madhubhashani 3/9, Imesha Dulani 2/5)

* At Godigamuwa (Rathnawali Balika Vidyalaya Gampaha won by 41 runs)

Rathnawali Balika Vidyalaya Gampaha: 138/8 (25) (Vishmi Gunarathne 49, Amadhi Wijesinghe 21, Shavindi Nimalsha 2/18)

Wadduwa Central: 97/8 (25) (Sulakshi Sansala 30 n.o., Sanduni Silva 3/11, Vishmi Gunarathne 2/17). YK

Benoni, Sunday: England captain Joe Root admitted on Sunday that the illness of three front-line bowlers was a concern with the start of a Test series against South Africa only four days away.

England’s final warm-up match, a non-first-class three-day fixture against South Africa A, petered out in a draw at Willowmoore Park on Sunday with the sick trio -- Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer and Jack Leach –- yet to bowl a ball in a match situation in South Africa.

James Anderson was easily England’s outstanding bowler, taking three for 41 in 19 overs, as South Africa A made 325 for five in reply to England’s 456 for seven declared before play was called off in mid-afternoon.

Root said the England management would have to make some “very shrewd decisions” in finalising their bowling line-up ahead of Thursday’s first Test at Centurion.

“It’s going to have to be managed really well but we’re on it, trying to make sure we give them the best chance possible,” said Root.

After missing England’s first match and staying at the team hotel on the first day of the South Africa A game, Broad, Archer and Leach travelled to Benoni on Saturday and Sunday and spent some time practising.

“Those guys have been very frustrated,” said Root. “They’ve trained as well as they can and over the next few days I’m sure they’ll give a very good account of themselves and make sure they do everything they can to be ready. That’s all you can ask.”

But the England captain suggested they would only be picked for the Test if they were fully recovered. “It’s very rare for guys to go into a game carrying an illness. A big part of it is you don’t want to let the rest of the guys down. It’ll be a fine balance.”

Root said England’s batting, which included hundreds from Joe Denly and Ollie Pope, was a highlight of the drawn match and an example of how England wanted to approach batting, “in the first innings in particular”.

He said Anderson, 37, had set an example to younger players with the way he had built up his fitness after being out of action since suffering a calf injury in the first Test against Australia in August.

“He hit his straps really well,” said Root. “Jimmy is in great shape, probably as strong as I’ve seen him.”

Keegan Petersen, a late replacement in the South Africa A team, made 111 and shared century partnerships with Rudi Second (55) and Kyle Verreynne (74). AFP

Royal College which provides opportunities to over a thousand sportsmen in over 30 sports enjoyed a successful 2019 reaping rewards for shedding blood, sweat and tears in pursuit of glory.

The highlight of the year was emerging overall champions at the All-Island National School Games, a coveted award sought after by every school in Sri Lanka. This was achieved as an aggregate of several exceptional performances by the Royal teams.

The table tennis (U20, U17), gymnastics (U20) and tennis (U20, U17) teams emerged victorious in the National School Games while chess (U20), carrom (U20, U17), karate (U20) teams were first runners up while basketball (U20) emerged second runners up.

Nadun Bandara broke his own record in the 110m hurdles event at the Senior Tarbat All Island Athletics meet, claiming the U18 championship, while sprinter Anupa Liyanagunawardane won the 100m race in style, clocking the best timing by a Royalist.

In addition, Royal successfully clinched several titles in all island events organized by the respective Schools Associations.

The Royal Tuskers claimed the Singer Schools Rugby League for the third consecutive year. The cricket team won the Division II one-day and two-day encounters and was named the Best Behaved Team. The athletics team was adjudged the best performing school and the basketball team was pronounced the Best Sports Team of the year 2018 at the Sports 1st Allianz Platinum Awards Ceremony.

The boxers emerged first runners-up in the renowned Stubbs Shield while the chess team cleaned up the Sri Lanka Schools Team Championship decisively.

The divers claimed the National Age Group Aquatic Championship, the Royal College Fencing team emerged runner-up at the Sri Lanka Schools Fencing Championship, while the All Island Squash Championship was also convincingly secured.

The Royal swimmers bagged second place at the annual two-mile sea swim and the tennis team emerged victorious at the All Island Public Schools Tennis Tournament.

The Royal College weightlifting team claimed the crown at the All Island Weightlifting Championship and the All Island Novices Championship.

The Police cadets platoon achieved second place at the all-island police camp while the air cadet wing emerged second in the all-island air force assessment camp.

The Royal College baseball team completed an unbeaten campaign in 2019 emerging as champions in the U20 All-Island Baseball Tournament. Most Royal sporting encounters easily grab the spotlight, seizing the attention of the media and thousands of spectators. In fact, the Bradby Shield encounter between Royal and Trinity draws the attention of over 20,000 spectators and is followed on media by over a million more.

In the 75th Bradby Shield held this year Royal won once again, retaining the shield for the fifth consecutive year.

Several matches against their traditional rivals S.Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia ended favourably for Royal including the limited over cricket tie for the Mustangs trophy, badminton for the Ranil Wijesekera Challenge trophy, the 50th Royal-Thomian Rowing Regatta for the T.N. Fernando memorial trophy which was won for the fifth consecutive year, the rugby encounter for the Michael Gunarathne trophy, the annual Royal-Thomian Scrabble encounter, the Royal-Thomian swimming meet for the Dr. Jey Gunasegaram trophy and the Water Polo clash for the Dr. R.L. Hayman trophy.

