Sri Lankan lawyer Senaka Weeraratna’s battle for due recognition as the author of the Decision Review System (DRS) to minimize umpiring errors in the middle as far back as 1997, has met with some success with Sri Lanka Cricket eventually acknowledging his concept.

Weeraratna’s suggestion was tabled and minuted at the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket this week, thus giving him an impetus to push forward his case which he has been fighting for over 20 years with requests and appeals to both Sri Lanka Cricket and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Weeraratna has been fighting for the acknowledgement that Duckworth and Lewis got for their contribution towards deciding the result of rain-affected matches in One-Day Internationals and Twenty20 internationals. Ashley de Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket said that they had on an earlier occasion submitted documents pertaining to Weeraratna’s claims to the ICC but nothing had come out of it.

“Now that SLC has taken the matter up at the ExCo we will forward whatever documents that Weeraratna submits to the ICC again and let them take a final decision on it,” said De Silva. In his quest for recognition Weeraratne has also appealed to former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara who today holds the exalted post as president of the MCC.

LAHORE, Friday - Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara will relive his fateful 2009 journey to Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Friday after returning for the first time since the deadly attack which plunged Pakistan into cricket isolation.

Sangakkara is captaining England's venerable MCC for four games in Lahore, where he was wounded in a militant attack on the Sri Lankan team that left eight people dead in March 2009.

International cricket is only now returning to Pakistan, who hosted Sri Lanka late last year for their first home Test series since the guns-and-rocket attack.

Sangakkara, 42, suffered shrapnel wounds to his shoulder and narrowly escaped a bullet which whistled past his head as the Sri Lankan players lay pinned down on the floor of the team bus.

But Sangakkara, who is also the president of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), said Pakistan was slowly restoring its reputation as a safe destination for visiting teams.

“Security is always a major concern everywhere in the world,” he said after arriving in Lahore on Thursday. “I think the steps that have been taken in Pakistan over the past few years have instilled a great amount of confidence in the cricketing nations. “I think slowly and surely that confidence is building up and the more times international sides tour, that message becomes stronger and harder to ignore.”

The few international games in Pakistan have been guarded by tight security, with snipers on rooftops, roads sealed off and heavily armed patrols.

But Sangakkara, one of the world's best batsmen of the past two decades, said playing in Lahore sends out a powerful symbol. “I think the best thing is to send the message by the way we play on the field,” said Sangakkara.

“I am happy that we are able to play our part to try and encourage countries to look at Pakistan as one of the best cricket destinations. “It has been in the past and I am sure it will be that again very soon.” The MCC will open their tour with a Twenty20 match in Lahore on Friday. The

remaining matches will also be played in the city on February 16, 17 and 19. – AFP – AFP

Sri Sumangala College Panadura recorded their ninth win of the season in the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 inter-schools cricket tournament yesterday beating Sri Dharmaloka College Kelaniya by an innings and 142 runs.

Sakuna Darshana of Royal College Moneragala scored a double century against Vijitha Central College Dickwella.

Mahanama College Colombo beat St. Servatius College Matara by 7 wickets, C. W.W. Kannangara MMV Hunumulla beat Thakshila Gampaha by an innings and 45 runs, Karunaratne Buddhist School Ragama beat St. Thomas’ Kotte by 6 wickets, and Siddhartha Balapitiya beat C.W.W. Kannangara Colombo by 9 wickets. All other matches were drawn.

RESULTS;

* At Mattegoda: Match drawn. Isipathana Colombo: 257 and 23/1 (11)

D.S. Senanayake Colombo: 349/9 decl. (36/0 o/n) (83.2) (Maneendra Jayathilake 89, Abhishek Liyanarachchi 69, Manura Peiris 57, Teron Baskaran 26, Anushka De Zoysa 23, Dinath Dissanayake 2/44, Sithuka Gunawardane 2/59, Yasiru Kasthuriarachchi 2/91)

* At Matara: Mahanama Colombo won by 7 wickets.

St. Servatius Matara: 165 and 75 (34.2) (Achintha Supun 7/37, Pawantha Weerasinghe 2/16)

Mahanama Colombo: 204 (92/3 o/n) (24) (Pawantha Weerasinghe 64, Vinuka Rubasinghe 29, Pawan Rathnayake 25, Sonal Dinusha 22, Damindu Sankalpa 6/41) and 37/3 (6) (Pawan Rathnayake 18, Damindu Sankalpa 2/13)

* At Kurunegala: Match drawn.

