Harare, Monday: Donald Tiripano struck early to remove Oshada Fernando and complete an excellent second day of the first Test for Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka in Harare.

The 31-year-old seamer had earlier made a handy 44 not out batting at number eight as Zimbabwe advanced from their overnight 189 for two to 358 all out.

Left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya, playing in his sixth Test, was the stand-out bowler with five for 114.

When bad light stopped play for the day, Sri Lanka had reached 42 for the loss of Fernando who had his off stump flattened by Tiripano’s very first delivery.

Dimuth Karunaratne will resume on 12 and Kusal Mendis on six.

The day began with Zimbabwe Craig Ervine well set on 55 and looking for his third Test century.

The 34-year-old progressed comfortably to 85 until pace bowler Suranga Lakmal nipped one through his defence shortly before lunch.

It was the third wicket to fall during the morning as Lakmal also produced a full inswinger to have Brendan Taylor leg before for 21 and Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams edged left-arm spinner Embuldeniya to Niroshan Dickwella behind the stumps.

The left-armer spinner removed Regis Chakabva shortly after lunch but Sikandar Raza and Tiripano then both settled in.

Raza fell for a flighty 41, stumped by Dickwella as he charged at Embuldeniya, who also bowled Kyle Jarvis.

Ainsley Ndlovu was brilliantly snapped up at short-leg by Kusal Mendis off Lahiru Kumara. Lakmal dismissed last man Victor Nyauchi just after the delayed break to finish with three for 53, leaving Tiripano undefeated on 44.

The two-Test tour was only announced by the Sri Lankan cricket board last week.

Zimbabwe were readmitted as an ICC member last October following a three-month suspension over political interference. The Sri Lanka games represent their first Tests since a 1-1 series draw in Bangladesh in November 2018.

Zimbabwe last played a Test at home against the West Indies in October 2017.

AFP

Sri Lankan young sensation Matheesha Pathirana, on Sunday, bowled a delivery which was recorded at 175kph - clearly, the fastest ball bowled in recorded history by many a mile.

In Bloemfontein on Sunday, in what turned out to be a disappointing game for Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket team as they went down to India by 90 runs in their World Cup opener, one particular moment might have brought home a world record for the Islanders. In the 4th over of the Indian innings, fast bowler Pathirana bowled a wide delivery to Yashasvi Jaiswal, which was recorded at 175kph (108mph), making it the fastest recorded ball ever bowled in international cricket - across all levels.

Even though the umpire signaled a wide, the speed-gun recorded the astronomical pace of the delivery as it zoomed past Jaiswal and into the wicketkeeper’s gloves. Before this, the fastest ever recorded delivery in international cricket was bowled by former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar when he let one rip at 161.3kph (100mph) in an ODI vs England during the World Cup 2003.

Other bowlers who bowled over the 160kph mark were: 161.1kph: Shaun Tait, ODI v England in 2010 at Lord’s, 161.1kph: Brett Lee, ODI v NZ in 2005 at Napier.

Though fears of a technical error haunting the speed-gun started surfacing, there has been no official denial or correction from the ICC regarding the same. This means that the 17-year-old Pathirana can for now lay claim to the world record.

However, this is not the first time that Pathirana has grabbed headlines owing to his bowling. The lanky pacer’s action which seems to be modeled on that of the great Lasith Malinga took 6 wickets for just 7 runs in a college game in September 2019. Playing for Trinity College, Kandy, Pathirana could be seen bowling deadly yorkers to fox the batsmen.

Right offspinner Manuja Dulneth steered Rahula College Matara to win over St. Sebastian’s College Katuneriya by 8 wickets in their ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 inter Schools Cricket match at Katuneriya yesterday.

Manuja Dulneth took 13 wickets for 91 runs.

* At Katuneriya (Rahula Matara won by 8 wickets)

St. Sebastian’s Katuneriya: 82 (35.3) (Senura Demal 22, Manuja Dulneth 6/24, Chamod Battage 4/39) and 162 (56.5) (Dulaj Ashen 77, Nimesh Maduranga 21, Sithum Akalanka 20, Manuja Dulneth 7/67, Chamod Battage 2/45)

Rahula Matara: 178 (56.5) (Binara Sanketh 61, Bhagya Ediriweera 24, Sithum Akilanka 5/74, Dulaj Ashen 2/10) and 68/2 (16) (Bagya Ediriweera 30, Lakindu Chamodya 24, Binara Sanketh 23 n.o.)

On day One

* At MRICS Hambantota. Gurukula Kelaniya: 127 (51.2) (Rashmika Mewan 43, Likshan Sasanga 30, Praveen Nimesh 21, Sudeera Weerarathne 5/50, Irushka Thimira 3/34)

Devapathiraja Rathgama: 64/6 (41) (Dinitha Prabhanka 27, Sasitha Ashan 3/7, Thushara Sankalpa 3/14)

*At Bandaragama. Vidyaloka Galle: 108 (49.5) (Ramuditha Disal 40, Senith Praveen 23, Nadeera Ishan 25, Jayuka Sathmindu 4/22, Jithen Kalhara 3/13, Sandeepa Kumarasinghe 2/42)

Presidents Maharagama: 146/4 (44) (Chathuranga Ekanayake 86)

* At Godigamuwa. Christ King Ja-Ela: 204 (56.2) (Rashmika Hirushan 100, Udan Ravindu 20, Vidath Suriyabandara 4/24, Mishen Rashmina 4/42)