These champion teams comprised several individuals who have been outstanding this year.

Dumindu Abeywickrama secured a silver and a bronze medal at the South Asian U21 Badminton Championship and became the youngest Sri Lankan to win medals at the SAG (South Asian Games) in badminton.

Yuganan Baskeran got selected to represent the U17 National Basketball team.

Minul Doluweera, the former National chess champion, and 14-year-old Ishara Dahanayake were selected for the U20 World Junior Chess Championship.

Kamil Mishara was appointed captain of the Sri Lanka U19 cricket team and was crowned the Schoolboy Cricketer of the year.

Ahan Wickramasinghe and Kamil Mishara represented the Sri Lanka U19 team on the tour of West Indies.

Six sailors of the College crew were selected for the Sri Lanka Schools National team.

Shishan Prabudha was selected to represent the Sri Lanka U19 national football team in the SAFF football tournament.

Thehan Wijemanne and Dhilvan Herath represented Sri Lanka in tennis at the Junior Davis Cup qualifying round held in Thailand.

Kakolya Janmod won two gold and one silver medal in the 8th Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship and won the Asia Pacific Powerlifting Championship in Australia by bagging two gold and two silver medals. Royal rugby captain Thulaib Hassen led the Sri Lanka Under 20 team to victory in the Junior Asia Division 1 Rugby Championships alongside Royalists Fadhil Adahan, Kalindu Nandila, Lahiru Thilakarathne and Tuan Dilshan Jayah.

Ashinsa Herath and Agra Hewage represented Sri Lanka and Royal College in the Asia Junior U17 and U15 Badminton Championships.

Druvinka Perera secured a bronze medal in the Men’s Team event in squash at the 13th South Asian Games. Malaka Perera, Sanuda Samson, Sahan Samarasekara and Sanithu Peiris bagged six silver and five bronze medals at the 6th Mayors Cup. Janul de Silva emerged first runner-up at the WESPA Youth Cup 2019 in scrabble.

Vimuth Hettiarachchi represented Sri Lanka in the King of the Ring International Boxing Championship held in Sweden.

These Royalists have helped keep the blue and gold flag as well as the lion flag flying high. The College administration played a major role in the magnificent performances made by these Royalists spearheaded by the Principal B.A. Abeyratna.

He started his cricket at Richmond College Galle in 1981 at under 17 level, Nihal Gunawardene was his coach and Master in Charge. He was a natural athlete gifted with a physique like a Greek Adonis. He was a sea diver and a Soccer player.

I interviewed Champaka Ramanayake who lived not far away from my residence. He was an honest down to earth person. His talent was spotted when he played a softball match with boys who played leather ball cricket for Richmond and was invited for first eleven practices, then he was elevated to play for the first eleven cricket at the age of seven teen in 1982.

This was the blossoming of a medium paced seamer who adorned the club and test arena for many a year, he is now a reputed coach in Bangladesh.

Delving back, in 1982 Champika left school and joined Tamil Union at the age of 19.He was one of the pioneers who joined this club from Galle schools and Upul Chandana and Indika De Saram were some others. Champaka is ever grateful to Somasunderam Skandakumar who was like a father figure to them, who not only helped them in cricket but also found employment and lodgings to them. Ramanayake recollected the good times he had at one chummery in Aluthkade where ex Sri Lankan cricketer cum coach Ranjith Madurasinghe was also a lodger.

Although Ramanayake looked a gregarious character he was keen to mention that he was totally focussed on his cricket and not sideways interests.

At the Tamil Union his sole aim was to play for the country one day and stated that he was bowling at the nets like a crazy guy, he had energy to burn.

His coach was one Colonel Gunasekera a brother of late great C.I. Gunasekera, Champaka stated that Colonel Gunasekera was his first coach at Tamil Union.

At the age of 19, he got a call up to the National pool and that was in 1984.Within three years he was in the Sri Lanka squad.In 1985 he played against India in a practice match and Gavaskar, and Kapil Dev took part.The match was played in Sri Lanka.Ramanayake stamped his class as a class bowler.In 1986 he made his international debut against Pakistan where Imran Khan and Javed Miandad took part, Sri Lanka won the Asia cup that year.

Champaka’s pace bowling partners at the time were Vinodan John the big burly seamer and the tall 6 foot 4 inch Ravi Ratnayake.He played for Sri Lanka from 1986 to 1996, it also must be mentioned that Champaka was a seamer who extracted much life from the pitch.

He highlighted the fact that Brian Lara was an extremely gifted bat and so was late Martin Crowe who played a marathon innings of 299, Champaka stated that Crow had a solid defence together with all the strokes round the park and Ramanayake too bowled a marathon spell of 45 overs. Sachin Tendulkar was another that came to his mind, the little maestro’s consistency was his forte mentioned Champaka.

ARAVINDA DE SILVA

When inquired about the best batsman in Sri Lanka Champaka without batting an eye lid singled out Aravinda De Silva, he mentioned this with first hand knowledge because he has played with Aravinda and ability wise he was beyond par.

Sanga and Mahela were both class acts and consistency wise Sanga was better due to his sheer grit and determination to succeed and talent wise Mahela was the lord of the manor, Aravinda the great, had the sheer ability to take any bowler to the cleaners be it Kapil Dev, Imran Khan or any other greats spin or swing bowler noted Champaka Ramanayake concluding our first part of the interview.