Nalanda: 303/8 decl. and 111/5 (19) (Avishka Perera 52, Sakindu Wijerathne 3/34)

Maliyadeva Kurunegala: 228 (35/1 o/n) (87.3) (Amesh Tennakoon 38, Kalindu Ranmal 35, Brian Karunanayake 35, Gayana Weerasinghe 31, Chaluka Athapaththu 30, Raveen De Silva 5/51, Mahima Weerakoon 3/48)

* At Rangiri Dambulla: Match drawn.

St. Sylvester’s Kandy: 145 and 110/5 (41) (Abishek Kumar 42 n.o., Malith Lakshan 23, Kalpa Chethiya 2/14)

Devapathiraja Rathgama: 263 (86/3 o/n) (89.4) (Sudeera Weerarathne 108, Jeewaka Shasheen 34, Dinitha Prabhanka 26, Matheesha Saranga 21 n.o., Shashika Basnayake 4/98).

* At Panadura: Sri Sumangala Panadura won by an inns and 142 runs.

Sri Sumangala Panadura: 458/8 decl.

Sri Dharmaloka Kelaniya: 193 (73/1 o/n) (48.5) (Piyumika Medawatte 45, Helanka Miduranga 38, Lakshitha Botheju 25, Bodinu Jananodith 20, Anuka Jayasinghe 5/27, Mihiranga Fernando 3/42) and 123 (26.4) (Subuthi Nilshan 40, Anuka Jayasinghe 4/19, Heshan Uminda 2/06, Mihiranga Fernando 2/27, Vidusha Peiris 2/56)

* At Peradeniya: Match drawn.

Kingswood: 162 and 180/6 (55) (Mahasen Ranasinghe 60. Dumindu Bandara 30, Dinidiya Polkotuwa 24, Keshan Kevin 23 n.o., Pahan Brito 3/45)

President’s Kotte: 387/6 decl. (123/2 o/n) (75) (Ashan Wagarachchi 114, Shenan Keshara 101 n.o., Yuneth Senevirathne 55, Sasitha Hasaranga 42, Akila Roshan 37, Dumindu Janishka 2/56, Anul Senevirathne 2/62)

* At Pannala: Match drawn.

Lyceum International School Wattala: 129 (39.2) (Ryan Perera 31, Sineth Weerasooriya 4/33, Akilanka Pethiyagoda 2/13, Praveen Liyanage 2/17, Maleesha Senanayake 2/40) and 229 (67.5) (55/1 o/n) (Hansaja Bandara 71, Yugath Premathilake 47, Visal Perera 39, Yasiru Chathumal 21, Maleesha Senanayake 5/64, Akalanka Pethiyagoda 3/21, Praveen Liyanage 2/51)

St. Mary’s Kegalle: 136/9 decl. (38.3) and 194/7 (39) (Sineth Weerasooriya 50, Oasan Walisinghe 37, Malinga Karunarathne 34, Yasiru Chathumal 2/38, Mithush Lakshman 2/43)

* At Kirindiwela: Match drawn.

Henegama Central Henegama: 157 and 169/8 decl. (36) (Rashvika Chamath 57, Hirushan Perera 2/20, Rajkumar Sooriyarachchi 2/25, Ameesha Diduranga 2/43)

Christ King Ja-Ela: 200 (120/8 o/n) (70.2) (Hirushan Perera 65 n.o., M. Kolambagamage 29, Jayasiri Fernando 27, Janith Maduhansa 6/46, Shehan Lakshan 2/52) and 87/7 (36) (Hirushan Perera 31 n.o., Shehan Lakshan 4/22, Samith Wijenayake 2/36)

* At Hunumulla: C.W.W. Kannangara MMV Hunumulla won by inns and 45 runs.

Thakshila Gampaha: 134 and 178 (51.2) (Heshan Manujaya 52, Sasindu Rangana 35, Pushpika Kaushalya 29, Pasindu Induwara 6/69) C.W.W. Kannangara Hunumulla: 357/8 decl.

* At Kalutara: Match drawn. De La Salle Colombo: 219 and 256 (61.1) (Kavindu Bimsara 134, Shavinda Gimhana 40, J. P. Gunathilake 24, Maleesha Sahan 5/62, Madushan Chathuranga 3/30)

Welapura MV Kalutara: 123 (119/9 o/n) (45.2) (Anuhas De Silva 21, Shalinda Gimhana 4/25, Kavindu Bimsara 4/37) and 121/6 (39) (Wenura Kumara 38, Anuhas De Silva 25, Savindu Bimsara 3/56, Randunu Bandara 2/17)

* At Mahara: Karunaratne Buddhist School Ragama won by 6 wickets.