Maris Stella Thimbirigaskatuwa: 80/6 (28.5) (Thenuk Vinvara 22, Dinuka Nimesh 21, Rajkumar Sooriyaarachchi 4/16, Udan Ravindu 2/17)

* At Railway ground Colombo. De la Salle Colombo: 223 (45.1) (Santhush Soyza 57, Vishmitha Kaveesha 37, Thevindra Gimhana 31, Buddhika Bandara 31, Aveesha Weerarathne 2/11, Vihanga Geemantha 2/21, Dinura Wanigasekara 2/21, Soheil Noor 2/23)

Carey Colombo: 175/9 (51) (Mohommed Nabil 36, Aveesha Weerarathne 35, Theekshana Abeyrathne 34, Kavindu Gimsara 5/55)

* At Pelawatte. S.Thomas’ Bandarawela: 255 (73.4) (Kavindu Nimesha 53, M Mafas 45, Yesith Abimana 43, Rasindu Bandara 22, Kavindu Bhashitha 3/64, Nawanjana Hennayake 2/29)

Dharmadutha Maha Vidyalaya, Badulla: 33/3 (19) (Nethmal Kalhara 2/14)

* At Naula. President’s Kotte: 227/5 (69) (Ashan Wagarachhchi 87 n.o., Akila Roshan 83, Thilanka Kumarathunge 3/38) Vs Sri Rahula Katugastota. YK

Chilaw Marians CC will meet CCC in the final of the SLC Major T20 Inter Clubs Cricket tournament conduct by Sri Lanka Cricket at SSC today.

26 Club teams were participated in this tournament in four groups.

CCC was runner up with 5 wins in group ‘D’. CCC beat Kandy Custom CC, Nugegoda SC, Ports Authority SC, BRC and Lankan CC in the first round. Ragama CC beat CCC in the league round. CCC beat Baduraliya CC in the quarterfinal and they beat NCC in the semifinal.

Chilaw Marians CC was champion with 4 wins in group ‘C’. They beat Kurunegala YCC, Negombo CC, Lankan CC and Air Force SC in the first round. Army CC beat Chilaw Marians in the league round. Chilaw Marians beat Panadura SC in the quarterfinal and they beat Ragama CC in the semifinal.

Shehan Jayasoorya will lead Chilaw Marians CC and Ashan Priaynajan will lead CCC.

CCC squad: Ashan Priyanjan (Captain), Wanindu Hasaranga, Minod Bhanuka, Ron Chandraguptha, Malinda Pushpakumara, Vishwa Fernando, Shalika Karunanayake, Lahiru Madhusanka, Lahiru Gamage, Lasith Aberathne, Manelka De Silva, Malindu Maduranga, Pawantha Weerasinghe, Pawan Rathnayake, Ushman Ishaq, Yuran Nimesha, Tharanga Dhammika (Coach)

Chilaw Marians CC squad: Shehan Jayasuriya (Captain), Thikshila De Silva, Rumesh Buddhika, Asitha Fernando, Pulina Tharanga, Lasith Croospulle, Kamindu Mendis, Nimesh Vimukthi, Chaturanga Kumara, Kavindu Irosh, Sanoj Darshika, Risitha Upamal, Dilshan Sanjeewa, Romesh Krishantha, Sarath Jayawardhane (Coach). YK

Trinity College Kandy leading first inning against Nalanda College Colombo on day one in their traditional fixture played for ‘Mahela – Sanga Cahallenge Trophy’ at Asgiriya yesterday.

Nalanda Colombo won the toss and elected to bat were bowled out for 82 runs in 27.5 overs. Ruvin Peiris skipper took 5 wickets for 32 runs and Abhishek Anandakumar took 3 wickets.

Trinity Kandy bowled out for 214 runs. Abhishek Anandakumar scored 60 runs and Deemantha Bandara scored 49 runs. Raveen De Silva took 4 wickets for 101 runs and Chamodya Rajapaksha took 3 wickets.

21 wickets fallen on day one.

Nalanda Colombo: 82 (27.5) (Mahima Weerakoon 25, Raveen De Silva 24, Ruvin Peiris 5/32, Abhishek Anandakumar 3/25) and 17/1 (4)

Trinity Kandy: 214 (57) (Abhishek Anandakumar 60, Deemantha Bandara 49, Dinitha Siriwardena 20, Raveen De Silva 4/101, Chamodya Rajapaksha 3/46). YK

Port Elizabeth, Monday: Four members of South Africa’s expanded squad have been added to the group for the final Test starting in Johannesburg on Friday, signalling likely changes in the starting team.

With South Africa heading for a heavy defeat in the third Test in Port Elizabeth on Monday, the selectors have called up batsmen Temba Bavuma and Keegan Petersen, all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo and left-arm fast bowler Beuran Hendricks for the fourth Test.

All four were withdrawn from four-day franchise matches which started on Monday.

Bavuma seems certain to play in Johannesburg after scoring 180 for the Lions franchise last week, with Zubayr Hamza the likely batsman to make way.

Hendricks is a likely replacement for Kagiso Rabada, who is controversially suspended for his exuberant celebration of his dismissal of England captain Joe Root in the third Test.

With South Africa needing a win in the final Test to square the series after being outclassed in Port Elizabeth, Petersen and Phehlukwayo could also come into consideration. - AFP

Port Elizabeth, Monday: England completed a comprehensive win by an innings and 53 runs on the fifth day of the third Test against South Africa at St George’s Park on Monday, taking an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the four-match series.