Harsha Samaranayake, Senior General Manager - Brand and Media, Dialog Axiata PLC handing over the sponsorship cheque to Maj Gen Nirmal Dharmaratne , Chairman Army Para Sports Committee. Also in the picture (from left) Brigadier Roland Bogodawatte - Vice Chairman Army Para Sports Committee and Brigadier Raja Gunasekara,  Secretary Army Para Sport Committee.

The 22nd Army Para Games, powered by Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, is set to take place from December 27 to 29 at the Sugathadasa Stadium. This year a total of seven hundred differently-abled servicemen, from across eleven regiments, will battle it out for top honours in 12 disciplines; archery, badminton, cycling, shooting, table tennis, power lifting, wheelchair marathon, wheelchair tennis, swimming, beach volleyball, Para Rowing and athletics.

Dialog Axiata has been a long-standing partner of the Sri Lanka Army Para Games over the years as a part of its philosophy for inclusion and empowerment, and to give wing to differently-abled personnel to excel on the national and international stage.

Maj Gen Nirmal Dharmaratne, Deputy Chief of Staff and Chairman Army Para Games Committee stated that “This time Army Para Games covers 60 track and field events where elite Para athletes will compete in International standards. Para Sports have also become a process of rehabilitating soldiers with physical impairments while providing an opportunity for servicemen to display their exceptional sport skills.”

Over the years the games have evolved to include governing bodies such as the National Paralympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee, and are conducted and limited to three primary segments; those visually and physically impaired, and the wheel chair category.

The athletes are provided with the necessary equipment, coaches, and other requirements to assist the athletes in their journey forward under the guidance of Lieutenant-General L. H. S. C. Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc - Commander of the Sri Lanka Army. Under the leadership and direction of Major General N. A. Dharmaratne WWV RWP RSP ndu psc - President, Army Para Games, arrangements have been made to hold the event in a grand scale. The inaugural ceremony of the Games will be held on December 27th, 2019 from 8.30 am and the closing ceremony will take place on 29th, December 2019 at 3.00 pm

A splendid 104 runs by Lara Fernando of Aluthgama Vidyalaya helped them to beat Henegama Vidyalaya by 131 runs on first innings in their inter school under 13 division two tournament cricket match played at Kirindiwela.

Lara hit eleven four sand seven sixes and occupied the crease for 65 minutes and faced 54 balls. Batting first Aluthgama Vidyalaya scored 270 runs. Sheshan Santhuka missed a well deserved century by three runs. In reply Henegama Vidyalaya made 139 runs with Malith Lasantha scoring 44 runs and Thushan Pumika had a fine bowling spell of 5 for 10 and at stumps Aluthgama Vidyalaya were 72 fr 6 and Oshanda bagged 5 for 42 with Lara scoring a breezy 52 runs.

Aluthgama Vidyalya 270 in 44.4 overs (Lara Fernando 104, Shesha Santhuka 97 n/o, Shehan Dinusha 31, Dinuth Udayanga 3/53, Malith Yasantha 2/23, Avishan Vimukthi 2/22, Oshanda 2/70 and 72/6 Oshanda 5/42.

Henegama Vidyalaya 139 in 38.3 overs (Malitha Lasantha 44, Dinej Udayanga 28, Thushan Pumika 5/10, Lara Fernando 2/20, Umantha Akash 2/14).

The medal winners of the recently concluded 13th South Asian Games will receive rupees 414 lakhs from the Sports Ministry . Sports Minister Dullas Alahapperuma has already decided to recognise SAG athletes achievements in Kathmandu.

This time Sri Lankan athletes won a record number of 40 gold medals , 83 silver and 128 bronze . According to the Sports Minister a gold medal winner will receive rupees three lakhs silver medal winner rupees two lakhs and bronze medal winner rupees one lakh.

India once again came on top with 174 gold, 93 silver and 45 bronze medals while host Nepal ended up in the second place with 51 gold, 60 silver and 95 bronze medals . Sri Lanka became third with 40 gold, 83 silver and 128 bronze to pocket 251 medals winning more medals in athletics than India for the first time.

More than 550 athletes took part at this SAG while the highest number of 15 gold from athletics with seven gold from swimming and 4 from Taekwondo.

Champion swimmer Mathew Abeysinghe won the highest number of seven golds for Sri Lanka while Dilshi Kumarasinghe the up and coming athlete from Digana won three gold medals in athletes.

According to the Sports Ministry rupees120 lakhs for the 40 gold medals , rupees 166 lakhs for the 83 silver medals and 128 lakhs for the 128 bronze medals will be awarded for athletes.

However for the team events , athletic relay events and swimming relay events this prize money will be divided equally among players of the winning teams.

The felicitation ceremony to mark the South Asian Games achievements will be held in first week of January 2020 with the participation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

A day-night five a side football tournament organized by the Ratgama Red Robin sports club will be worked off at the Ratgama Public playground on December 25 from 10 a.m. onwards.

The tournament is open to participants countrywide, the organizers said.

The winners will be entitled to a cash prize of Rs 30, 000 while the runners up will receive Rs. 20, 000.

There will also be special prizes for the best player and the best goal keeper.