St. Thomas’ Kotte: 101 and 131 (22/3 o/n) (63.5) (Kulara Chamod 68 n.o., Ruvin Sanklapa 4/59, Lasindu Kavishka 2/15)

Karunaratne Buddhist School Ragama: 181 and 52/4 (14.5) (Ruvin Sankalpa 27 n.o., Tharushka Asel 2/9)

* At Balapitiya: Siddhartha Balapitiya won by 9 wickets.

Siddhartha Balapitiya: 265 and 80/1 (9.1) (Dilshan Anurada 34, Omasha Prabash 22)

C.W.W. Kannangara Colombo: 128 and 216 (6/0 o/n) (62.3) (Deneth Anjana 74, Vibuthi Ushan 70, Theekshana Perera 20, Miyuru Dilshan 8/68)

* At Dalupotha: Match drawn.

Carey: 89 and 257/ 9 decl. (82.3) (Abdul Bashith 52, Dinura Wanigasekara 51, Alankara Jayalath 48, Vihanga Eshan 37, Mohommed Nabeen 30, Sandaruwan Silva 6/95)

Harischandra NS Negombo: 99/8 decl. (52/4 o/n) (77.4) (Muditha Lakshan 39, Suhail Nuur 3/12, Viranga Yeshan 3/24, Aveesha Weeraratne 2/22)

DAY ONE SCORES

Matches will be continued on day two today.

* At Campbell Park: Royal Colombo: 323/6 decl. (85) (Kamil Mishara 141, Kavindu Chathuranga 41, Thevindu Senarathne 31, Ishiwara Dissanayake 30, Rahul Gunasekara 4/76)

Wesley: 38/0 (12) at close

* At Kandana: St. Joseph's: 298/8 (86) (Sheran Fonseka 135, Dineth Jayakody 28, Sadeesh Jayawardana 27, Johanne De Zilva 27, Shevaan Rassool 26, Malinda Perera 6/88, Sanoj Perera 2/34) vs St. Benedict's Kotahena

* At Moratuwa: Richmond Galle: 343/9d (78.5) (Dimuth Sandaruwan 113, Kavindu Nirmana 67, Sandun Mendis 35, Dilum Sudeera 32, Thaveesha Abhishek 28, Rishan Chamika 23, Yugantha Malshan 20, Yashan Avishka 2/42, Sasika Perera 2/52, Kalana Sandeep 2/58)

St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa: 46/0 (14) at close

* At Galle: Mahinda Galle: 272 (77) (Navod Paranavithana 109, Kavidu Lakshan 48, Osindu Kavindya 36, Dinura Kalupahana 34, Kawshitha Kodthuwakku 23, Senash Fernando 4/94, Pramod Rajamunindra 3/50)

De Mazenod Kandana: 0/0 (1.1) at close

* At Kadirana: St. Thomas’ Matara: 228 (80.2) (Woshitha Amarasinghe 109 n.o., Ashen Shawinda 21, Sachintha Ranasinghe 20, Nipun Dananjaya 5/80, Chamath Fernando 3/28, Menusha Perera 2/48)

St. Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa: 49/3 (13) at close

* At Katugastota: St. Anthony’s Kandy: 385 (85.4) (Lasitha Werellegama 96, Chamidu Wickramasinghe 81, Prabath Sachin 65, Anjala Bandara 54 n.o, Kanishka Maduwantha 6/129, Danal Hemananda 2/89)

St. Peter’s Bambalapitiya: 21/1 (3.1) at close.

* At Kurunegala: St. Anne’s Kurunagala: 220 (73.3) (Dilhara Deshabandu 57, Lasith Warnakulasuriya 37, Kalindu Ranasinghe 33, Pivithu Fernando 33, Thimalsha Silva 24, Lohan De Soysa 5/64, Maneesha Rashmika 3/34)

Dharmasoka Ambalangoda: 70/3 (22) at close (Sanula Gunarathne 34, Lohan De Soyza 20 n.o, Manan Musammil 2/9)

* At Kegalle: Karandeniya Central: 236 (60.3) (Janith Kaushal 62, Dumindu Pasan 45, Nirmal Yashod 36, Sammana De Silva 29, Sanuda Bandara 6/52)

Kegalu Vidyalaya: 36/6 (14.1) at close (Hansamana De Silva 2/6)