England were held up by a last wicket stand of 99 between Keshav Maharaj (71) and Dane Paterson (39 not out) and it needed a direct-hit run-out by Sam Curran from mid-on to clinch the result shortly before lunch. South Africa were bowled out for 237.

The partnership between Maharaj and Paterson was easily South Africa’s best of the match and showed up an otherwise poor batting performance by the hosts.

South Africa added 135 runs in losing their last four wickets, which seemed unlikely when Vernon Philander chipped a catch to midwicket off Stuart Broad three balls into the day.

Mark Wood and Dom Bess also took wickets but England captain Joe Root could not add to his four wickets taken on Sunday, conceding 56 runs in 10 overs on Monday to finish with four for 87.

Maharaj hit Root for three fours and two sixes in an over which ended with four byes, costing 28 in total.

Despite the late face-saving flourish for the hosts, it was a result which was a triumph for England’s youth policy, while the way South Africa were outplayed was a devastating blow for captain Faf du Plessis and new coach Mark Boucher.

Even before Monday’s last rites there was speculation about Du Plessis’ future. He has expressed his desire to lead South Africa in the T20 World Cup in Australia in October and November, by which time he will be 36.

It seems possible that the fourth Test in Johannesburg from Friday could be his last home series in charge.

It was South Africa’s seventh defeat in their last eight Tests, the only exception being their win in the first Test against England when it seemed that radical changes in the team management might have heralded a new dawn.

A resurgent England team bounced back from defeat at Centurion to win the second Test in Cape Town by 189 runs and they dominated in Port Elizabeth, with two 22-year-olds, batsman Ollie Pope and off-spinner Dom Bess playing significant roles.

Pope hit a century of high quality and held six catches in the match, equalling the England Test record.

Bess took the first five wickets in the first innings, his first five-wicket haul in Tests.

The win extended England’s unbeaten run in Test series in South Africa, going back to 1999/2000 when Nasser Hussain’s team were beaten by a side led by Hansie Cronje. That series ended with England gaining a consolation win in a contrived finish to a Test which it was later revealed had been orchestrated by Cronje in collaboration with a bookmaker.

Since then England have won two series in South Africa and shared one.

The tourists will be favourites going into the final Test at the Wanderers, with South Africa’s batsmen lacking form and their bowling resources severely stretched following the suspension of Kagiso Rabada for his over-exuberant celebration after clean-bowling Root on the first day in Port Elizabeth. AFP

Legendary left-arm spinner Rangana Herath has urged Sri Lanka Cricket to revamp the first-class cricket structure. Herath is not the first past Test cricketer to call for a change in the current inferior first-class domestic cricket structure and he won’t be the last either.

“Our domestic cricket structure must improve if we are to compete against formidable teams,” was Herath’s plea to Sri Lanka Cricket.

Several past cricketers including the present Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne have also voiced their concerns to find a remedy for the low quality cricket that is being dished out under the guise as ‘first-class’ in the current domestic tournament.

Amidst the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Karunaratne said, “We have to give them (players) permission to play in overseas tournaments to gain experience and come back. Those are the things I’m expecting from the cricket board after this World Cup.”

Driven out of frustration that no concrete effort is being made by the Cricket Board towards rectifying the first-class domestic structure Karunaratne was suggesting something of an alternative.

Compared to the standard of domestic cricket that is played in other Test playing nations, Sri Lanka’s ranks amongst the lowest and this is clearly shown by the national team’s poor performances in all three formats of the game.

The Lankan cricketers who graduate to represent their country make neophyte mistakes that should have been ironed out at club or school level.

This was blatantly revealed by Australian Trevor Bayliss when he was in charge of the national team as head coach. Batting great Kumar Sangakkara was the captain at the time and in an interview with Cricinfo recalled how international coaches grappled with cricketers produced by Sri Lanka’s premier clubs as they were ill-equipped for international cricket.

“Trevor Bayliss made the comment that when he was coach, we were teaching newcomers how to play first-class cricket while being in the national side. You want (players) to be the finished article today,” said Sangakkara.

That more or less sums up how good the standard of our domestic cricket is. Why such talented cricketers like Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Roshen Silva and Kaushal Silva to name a few still struggle for consistency at the highest level is because of the wide gulf that exists between the cricket that is dished out in Sri Lanka’s domestic tournament and at Test level. It is the same with the bowlers as well. They grab a heap of wickets on dust bowls and when they come up against good pitches they struggle to maintain a steady line and length and go for plenty.

Thus it is fruitless pointing the fingers at our national cricketers when they keep on losing matches on the international stage when the Cricket Board has not provided them with a proper platform to launch their international careers.

The critics may argue that with the present system we have still managed to win two World Cups (50-over and T20) and reached the finals of four in both formats, but that has been achieved by cricketers who came through a strong school system and when first-class cricket amongst clubs was confined to around eight to ten clubs.

Today the standards of both school and club cricket has been diluted to the point that no schoolboy is capable of walking straight into the national team like Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva, Asanka Gurusinha, Roshan Mahanama, and Roshan Jurangpathy among others did.

Not only has the number of matches played by a school for a season increased by nearly threefold, it has brought the high standards of cricket down to the level that scoring 1000 runs or taking 50 wickets a season is no longer a feat to be recognized because of the large number of matches a boy plays for a season - an average of 20-25 matches.

Likewise the standard of club cricket has been sacrificed for votes by increasing the number of clubs playing in the Premier tournament to 24 from 10 by power hungry cricket officials whose sole aim is to occupy the premises of Maitland Place and call the shots regardless of where the country’s cricket is heading.