Further details can be obtained on mobile 076 – 351 73 76 or 077 – 164 8138.

Skipper Virat Kohli smashed 85 to help India pull off a nervous chase of 316 to win the third one-day international by four wickets against West Indies and clinch the series on Sunday.

India relied on a key 58-run sixth-wicket stand between Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, unbeaten on 39 off 31 balls, to achieve their target with eight balls to spare in Cuttack.

Paceman Keemo Paul claimed three wickets, including that of Kohli in the 47th over, before Jadeja and Shardul Thakur, 17 not out, took the team home and win the series 2-1.

Rohit Sharma, who made 63, and KL Rahul, on 77, lay the foundation of the team’s chase with their opening partnership of 122 after the West Indies posted 315 for five.

West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran put together 135 runs for the fifth wicket to lift their side from 144 for four to a fighting total.

Pollard remained unbeaten on 74 off 51 deliveries after Pooran hit an attacking 89 to pulverise the Indian bowling in the last 10 overs that got West Indies 118 runs.

In response Kohli, who made India bowl first after winning the toss, batted with conviction despite wickets falling from the other end to make the second-ranked ODI side finish the year on a high.

Jason Holder got Sharma caught behind and Alzarri Joseph sent Rahul trudging back to the pavilion after his second successive score of 50 plus. He made 102 in India’s series-levelling second ODI.

But Kohli kept up the attack during his 81-ball knock despite wickets falling at the other end before chopping a wide delivery on the off side onto his stumps.

Thakur then hit two fours and a six in his six-ball cameo to bring the packed house back to life as he celebrated the win with Jadeja.

India paceman Navdeep Saini claimed two wickets after being handed his ODI cap by Kohli.

The 27-year-old Saini got his maiden ODI wicket after sending the dangerous Shimron Hetmyer back to the pavilion for 37.

Hetmyer’s wicket ended a 62-run third-wicket stand with Roston Chase who was bowled by a toe-crushing yorker from Saini for 38 to hurt the West Indies.

But Pooran counter attacked and completed his second successive fifty with a six off left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who went wicketless after coming into the game with 99 scalps.

He hit 10 fours and three sixes in his knock that lasted 64 balls before falling to Shardul Thakur with a mistimed hit to deep point.

Pant dropped three catches to give Chase (on nought), Hetmyer (on nine) and Pooran (on 52) extended stays at the wicket.

India will next host Sri Lanka for a three-match Twenty20 series starting January 5. Australia will also travel to India for three ODI matches starting January 14.

AFP

Students of Ram Karate Society, Akkaraipattu secured 39 medals including 12 gold medals, 15 silver medals and 12 bronze medals at the Shoto Cup Karate Championship -2019 which was conducted by the Sri Lanka Shotokan Karate DO Federation at the Sugathadasa

Indoor Stadium recently.

Over 1,600 competitors both men and women categories from 6 to 21 ages from Nine Provinces competed in Kata, Kumite and Group Kata events at the championship.

The coaching team was headed by well known coach and founder of Ram Karate Society, Akkaraipattu Sihan K. Kendramoorthy, assisted by chief coaches Sensei K.Rajendraparsath, Sensei K.Sarankan, Senior Instructors Sensei M.B.Zainulabdeen, and Sensei M.Muraleeswaran.

Winners and their coaches were congratulated by the parents.

Virat Kohli declared it “a great year” for India cricket after ending 2019 on a high with a series-clinching win over the West Indies.

The India captain’s masterful 85 set up a successful 316-run chase on Sunday to win the third one-day international by four wickets and complete a 2-1 series triumph.

Kohli’s side end the year ranked number one in Tests and second in ODIs, with the only regret being a World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand at Old Trafford in July.

“Apart from the 30 minutes in the World Cup, it’s been a great year,” Kohli said after his team’s win in Cuttack.

“We’ll keep chasing that ICC trophy. But apart from that, the way we’ve played has been satisfying.” India lead the new world Test championship table with three series sweeps away to the West Indies and at home against South Africa and Bangladesh.

Kohli ended the year with 1,377 runs in 26 ODIs, behind swashbuckling opener Rohit Sharma who topped the season’s batting chart with 1,490 runs including seven centuries.

But it was India’s fast bowlers who stood out with pace and control -- even on spin-friendly Indian pitches.

Pace spearhead Mohammed Shami led the 2019 world wicket-taking charts with 42 in 21 ODIs. New Zealand’s Trent Boult was next with 38 scalps.

Kohli was full of praise for his quicks across all formats despite the recent absence of yorker specialist Jasprit Bumrah who has been unavailable due to a stress fracture of the back since September.

“Having a bunch of fast bowlers who can bowl out any opposition anywhere, them taking the attention away from the spinners in India is a huge achievement,” said Kohli.

India will next host Sri Lanka for a three-match Twenty20 series starting January 5 followed by Australia for three ODI matches starting January 14.

India then tour New Zealand for five Twenty20 internationals, three ODIs and two Tests in January-February.

- AFP

GOLD COAST: A “stoked” Adam Scott won his first tournament in almost four years Sunday, keeping his cool on the back nine of the European Tour co-sanctioned Australian PGA Championship to clinch a two-shot victory.

The Australian world number 18 had posted more than 20 top-10 finishes since his last success at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in March 2016 and, in front of his home crowd at Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, sank a birdie on the 14th and an eagle at the next to hold off New Zealander Michael Hendry.