* At Anuradhapura: Anuradhapura Central: 315 (83) (Rashmika Prabodana 123, Sachintha Sandeepa 45, Suneth Davinda 39, Yohan Chthuranga 36, Lasantha Lakshan 27, Dineth Sathsara 6/132, Brian Fernando 2/41)

St. Peters College, Negombo: 22/5 (11) at close (Yohan Chathuranga 4/6)

* At Katuneriya: St. John’s Panadura: 157 (45.5) (Ashan Dilhara 50, Reshan Malith 23, Sithum Akilanka 3/18, Dulaj Ashen 3/28, Maleesha Deshan 3/30) and 12/0 (4) at close

St. Sebastian’s Katuneriya: 116 (45.5) (Chathumal Nimesh 27, Ayon Hesara 22, Sumudu Udara 4/28, Abishek Sanjith 3/46)

* At Jaffna: St. Patrick’s Jaffna: 78 (40.1) (M. Amalaraj 21, T. Vidushan 4/22, K. Iyalarasan 3/6)

Jaffna Central: 228/4 (52) at close (S. Sanjayan 96 n.o., V. Vyaskanth 52 n.o., K. Iyalarasan 45, A. Nidushan 27, M. Deathwin 2/62)

* At Boyagane: Wanduramba Central: 90 (33.3) (Pasindu Malshan 22, Shemil Neranjan 4/14, Jaliya Sasanka 2/4)

Sri Sumangala Kandy: 149/7 (44) at close (Chamara Bandra 51 n.o., Tharinda Dhananjaya 2/17)

* At Akurana: Azhar Akurana: 121 (43.1) (Yusvi Kazim 40, Kavishka Hapugoda 4/25, Viraj Ekanayake 3/23)

Nugawela Central: 271 (55.5) (Nadishka Udalagama 63, Chamuditha Polkotuwa 59, Kumara Jayawardena 42, Dilmitha Dodanthenna 34, Mohamed Arkam 6/82, Sabeer Ahmed 3/109)

* At Godigamuwa: Ananda Shashthralaya Kotte: 270 (82.2) (Danaja Sandalindu 73, Hasith Hansindu 65 n.o., Dulanja Pahasara 60, Dalash Gunasekara 4/108 Ishina Dias 3/89, Isuru Pinto 2/12)

St. Joseph’s Wattala: 49/3 (18) at close

* At Polonnaruwa: Royal Polonnaruwa: 65 (29.4) (Oshara Madushanka 20, Janith Heshan 3/15, Sanilka Bannaka 2/2, Maduka Dilshan 2/14)

Sir John Kotalawala MV Kurunegala: 190 (64.4) (Maduka Dilshan 72, Yasiru Shivantha 37, Dilan Sandaruwan 6/73, Punsara Piumal 2/63)

* At Moneragala: Royal College, Moneragala: 420/5 decl. (71.5) (Sakuna Nidarshana 230, Avishka Lakshan 114, Chathura Bandara 23, Kushan Malinda 3/81)

Vijitha Central Dickwella: 29/4 (14) at close (Sakuna Nidarshana 2/8)

* At Veyangoda: Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda: 108 (49) (Avishka Koshila 34, Dilsha Malsara 28, Samuditha De Alwis 7/41, Shehan Wijepala 2/24) and 8/1 (3) at close

C.W.W. Kannangara Central Mathugama: 102 (39.4) (Harshika Priyadarshana 26, Ushan Maheepala 24, Ishitha Hemal 3/22, Arana Perera 3/47, Pramith Adikari 2/9)

* At Balangoda: Badulla Central: 186 (46.5) (Kavinda Ranasinghe 60, Yamila Abeykoon 36, Dinara Kodithuwakku 23, Anuja Abenayake 21, Anjula Abenayake 21, Sankanath Vishwameth 7/32, Pruthuvi Karunathilake 2/29)

Ananda Maithreya Central Balangoda: 135 (39.5) (Theekashana Molamure 49, Rasindu Ananda 26, Pruthuwi Karunathilake 25 n.o., Dinara Kodithuwakku 4/44, Kavindu Ranasinghe 3/25, Anjana Abenayake 2/11)

* At Thimbirigaskatuwa: Sri Rajasinghe Central Kudabuthgamuwa: 113 (49.3) (Poorna Munadeniya 24, Sasindu Prabashana 5/24, Savindu Heshan 4/33)

Maris Stella Thimbirigaskatuwa: 147/7 (48) at close (Dinuka Nimesh 29, Sathila Dilshan 23 n.o., Eshan Kaushalya 3/37, Madushan Umayanga 2/41)

* At Meewanapalana: Homagama Central: 166/8 (68.1) at close (Ashen Shanuka 51 n.o., Dineth Sanjula 34, Sajith Chathuranga 22, Sachindu Saumya 4/33, Nadeera Ishan 2/38) vs Vidyaloka Galle

- (YK)

A magnificent unbeaten 165 runs by Right hand bat and wicket keeper of the side Imeth Gampola enabled Sri Sumangala College Panadura to beat Kalutara Vidyalaya by a massive 201 runs in their first eleven inter school match worked off at Panadura. Incidently this is the second century of Imeth Gampola.