Today it has come to a stage where the frequency of losses has outweighed the number of wins that sponsors have second thoughts of throwing their hats into the ring and Sri Lanka has been reduced from a once feared cricket nation into one that comes close to be ranked as an ‘also ran’.

No amount of chopping and changing of teams and captains and coaches and support staff can bring the desired results until we first put our house in order.

Sri Lanka Cricket last week completed the distribution of 8,000 cricket balls, to cricket playing schools, which takes part in the ongoing Under 19 School Cricket Tournament.

The Ball Distribution Scheme, which saw a significant investment was conducted under the guidance of the President of SLC Shammi Silva and the Executive Committee in collaboration with the School Cricket Association.

The distribution was conducted in two phases and the firstt phase was held, under the patronage of the Vice President of the SLC, Ravin Wickramaratne, during a function held at the Nalanda College Colombo, which saw 3,195 balls distributed among 71 schools.

The second phase was conducted last week (17th January) at the RPICS, Colombo, under the patronage of Lasantha Wickramasinghe, Treasurer of the SLC, which saw 4,776 balls distributed among 186 Schools. Thilak Wattuhewa, Vice President of the School Cricket Association also was present at the occasion.

The ‘Ball Distribution Scheme’, which was managed by Chinthaka Edirimanne, Head of Domestic Cricket Operation, covers both the 2 day Games (Red Balls) and the 50 over games (White Ball) and focused on schools playing in the Division 1, 2 and 3 of the ongoing tournament.The balls distributed are of high quality standard and ensures equal opportunities for the schools to maintain highest standards of cricket. The U19 School Cricket Tournament takes place from September to April.

Ankumbura Model school Katugastota of Central provinces emerged Grade 5 boys’ and girls’ champions while Kew Tamil Vidyalayam from Hatton secured the mixed school title in the Milo kids Athletic Championship concluded yesterday at Jayathilaka Stadium in Nawalapitiya.

In the boys category, Algama Madagama MV of Kegalle and St Patrick’s College Jaffna won the second and third places while Rahula BV of Jayawardenepura and Thalathuoya MV from Kandy won the seocnd and third places in the girls category. Central Province schools dominated the mixed school category. Ananda Dasananayake MV and Alalokawewa MV were placed second and third places in the respective category.

The All-Island Schools Kids Athletics Championship is part of Nestle’s Kids Athletics Programme. It is the physical activity component of the Nestlé Healthy Kids Programme, which teaches school children about improved diets, healthy cooking, hydration, food safety and hygiene.

Children should engage in physical activity programmes based on the ‘Four F’ concept (Fun, Fitness, Fundamental, and Friendship), conducted in suitable environments, that provide a balanced physical and academic education.

For this year’s All Island Kids Atheletics Championship, 2592 students from grade three, 2592 students from grade four and 2592 students from grade five participated representing all provinces.

Fresh from beating Australia in their opener, the West Indies made it two wins in a row by beating England in Kimberley.

Nyeem Young was the star man for the Windies, taking five wickets and notching a half-century in a 71-run win which leaves his team knowing that victory over Nigeria in their final group game will clinch top spot in Group B.

Earlier, Nigeria became the 31st team to play an ICC U19 Cricket World Cup fixture after they took on four-time champions Australia.

But the dream appearance wasn’t to materialise into on-field success, with Tanveer Sangha inspiring Australia to a ten-wicket victory in Kimberley.

Tuesday’s fixtures will see the other debutant, Japan, play their second game of the tournament when they face India in Group A, while the sole Group D contest will see Bangladesh take on Scotland.

IMPRESSIVE WINDIES BLOW ENGLAND AWAY

The West Indies continued their excellent start to the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup, as they defeated England in their second Group B game at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley.

The Windies youngsters were put in by England, and compiled a testing score of 267 for seven in their 50 overs.

“We spoke to the management, and they said that 275 was a tough score to get at this level,” skipper Kimani Melius explained after the 71-run victory.

A late afternoon shower cut down the overs that England had to try and chase the target, but the varied islanders’ attack had already done a great job in constricting the scoring, on a pitch that assisted the spinners.

Batting first, West Indies saw Kevlon Anderson mix patience with mighty power, as he made his way to a very important 86 not out.

He was the glue for the innings and allowed others to attack.

One of those was Nyeem Young, who blazed 66 from 41 balls, with five boundaries and four clearances of the rope.

“It was a great all-round performance by Nyeem Young, and he showed his experience, having played in the 2018 World Cup,” Melius saluted.

Young gave the Windies a target to defend, and they did just that. It was Young himself who was at the forefront, helping himself to five for 45 in nine excellent overs.

England got plenty of starts, but none of their players kicked on in the fashion of Anderson and Young.

Tom Clark (38), Ben Charlesworth (36) and Jack Haynes (27) all did the hard work, but then fell as the asking rate got out of control.

Melius switched his bowlers cleverly, and Young kept on striking, and even the sudden storm could not derail the young men in maroon, with England ending on 184 for nine, in 43.4 overs.

“We are happy with the performance, and it will be hard to change a winning team,” Melius said, ahead of their final group game.

For England, a massive clash against Australia now lies in wait, as they try and stay in the competition.

SANGHA STARS AS AUSTRALIA PICK UP FIRST POINTS

Tanveer Sangha starred with the ball as Australia beat Nigeria by ten wickets to pick up their first Group B points of South Africa 2020.