It was Scott’s second Australian PGA title after romping to victory in 2013 ahead of American Rickie Fowler, and partly made amends for his bitter disappointment at being on the losing team at last week’s Presidents Cup.

“After a good save on 12 it was time to do something, I was behind,” said Scott after a three under par 69 gave him a 13-under winning total of 275.

“There were opportunities for everyone and I was the one who took them today.

“I’m stoked with it, it’s been a long time coming. I’m really happy to win another PGA here,” he added.

The 39-year-old, who grew up on the Gold Coast, credited the crowd support for helping him finally get back into the winner’s circle.

“The support has been great, I’ve had friends and family here, a lot of familiar faces out there, a lot of familiar voices yelling at me,” he said.

“It was really fun and caps off a nice year for me. I drew on my experience.

“I’ve been seeing good things in my game for eight or nine months really,” he added.

“Belief is a big thing and eventually you just have to get it done and today was my opportunity.” A gutsy Hendry, who has been struggling with a rib injury, had a one-stroke lead at the 10th, but a bogey-bogey finish ruined his card.

He was fortunate to get through the day with the injury having got progressively worse through the week, causing him discomfort at the top of the backswing.

A group of five players tied for third, three behind Scott, including young Chinese big-hitter Yuan “Carl” Yechun and Australian Wade Ormsby.

Defending champion Cameron Smith finished with a 70 to end his tournament six adrift of Presidents Cup teammate Scott, while American 2009 Open Championship winner Stewart Cink hit a final round 71 to end his first Australian tournament in 16 years nine off the pace. AFP

Sri Sumangala College Panadura and Gamini National School Bentota won matches in their fixtures of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 inter Schools Cricket tournament yesterday.

Sri Sumangala College beat Royal Panadura by 9 wickets and Gamini National School beat Madampagama Central College by 83 runs.

Match drawn between Anuradhapura Central and Taxila Central College Horana at Horana.

* At Panadura (Sri Sumangala Panadura won by 9 wickets)

Royal Panadura: 112 (32) (Tharusha Nethsara 29, Vishwa Kumara 4/28, Heshan Uvinda 3/2) and 64 (21.1) (Anuka Jayasinghe 6/13)

Sri Sumangala Panadura: 153 (29.5) (Tharana De Silva 55, Hasantha Warunajith 5/52, Milinda Kaluge 2/10, Imesh Thiran 2/24) and 27/1 (2.3)

* At Horana (Anuradhapura Central won first inning)

Anuradhapura Central: 129 (44.5) (Lasantha Lakshan 36, Suneth Cooray 29, Yohan Chathuranga 22, Thisara Sachinthana 6/32, Seneth Vinvinu 4/48) and 118/8 (58) (Ashmika Prabodana 34, Sachintha Sandeepa 22, Sasanka Adeepa 2/17, Seneth Vinvinu 2/31)

Taxila Central Horana: 109 (7/1 o/n) (44.3) (Umesh Prasad 32, Seneth Vinvinu 23, Dimuthu Dananjaya 4/13, Lahiru Gethanjana 3/09, Yohan Chathuranga 2/28)

* At Bentota (Gamini NS Bentota won by 83 runs)

Gamini NS: 116 (27.2) (Umesh Vinujaya 51, Malsha Tharupathi 4/20, Kavindu Viduranga 2/18, Chavindu Achintha 2/21, Kavindya Sureshana 2/25) and 110 (10/0 o/n) (48) (Amantha Santhoosh 27, Uwesh Vinujaya 24, Chavindu Achintha 8/31, Malka Tharupathi 2/54)

Madampa Central Kuleegoda: 57 (32.2) (Sahan Pansilu 4/7, Sakun Adeesha 2/9, Chamil Kithmal 2/11) and 86 (31.1) (Chamod Dilhara 27, Isuru Jehan 4/9, Sahan Pansilu 4/25, Thamila Kithmal 2/18)

On day One

* At Campbel Place. Nalanda Colombo: 174 (55) (Avishka Perera 75, Raveen De Silva 32 n.o., Mahima Weerakoon 24, Lakshitha Purasinghe 5/43, Pasindu Dimuditha 3/31)

Dharmapala Pannipitiya: 78/6 (32.2) (Praveen Kumarapperuma 21, Vihanga Gunarathne 21, Dineth Samaraweera 2/20, Jithesh Wasala 2/24)

* At Maradana. Zahira Colombo: 93 (31.4) (Minthaka Iduwara 4/33, Denuwana Mendis 3/10) and 12/2 (8) (Rahul Gunasekara 2/9)

Wesley Colombo: 176 (47.4) (Sahil Dias 32, Sidath Darmasiriwardena 31, Thenuka Perera 30, Anudith Wickramasinghe 21, Imtiaz Slasa 5/56, Rahith Rizwan 2/9, Mohomed Dilhan 2/28)

* At Dombagoda. Thurstan Colombo: 237/9 (74) (Jayavihan Mahavithana 82, Bhawantha Jayasinghe 65, Dhananjaya Silva 37 n.o., Punthila Kumara 26, Nisal Akash 3/52, Pawantha Weerasinghe 2/32) Vs

Mahanama Colombo

* At Kandana. St. Aloysius Galle: 91 (34.3) (Archana Udugampola 34, Shenash Fernando 5/20, Pramod Rajamunindra 3/8, Asitha Silva 2/41) and 0/0 (1)