The result was much needed for Australia, one of the tournament favourites, after losing their opening fixture against the West Indies on Saturday.

Leg-spinner Sangha picked up five for 14 to help bowl Nigeria out for 61, with the African nation’s maiden ICC U19 Cricket World Cup fixture ending in disappointment in Kimberley.

Sangha was ably supported by seamer Brad Simpson, who picked up three early wickets while Elijah Olaleye (21) top scored for Nigeria.

In response, Australia took just 46 balls to reach the target with the opening pair of Sam Fanning (30) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (23) both unbeaten when the teams shook hands.

“Having to win by ten wickets over any team is always an impressive result, said Australian captain, Mackenzie Harvey.

“We have a good team in both batting and bowling. We have the momentum now and hopefully we can keep that up when we play England next.”

Australia will play England in their final group match on Thursday, a match that looks set to confirm which two teams will progress from Group B.

West Indies will take on Nigeria in a simultaneous fixture, while the group concludes two days later when England take on the tournament debutants in Kimberley.

Scores:

* West Indies U19s beat England U19s by 71 runs @ Kimberley

West Indies (U19) 267-7 (50) (Kevlon Anderson 86 n.o., Nyeem Young 66; Lewis Goldsworthy 2-28)

England (U19) 184-9 (43.4) (Tom Clark 38, Ben Charlesworth 36; Nyeem Young 5-45)

* Australia U19s beat Nigeria U19s by ten wickets @ Kimberley

Nigeria (U19) 61 (30.3) (Elijah Olaleye 21; Tanveer Sangha 5-15, Bradley Simpson 3-11)

Australia (U19) 62-0 (7.4) (Sam Fanning 30 not out, Jake Fraser-McGurk 23 not out)

REMAINING FIXTURES

Group A: January 22: New Zealand v Sri Lanka – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein; 24 January: India v New Zealand – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein; 25 January: Sri Lanka v Japan – North West University Oval, Potchefstroom

Group B: 23 January: Australia v England – Diamond Oval, Kimberley; 23 January: West Indies v Nigeria – Country B Club Field, Kimberley; 25 January: England v Nigeria – Diamond Oval, Kimberley

Group C: 22 January: Pakistan v Zimbabwe – Witrand Oval, Potchefstroom; 24 January: Pakistan v Bangladesh – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom; 25 January: Zimbabwe v Scotland – Witrand Oval, Potchefstroom

Group D: 22 January: Afghanistan v United Arab Emirates – North West University Oval, Potchefstroom; 22 January: South Africa v Canada – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom; 24 January: Afghanistan v Canada – Ibbies Oval, Potchefstroom; 25 January: South Africa v United Arab Emirates – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

Carey College Colombo beat De La Salle College Colombo by 7 wickets in their Singer Trophy Under 19 inter-school cricket match played at Railway grounds yesterday. All the other matches ended in draws.

RESULTS:

*At MRICS Sooriyawewa: Match drawn.

Gurukula Kelaniya: 127 and 186/6 decl. (52.2) (Rashmika Mewan 54, Niluka Heshan 52, Kemira Nayanatharu 39, Praveen Nimesh 25, Kalpa Chethiya 3/26, Irushka Thimira 3/57)

Devapathiraja Ratgama: 78 (64/6 o/n) (48) (Dinitha Prabhanka 27, Sasitha Ashan 5/10, Thushara Sankalpa 3/21, Praveen Nimnesh 2/25) and 112/3 (40) (Jeewaka Shasheen 63 n.o., Irushka Thimira 26 n.o.)

*At Railway ground: Carey won by 7 wickets.

De La Salle: 223 and 114 (31.3) (Vishmitha Kaveesha 42, Dinura Wanigasekara 4/32, Viranga Yeshan 4/54, Vinuga Dimsitha 2/7)

Carey: 183 (175/9 o/n) (55.2) (Mohammed Nabil 36, Aveesha Weeraratne 35, Theekshana Abeyratne 34, Kavindu Bimsara 5/57, Shevindra Gimhana 2/43) and 158/3 (33) (Theekshana Abeyratne 86 n.o., Lithika Damsith 43, Kavindu Bimsara 2/60)

*At Bandaragama: Match drawn.

Vidyaloka Galle: 108 and 133/6 (45) (Sachindu Saumya 34, Lakshan Sandeepa 27, Ramuditha Disal 25, Chandeepa Kumarasinghe 5/27)

President’s Maharagama: 188 (146/4 o/n) (62.2) (Chathuranga Ekanayake 86, Tharindu Oshada 27, Dineth Wimalasiri 23, Senith Praveen 3/28, Hansaka Kamosh 2/4, Sonal Ramsara 2/20, Sachindu Saumya 2/27)

*At M.B. grounds Godigamuwa: Match drawn.

Christ King Ja-Ela: 204 and 261 (60.1) (Jude Roshan 83, Rashmika Hirushan 49, Pethum Nethsara 45, Thavindu Heshan 3/45, Pasindu Prabashwara 3/55)

Maris Stella Thimbirigaskatuwa: 96 (80/6 o/n) (40.1) (Thenuk Dinvara 22, Dinuka Nimesh 21, Rajkumar Suriyaarachchi 5/20, Udan Ravindu 5/24) and 54/2 (23) (Dinuka Nimesh 32 n.o.)

*At Naula: Match drawn.