De Mazenod Kandana: 214 (54.5) (Lester Jayaweera 67, Shenas Fernanso 33, Saliya Jude 31, Mithul Senarathne 28, Ruvin Fonseka 25, Dulmina Dasun 6/52, Sandun Madushanka 2/48)

* At BRC. Isipathana: 253 (78) (Damindu Rathnayake 81, Leshan Amarasinghe 69, Kasun Edirithilaka 5/72)

St. Sylvester’s Kandy: 45/1 (15)

* At Moratuwa. Moratu Vidyalaya: 95 (44.1) (Nimnaka Jayathilaka 62, Chamalka Pushpakumara 31, Nimnaka Jayathilaka 6/25, Gihan Ebert 2/18, Sachith Hirudika 2/29)

St. Anthony’s Kandy: 99/6 (46) (Mohommed Kamil 42, Prabath Sachin 29, Eran Hansamal 3/22, Dilan Tharaka 2/10)

* At Kurunegala. Devapathiraja Rathgama: 236 (68.3) (Pawan Sandesh 98, Sudeera Weerarathne 43, Kalpa Chethiya 37, Shehan Hasaranga 20, Matheesha Weerasinghe 2/14, Jayamin Muthukumarana 2/28)

Maliyadeva Kurunegala: 110/2 (31) (Muditha Premadasa 54 n.o., Chaluka Athapaththu 42)

* At Matara. St. Thomas Matara: 213 (78.2) (Harindu Jayasekara 73, Hirantha Lakshan 58, Saviru Bandara 5/40, Janidu Jayawardhane 2/29)

Ananda Colombo: 23/3 (14)

* At Kalutara. St. John’s Jaffna: 285 (73.3) (T. Dinoshan 83, N. Sowmiyan 78, K. Sabesan 34, S. Piranavan 34, A. Saraan 28, Nikil Sahasmika 3/47, Rohan Sanjaya 2/65, Danuka Nishad 2/98)

Tissa Central Kalutara: 48/3 (15.3) (Rohan Sanjaya 21 n.o., T. Dinoshan 3/18)

* At Veyangoda. President’s Maharagama: 90 (33.1) (Larindu Lakshan 38, Induwara Panhas 4/15, Movindu Lomitha 2/9, Arana Dabare 2/21) and 76/3 (18) (Chathuranga Ekanayake 32, Supun Deshantha 22 n.o., Aruna Dabare 2/23)

Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda: 157 (38.5) (Nipun Santhush 46, Movindu Lomitha 42, Minsara Kulathunga 29, Arana Dabare 20, Gaveen Weditha 4/23, Chathuranga Ekanayake 3/38, Jayuka Kadananyake 2/43)

* At Pelawatte. S.Thomas’ Bandarawela: 250/9 decl. (55.3) (Savith Basnayake 114, Anidu Rathnayake 58, Mohommed Mafas 23, Charith Hasaranga 6/41, Tharindu Dhannjaya 2/57)

Wanduramba Central: 65/5 (30) (Pasindu Arthur 37, Gayantha Silva 2/15)

* At Godigamuwa. St.Thomas Matale: 90 (30.4) (Kavishka Lakshan 23, Chathuka Nimsara 20, Sandaruwan Chinthaka 6/22, Lucas Teyzer 2/25)

Galahitiyawa Central: 126/8 (29) (Niluka Dilshan 22, Sapuna Sarudika 3/30, Tisun Subasinghe 2/42)

* At Gampaha. Revatha Balapitiya: 129 (30.2) (Pehesara De Silva 21, Kaveesha Mendis 20, Sithija Silva 2/10, Kavishka Jayawardhne 2/26, Dilith Kumarasinghe 2/41) and 63/0 (9) (Kaveesha Mendis 32 n.o., Chamara Janasanka 30 n.o.)

Bandaranayake Gampaha: 240 (50.3) (Sithija Silva 79, Vinujaya Hettiarachchi 52, Mindula Weerasinghe 21, Dinura Perera 3/69, Sudesh De Silva 3/71, Kaveesha Mendis 2/31)

* At Piliyanadala. Piliyandala Central: 225/7 (79) (Jamith Dilshan 67, Ruchira Adikari 53 n.o., Ashen Rodrigo 22, Chamod Sandaru 21, Kaveesh Sathsara 5/59) vs

P. De S. Kularathne Ambalangoda

* At Giriulla. President’s Kotte: 171 (45.2) (Yuneth Senavirathne 30, Akila Roshan 26, Shenan Kesara 26, Sithum Kalhara 22, Isuru Uthpala 5/28, S. A. Pramod 2/4)

St. Peter’s Negombo: 186/4 (50) (Pasindu Navod 81, Lasith Nisalanka 41, Mohommed Fawshan 33, Chanuka Nimesh 23)

* At Rathgama. CWW Kannangara Central College, Mathugama: 48 (35.2) (Dulara Nimsara 3/04, Imaga Imangana 3/11, Nadeera Ishan 3/11)

Vidyaloka Galle: 49/4 (16) (D. S. Priyashan 2/25)

* At Kalutara. Sri Palee Horana: 144 (58.1) (Madushka Nayanamal 41, Himansa Nawanjana 28, Sithum Nimnaka 35 n.o., Madushan Chathuranga 3/27, Maleesha Pahan 2/22, Adeesha Methmina 2/28)

Welapura MV Kalutara: 59/6 (28) (C. A. Wanniarachchi 2/3, Lahiru Vithana 2/11)

* At Railway ground Colombo. St. Thomas Kotte: 230 (79) (Janith Perera 91, Tharushika Ashelya 74, Viranga Yeshan 4/41, Tharindu Nethsara 2/5)

Carey Colombo: 71/4 (21) (Nisitha Damshith 22, Achintha Kavinda 2/9). YK

KARACHI Monday: Pakistan celebrated the return of Test cricket for the first time in over 10 years with a convincing 263-run win over Sri Lanka in the second Test in Karachi on Monday, taking the series 1-0.

It took just 14 minutes and 16 ball for Pakistan to wrap up the win on the fifth morning as they took Sri Lanka's last three wickets without any addition to their overnight 212.

Pakistan had set a daunting 476-run target on Sunday and reduced the tourists to 212-7 at the close.

Pakistan's cricket captain Azhar Ali holds trophy after winning the second Test cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi on December 23, 2019.  AFP

Teenage quick bowler Naseem Shah at 16 years and 307 days became the second youngest bowler to take five wickets in a Test innings as he bowled an express spell to finish with 5-31.

Fellow Pakistani and left-arm spinner Nasim-ul-Ghani holds the record and was just four days younger when he completed the feat against the West Indies at Georgetown in a 1957-58 series.

Naseem was aged six when international cricket was suspended in Pakistan following an attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009. Pakistan were forced to play all their home matches at the neutral venues of United Arab Emirates, before improved security allowed them to begin hosting limited-over series over the past four years. The first Test of the series in Rawalpindi marked the return of Test cricket in Pakistan, but it ended in a draw after being spoiled by bad weather.

Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali thanked Sri Lanka for their part in allowing Test cricket to return.

“Special thanks to Sri Lanka from the bottom of our hearts,” said Azhar. “They have given us immense happiness by playing in Pakistan, it was pretty emotional.

“Naseem is a special talent and we can build on our bowling attack in the years to come.” Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne praised Pakistan.

“We dominated the first two days and then they batted very well and put pressure back on us and outplayed us. We couldn't build pressure with the ball despite taking a lead of 80,” said Karunaratne.

Pakistan turned the match on its head with a huge second innings 555-3 declared on Sunday, with 174 from man-of-the match and man-of-the series Abid Ali, 135 from Shan Masood, 118 from Azhar and 100 not out from Babar Azam as the top four all reached three figures.

Abid had also scored hundred in the first Test.

The final day began in a dramatic manner when Naseem dismissed Lasit Embuldeniya off the first ball, catching his gloves on the way to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. From the other end leg-spinner Yasir Shah had Oshada Fernando caught in the slip for his overnight score of 102 after a 180-ball knock that contained 13 boundaries.

Naseem wrapped up the match by trapping Vishwa Fernando with the fifth ball of the next over, triggering jubilation among the Pakistan players who were all playing in their first Test series at home.

It is Pakistan's first series win at home against Sri Lanka since 1992.

The win lifts Pakistan to third in the World Test Championship table with 80 points. Pakistan got 60 points from the win and 20 from the first Test draw.

India (360) and Australia (216) are currently first and second. Nine teams are competing in the Championship, with the top two contesting the final in June 2021. AFP

Four Sri Lankan women rowers, rowed their boat to a bronze, extending their medal tally to two, after winning a record-breaking silver, on Saturday (21), at the Asian Cup, in Pattaya, Thailand, on Sunday.

Dimuth Gunewardena, the secretary to the Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka (ARASL), told the Daily News, the second win was achieved in the Girls Open Quadruple Scull.

It’s noteworthy that, the silver won on Saturday was the maiden medal for the country, in an Asian arena, and this bronze giving the cream on the cake.

The four women, from Army, had finished behind hosts Thailand and heavyweights China.

Despite hiring down a Russian Olympic athlete, as the coach, Gunewardena fired at the National Olympic Committee (NOC) for their lack of support.

“We did not get any help from NOC,” he said.

Saturday’s silver comes as the first such major achievement in the association’s 150-year history.

The ARASL had sent a contingent of ten athletes, including half-a-dozen men.

“All international matches are rode over two-kilometres,” Gunawardena concluded.

The four winners are: Tharika-Weerasinghe (stroke) Maeshi-Liyange-(Three) Kanchchana-Weerakoon (Two) Anuradha-Soorasena (Bow).

Chilaw Marians CC, Police SC and Galle CC won matches in the last day of the first round fixtures of the "Invitation Limited Over Tournament" conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday.

Chilaw Marians CC beat NCC by 5 wickets at NCC and Police SC beat Sri Lanka Ports Authority CC by 4 wickets at Police Park. Galle CC beat Kandy Custom SC by 34 runs according to D/L method at Galle.

Kamindu Mends (Chilaw Marians CC) shown good all-round performances against NCC.

* At NCC (Chilaw Marians CC won by 5 wickets)

Nondescripts CC: 173 (44.5) (Chathuranga De Silva 40, Pethum Nissanka 36, Mahela Udawatte 30, Sahan Arachchige 20, Kamindu Mendis 5/33, Arun Melayil 2/34)

Chilaw Marians CC: 177/5 (40.4) (Rumesh Buddhika 53, Kamindu Mendis 31 n.o., Lasith Croospulle 28, Shehan Jayasuriya 25, Pulina Tharanga 22 n.o.)