President’s Kotte: 294/9 decl. (227/5 o/n) (72.4) (Ashan Wagarachhchi 109, Akila Roshan 83, Vikum Kalhara 52, Dilshan Arambegedara 5/103, Thilanka Kumarathunge 3/70)

Sri Rahula Katugastota: 186/3 (48) (Janith Mahipita 83, Kushan Senaratne 75 n.o., Thushan Senaratne 42)

*At Pelawatte: Match drawn.

S. Thomas’ Bandarawela: 255;

Dharmadutha Badulla: 102/6 (33.5) (33/3 o/n) (Ashan Lakshitha 46, Nisal Sandeepa 31 n.o., Risara Wickramasinghe 3/43, Nethmal Kalhara 2/15)

DAY ONE SCORES

Matches will be continued on day two today.

*At BRC: St. Thomas’ Matara: 206 (66.4) (Nipun Samarasinghe 73, Sachindu Ransinghe 37, Hirantha Lakshan 31, Harindu Jayasekara 26, Yasiru Yugath 5/86, Thashika Nirmal 4/47)

Lumbini: 37/1 (5.4) at close (Ravindu Rasanka 22)

*At Balapitiya: St. Peter’s Negombo: 217 (63) (Pramod Kavindu 62, Chanuka Nimesh 34, Pasindu Navod 27, Hirusha Akash 3/18, Chamika Perera 2/46, Nilaksha Senaratne 2/60)

Sri Devananda Ambalangoda: 124/7 (28) at close (Kaveesha Kalpana 44, Buddhi Silva 26, Isuru Uthpala 3/31, Dineth Sathsara 2/52)

*At Kotte: Ananda Shashthralaya Kotte: 261 (76.1) (Dhanaja Sandalindu 66, H. A. Hazim 59, Hasith Hansidu 44, Dulanja Pahasara 26, Janula Indusara 4/55, Rahul Chandrasiri 3/74)

Asoka Vidyalaya Colombo: 25/1 (7) at close.

*At Horana: Sri Palee Horana: 123 (28.1) (Dinuka Wickrarachchi 51, Kaviru Himansa 30, Kavishka Lakshan 3/35, Malindu Malith 2/4, Chalaka Nawanjana 2/22, Nandun Kalhara 2/29)

Nalanda Boys Minuwangoda: 311/9 (75) at close (Nandun Kalhara 86, Charuka Janith 48, Kavishka Lakshan 42 n.o., Kavindu Maduranga 31, Ashan Vinura 31, Sachiru Hansala 21, Janith Dananjaya 3/49, Kavindu Dulanga 2/23, Dinuka Wanniarachchi 2/106)

*At Sandalankawa: Maliyadeva Model School Kurunegala: 362/9 decl. (81.2) (Chathurya Sooriyabandara 72, Vinusha Munasinghe 64, Lahiru Wijeratne 52, Madhawa Weerakoon 50, Imesh Seneviratne 46, Yunesh Harshana 3/48, Oshada Devinda 3/64, Yohan Aloka 2/86)

Sandalanka Central: 20/1 (11) at close.

- (YK)

Abhishek Anandakumar’s excellent all-round performance steered Trinity College Kandy to an innings and two runs win over Nalanda College in their traditional school’s cricket fixture played for the Mahela-Sanga Challenge Trophy at the Asgiriya Stadium yesterday.

Anandakumar made a top score of 60 and captured a match bag of 8 wickets for 58 runs that included figures of 5 for 33 in the second innings when Nalanda who resumed at 17-1 were dismissed for 130.

Scores: Nalanda: 82 and 130 (17/1 o/n) (62.4) (Mahima Weerakoon 37, Ranindu Silva 36, Moksha Sankalpa 24, Abhishek Anandakumar 5/33, Uvindu Wimaladharma 3/27, Ruvin Peiris 2/42)

Trinity: 214. - (YK)

Defenders FC, Sri Lanka who qualified for this year’s AFC Cup after winning the Dialog Champions League will take on Paro FC (Bhutan) in the first leg of the preliminary stage at Racecourse International Stadium today at 7 pm. Defenders FC qualified after winning the league with 34 points (10 Wins, 4 Draws and 2 Losses).

The return leg of this match is scheduled to be played on 29 January at Changlimithang Stadium (Thimphu). The winner of the Preliminary Stage will qualify to face Indian JSW Bengaluru FC next month which will also be played in two legs. Paro FC, Bhutan won the Bhutan Premier League which enabled them to qualify for this year’s AFC Cup.

Speaking at the pre-match conference captain of the Defender SC skipper Sunil Roshan said three foreign players were included in the team, two from Nigeria and one from Ghana. “We have packed the team with more junior players who played well in last champion’s league.”

Jigme Tshering Dorjee skipper of Paro FC, Bhutan said this is the first time they have qualified for the AFC tournament.

“We have mentally and physically prepared for the game despite the weather conditions in Sri Lanka,” he said.

CCC emerged champion of the SLC Major T20 Inter-Club cricket tournament conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket with a last ball defeat of Chilaw Marians by four wickets in the final played at the SSC grounds yesterday.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first Chilaw Marians CC scored a respectable 162-8 wickets in 20 overs. Chilaw Marians skipper Shehan Jayasuriya top scored with an attractive 80 off 52 balls inclusive of 9 fours, and left-hand opener Kamindu Mendis scored 46 off 30 balls (5 fours).

The pair added 96 for the second wicket partnership. Malinda Malinda Pushpakumara and Lahiru Gamage took two wickets apiece for CCC. In reply, CCC knocked off the required runs losing six wickets with the winning boundary being scored off the final ball by Manelkar de Silva (15 n.o.). CCC required 17 off the final over and Player of the final Wanindu Hasaranga who struck a brilliant 60 not out off 34 balls inclusive of six fours and a six, hit the first ball off fast bowler Thikshila de Silva for six and collected nine runs off the next four balls inclusive of a four, leaving CCC requiring two runs off the final delivery. Minod Bhanuka also contributed towards CCC’s win with a fluent 59 off 38 balls (6 fours, 1 six).

Hasaranga and Manelkar de Silva shared an unbroken 69-run stand for the seventh wicket.

Scores:

Chilaw Marians CC: 162/8 (20) (Shehan Jayasuriya 80, Kamindu Mendis 46, Malinda Pushpakumara 2/27, Lahiru Gamege 2/30)

CCC: 165/6 (20) (Wanindu Hasaranga 60 n.o., Minod Bhanuka 59, Manelker De Silva 15 n.o., Ashan Priyanjan 14, Lasith Abeyratne 10, Pulina Tharanga 2/24)

- (YK)

Harare, Tuesday: Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis both struck measured half-centuries as Sri Lanka reached 295 for four at close of play on a stodgy third day of the first Test against Zimbabwe in Harare on Tuesday.

Mendis battled his way to 80 while former skipper Mathews was far from fluent in reaching 92 not out from 253 balls as Sri Lanka closed 63 runs in arrears on the first innings with six wickets in hand.

With two days remaining, the visitors appear to hold the upper hand although the pitch looks likely to have the final say.

The Sri Lankan batsmen struggled hard all day to impose themselves, scoring 82 in the morning, 81 in the afternoon and 90 in the evening while losing a single wicket in each session.

The 24-year-old Mendis struck eight boundaries in his 163-ball innings, including three off successive deliveries from Sikandar Raza, before flashing at an outswinger from debutant Victor Nyauchi that flew to Brendan Taylor at first slip.

It marked a second success for Nyauchi who collected his first wicket in Test cricket during the morning session when Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne flicked a low catch to Ainsley Ndlovu at midwicket.

Nyauchi was the pick of the attack, taking two for 38 from 22 overs.

Karunaratne had resumed his partnership with Mendis after bad light stopped Monday's play with Sri Lanka on 42 for one.

They added 60 before Mathews joined Mendis in a third wicket partnership of 92. Mathews hit three fours and two towering sixes off Ndlovu and the left-arm spin of Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams.

The only wicket to fall in the final session was Dinesh Chandimal who only made 12 before being dismissed on review after umpire Marais Erasmus initially gave him not out. Attempting to attack the spin of Williams, Chandimal got himself into a tangle and bottom-edged the ball on to his boot, leading Erasmus into thinking it was a bump-ball.

The ball lobbed back to Williams who gratefully accepted the catch.

Zimbabwe delayed taking the second new ball until the 88th over and in spite of Kyle Jarvis beating the bat on several occasions, failed to make another breakthrough.

Their medical team will make a decision on Wednesday on whether Kevin Kasuza is fit to continue in the match.

Kasuza was struck on the back of the helmet at short leg by a pull from Mendis just before lunch.

He left the field shortly after and scans showed that, while not suffering concussion, he sustained a soft tissue injury on the skull. He will undergo further tests in the morning.

- AFP

JOHANNESBURG, Tuesday - Quinton de Kock was on Tuesday named as South Africa’s one-day international captain as part of a long term transition plan.

His first assignment will be to lead the team in a three-match series against World Cup champions England, starting in Cape Town on February 4.

Test and Twenty20 captain Faf du Plessis was not in a 15-man squad named by Cricket South Africa on Tuesday despite committing himself to the organisation until the World Cup T20 in October and November.

Independent selector Linda Zondi said Du Plessis’ omission did not signal the end of his ODI career.

"We decided to rest Faf and Kagiso Rabada for this series because they have both played a lot of cricket," said Zondi.

"A different squad will be picked for a T20 series against England after the one-day games and after that there are still T20s and ODIs against Australia."

Zondi said the appointment of De Kock was part of succession planning leading up to the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD: Quinton de Kock (captain), Temba Bavuma, Bjorn Fortuin, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, Jon-Jon Smuts, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne.

Smuts, Magala, Ngidi and Shamsi have been called up to a conditioning camp in Pretoria and will have to prove their fitness ahead of the series.

- AFP

The West Indies cricket team will make a short tour of Sri Lanka from February 10 to March 7 for a series of 3 ODIs and 2 T20Is.

West Indies will arrive early in order to prepare for the series with two warm-up games on 17 February at the P Sara Oval and 20 February at Katunayake.

The tour schedule:

17 February: Warm-Up Game at P. Sara Oval

20 February: Warm-Up Game vs Board President’s XI at Katunayake

22 February: 1st ODI at SSC (Day Game)

26 February: 2nd ODI at Hambantota (Day/Night)

1 March: 3rd ODI at Pallekele (Day/Night)

4 March: 1st T20I at Pallekele (Night)

6 March: 2nd T20I at Pallekele (Night)

India have qualified for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Super League Quarter Finals after a stunning ten-wicket victory over Japan in Bloemfontein.

Ravi Bishnoi took four for five as India bowled out the tournament debutants for 41 before chasing down the target to reach the next stage of South Africa 2020 with a game to spare.

Bangladesh are on the cusp of joining the defending champions in the Super League after a comfortable victory over Scotland for their second win of Group C.