* At Police Park Colombo (Police SC won by 4 wickets)

Sri Lanka Ports Authority CC: 161 (49.3) (Supun Kavinda 54, Mithila Aravinda 27, Amoda Vidanapathirana 21, Prashan Wickramasinghe 20, Asel Sigera 4/18, Supun Madusanka 3/27, Mohommed Faheem 2/47)

Police SC: 162/6 (44.2) (Dulash Udayanga 35, V. A. Indulkar 30, Asel Sigera 27, Lakshan Rodrigo 21, Chanaka Komasaru 2/23)

* At Galle (Galle CC won by 34 runs according D/L method)

Kandy Customs SC: 147 (45.1) (Chrishen Aponso 47, Akeel Inham 20, Saranga Rajaguru 2/12, Kavika Dilshan 2/25, Abid Hasan 2/29)

Galle CC: 83/2 (22) (Mansoor Amjad 51 n.o.). YK

Prior to the commencement of the two-Test series we said that Pakistan at home would be a different kettle of fish and so it was proved at Karachi on Monday when they swept to a comprehensive 263-run win in the second Test to take the two-match series 1-0 and earn their first points in the ICC World Test Championships.

Pakistan had come prepared for their first home series in a decade on the back of two heavy defeats at the hands of Australia Down Under. Being their first home Test series since 2009 Pakistan were keen to impress and so they did in style. Following a disappointing washout at Rawalpindi in the first Test where bad weather allowed only 167 overs out of a possible 450 to be bowled, the two teams arrived in sunny Karachi for a series decider.

Sri Lanka began well with their bowlers dismissing the strong Pakistan batting line-up for a mere 191 and then gaining a first innings lead of 80 by scoring 271. However from here with the pitch showing signs of settling down Pakistan took control of the Test. A record double century opening stand between Shan Masood and Abid Ali, all but knocked the fight out of the Lankans who from that stage onwards trailed behind Pakistan.

Abid Ali an exciting find for Pakistan having scored his maiden Test hundred in the Rawalpindi Test and thus creating a record as the only batsman in cricket history to score a debut century in ODIs and Tests carried that excellent form into the Karachi Test to score a career best 174. With Masood (135), skipper Azhar Ali (118) and Babar Azam (100 n.o.) all contributing centuries Pakistan established another new milestone of the top four batsmen scoring hundreds – a feat that had been achieved only once by India against Bangladesh at Mirpur in 2007.

Pakistan rattled off a massive 555-3 declared in their second innings with the inexperienced Lankan attack (with the exception of off-spinner Dilruwan Perera) utterly helpless as the Pakistani batsmen feasted on some inconsistent line and length bowling.

Faced with an enormous task of chasing down 476 runs in the fourth innings, the Lankan batting simply crumbled against the pace assault of Pakistan’s young quicks Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Abbas. From the moment these bowlers took the ball into their hands it became a totally different ball game. From the way these bowlers beat the bat so consistently and made the batsmen commit mistakes it looked as if Sri Lanka were batting on a different surface and not the one where not so long ago Pakistan had piled up a total in excess of 500.

The difference was that the Pakistani bowlers were far more disciplined than the Lankans and bowled a fine stump line making the batsmen play all the time. They hardly delivered a loose ball and even if they did the target was too enormous they could still afford the luxury of giving away a few runs.

While wickets were falling all around him only Oshada Fernando pushed into the opener’s slot for the first time stood tall taking on the Pakistan quicks bravely to post his maiden Test century playing in only his fourth match. The only other century for Sri Lanka in the series came from Dhananjaya de Silva who seems suited to bat at number six.

Niroshan Dickwella consolidated his position as wicket-keeper/batsman in the Test side with a breezy half-century batting the only way he knows with a mixture of sweeps and reverse sweeps that have now become part of his repertoire.

With Dickwella batting at seven the Lankan batting looks very solid with Karunaratne, Fernando, Mendis, Mathews, Chandimal, De Silva and Dickwella. But the big question is at least three of them must deliver and go big not just one as it was the case in the two Tests.

The biggest disappointments were Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal the two most senior batters in the side, and Kusal Mendis who has become an enigma despite the raving comments he has got from experts and past cricketers. A lot was expected from Mathews and Chandimal (the latter making a return to international cricket since January this year) in the middle order but apart from a solitary half-century from Chandimal there was hardly any contributions to crow about. Their failures coupled with captain Dimuth Karunaratne being unable to play one of his big knocks placed undue pressure on the rest of the batting.

What this series clearly indicated was that Sri Lanka lacked the experience in bowling to win matches unless there was some help from the pitch. The retirement of Rangana Herath, has placed an extra burden on Dilruwan Perera who was quite effective when bowling in tandem with the great left-armer. Sri Lanka also missed the experience of Suranga Lakmal who was struck down by dengue and had to forego the tour thus making the bowling attack totally inadequate to tackle such high class batsmen like Babar Azam, Azhar Ali and Abid Ali on surfaces that do not offer help.

Despite the result what Sri Lanka’s tours to Pakistan has done is opened the doors for international cricket to return to the country that has been starved of such entertainment for the past decade or so. They couldn’t have asked for a better start than this.