Their place in the next stage would be confirmed if Pakistan beat Zimbabwe – a result which would also see Pakistan progress, while New Zealand face Sri Lanka.

INDIA QUALIFY AS JAPAN REVEL IN MOMENTOUS OCCASION

Ravi Bishnoi and Kartik Tyagi were the destroyers in chief as India sped to a swift ten-wicket victory over newcomers Japan.

Japan batted first but found one of the favourites too strong an opposition with ball in hand en route to being bowled out for 41.

Big-game expertise proved key in the first innings but the young Japanese side will take some strong learning from the experience.

Bishnoi, with figures of four for five in eight overs, and Tyagi (three for 10) never gave Japan a sniff, with India disciplined from start to finish in their bid for an impressive win in Bloemfontein.

The four-time champions wasted no time in chasing down the target, requiring just 4.5 overs to reach 42 for no loss.

Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 29 not out from 18 balls, while opening partner, 15-year-old Kumar Kushagra was 13 not out by the time they crossed the winning line.

There was a silver lining to the day, with two birthdays celebrated between the two sides.

Japan’s Kento Ota-Dobell turned 17, while Indian player Dhruv Chand Jurel turned 19.

They received cake after the match, and both teams marked the occasion to emphasise the importance of development as well as success in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup.

“It was a great experience to get Player of the Match for my performance and taking four wickets,” Bishnoi said of his display.

“The whole team has enjoyed today’s win, and we have also enjoyed our teammate’s birthday while being able to cut cake with him.”

HAT-TRICK HERO HASSAN TAKES BANGLADESH TO THE BRINK

Spinner Rakibul Hasan took a stunning hat-trick as Bangladesh moved closer to the knockout stages with a seven-wicket victory over Scotland in Potchefstroom.

The Scots were bowled out for 89 – with Hassan finishing with figures of four for 20, including the scalps of Kess Sajjad, Lyle Robertson and Charlie Peet in successive balls.

Bangladesh reached the target within 17 overs, though Scotland did force a fight back with a sterling bowling performance from seamer Sean Fischer-Keogh (three for 27), before Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s 35 not out steered his side to the line.

This win leaves the Asian nation top of Group C with four points, and a place in the Super League would be theirs as soon as Wednesday should Pakistan beat Zimbabwe in Potchefstroom.

Bangladesh captain Akbar Ali was pleased with his side’s clinical display so far in the tournament, having opened the tournament with a nine-wicket win over Zimbabwe on Saturday.

“It feels good to win back to back matches and gives us some confidence heading to our next game against Pakistan. We will try to beat them and look at getting to the next round having finished at the top of the group,” said Ali.

Hat-trick hero Hassan added: “I feel very great today with getting the first hat-trick of my career. My teammates were also excited.”

Scores:

* India U19s beat Japan U19s by ten wickets @ Bloemfontein

Japan (U19) 41 (22.5) (Shu Noguchi 7; Ravi Bishnoi 4-5, Kartik Tyagi 3-10)

India (U19) 42-0 (4.5) overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 29 n.o., Kumar Kushagra 13 n.o.)

* Bangladesh U19s beat Scotland U19s by seven wickets @ Potchefstroom

Scotland (U19) 89 (30.3) (Uzzair Sha 28; Rakibul Hasan 4-20, Shoriful Islam 2-13)

Bangladesh (U19) 91-3 (16.4) (Mahmudal Hasan Joy 35 n.o.; Sean Fischer-Keogh 3-27)

President of the World Taekwondo Federation, Dr. Chungwon Choue, will arrive in Sri Lanka today to empower Lankan children and youth through Taekwondo.

Dr. Chungwon Choue is due to celebrate the achievements of Lankan Taekwondo children who have a shortage of facilities in the society and to appreciate athletes who triumphed at the recently concluded SAG Games. Korea is the home country to Taekwondo and the sport is practiced by many people around the world. In recent years, Taekwondo has achieved many achievements in the field of sports in our country. Over the past two decades, the Government of Korea has partnered with the Sri Lanka Taekwondo Convention, the Sri Lanka University School Youth Service Council (SLSC), to promote taekwondo in the security forces and government institutions.

Dr. Chungwon Choue has been the President of the World Taekwondo Federation since 2004. He is the initiator of the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation project.

He is also the Chairman of THF’s Board of Trustees. In line with his sustained personal investment in international sports and peace, he was awarded the honorary president of the Taekwondo Peace Corps and Advisor to the Korea Olympic Committee.

He is the president of both GCS International and the Korea Fair Play Committee. Dr. Chungwon is also the honorary Counsel of Honduras in Korea and an honorary Professor in various universities.

One of the foremost objectives of his visit to Sri Lanka is to provide assistance and support the ongoing projects in Sri Lanka under the theme of ‘Road to Champions’, which focuses on raising children in orphanages and probation institutions.

Cambodia, Nepal and Sri Lanka have been selected to implement this project. Dr. Choue is also expected to present the highest honor of the taekwondo game of ‘Black Belt 9 Ban Degree’ to the President and the Prime Minister.

A meeting and several rounds of discussions with the Secretary to the Ministry of Sports and officials of the Sri Lanka Taekwondo Federation has been scheduled as well.

The President of the Sri Lanka Taekwondo Federation, Chairman of the Ratnapura District Taekwondo Association Kanchana Jayaratne, Secretary to the President Chaminda Punchihewa and other officials representing the Ministry of Sports will participate at the event.