Imeth hit twenty one fours and five sixes and occupied the crease for 150 minutes and faced 144 balls. So far in ten matches he has scored 541 runs. This is the eighth victory recorded by Sumangalians this season under Anuka Jayasinghe. So far they have played ten matched and won eight outright one of first innings and one ended in no decision and they are unbeaten.

The skipper Anuka Jayasinghe too has captured 56 wickets with his left arm leg spin. In this game he took a match bag of 8 for 64 (4/27 and 4/37).

Taking the fist lease Sumangalians scored 285 runs and Kalutara lads were all out for 128 runs with Vishara Fernando scoring 61 runs and in their second essay homesters declared at 181 for 6 with Sasindu Silva scoring 58 runs and set to make a difficult task of scoring 339 runs for an outright victory Kalutara Vidyalaya were all out for 137 runs.

Sri Sumangala– 285 in 59.1 overs – (Imeth Gampola 165 n/o, Sasindu Silva 27, Kavindu Jayawickrama 5/63, Udan Thejaka 2/33 and 181/6 dec. (Sasindu Silva 58, Mihiranga Fernando 42, Imeth Gampola 24, Kavindu Jayawickrama 3/69, Avishka Lakshan 2/59).

Kalutara Vidyalaya– 128 in 37.4 overs – (Vishara Fernando 61, Gihan Sanjaya 21, Kavindu Jayawickrama 21, Anuka Jayasinghe 4/27, Vishva Kumara 3/40) and 137 - ( Avishka Lakshan 41, Vishara Fernando 22, Anuka Jayaisnghe 4/34, Vishva Kumara 3/37, Heshan Uvinda 2/19).

(On left) open category winner, Viran Ramesh receiving Sunil Abeywardena Memorial Trophy and cash prize from Shivalingam Ramesh, the proprietor of RS. Steel Co Ltd Uswetakeiyawa, who sponsured both categories first prizes.  (on Right) Junior Category winner “Shenal Chamodh receiving Sunil Abeywardena Memorial Trophy and cash prize from veteran cyclist, Boniface Perera the consultant and coach of Flying wheel Cycling Club, Wattala.  Picture by Joseph Pius Wattala Special Correspondent    

Viran Ramesh and Shenal Chamodh won the open and junior categories respectively at the Nidahas Udana Flying Wheel Standard Cycle race organised by Flying Wheel Cycling Club, Wattala for Veteran Sports Journalist and Broadcaster Sunil Abeywardena Memorial Trophy held on February 04 2020 at Kerawalapitiya Wattala.

This 101 km cycle race was held to mark 72nd Indpendence day celebrations and 36th anniversary of Flying Wheel Cycling Club, Wattala under the guidance of Gampaha District Cycling Assocation.

In the Junior Category Shenal Chamodh and Suresh Tharanga who won the first and second place respectively also won the second and third places of the open category also was a remarkable feat at this race.

The Open and Junior Competitions had started at the same time and therefore they have received both prizes at the competitions. 

A hurricane unbeaten 100 runs by R. Rajaclinton guided Jaffna Central to beat Jaffna College by a massive innings and 266 runs in their inter school first eleven cricket match worked off at Jaffna.

Rajaclinton had five hits to the ropes and one over and faced 163 balls and occupied the crease for 176 minutes.

Batting first Jaffna College were shot out for 38 runs with T Vidushan claiming 4 for 13 runs and Jaffna Central declared at 355 for 7 with Misan Sayan too contributing 57 runs and in their second essay Jaffna College were bowled out for 51 runs with T Vidushan capturing 4 for 16 to make a match bag of 8 for 29 runs.

Chief Scores

Jaffna College– 38 in 29.1 overs – (T Vidushan 4/13, Iyalarason 3/1, M Thiragaran 2/10 and 51 – Ihalarason 3/15, T Vidushan 4/16, K Braveeraj 2/2.

Jaffna Central– 355/7 in 85.1 overs – (R Rajaclinton 100n/o, N Thiragaran 22 n/o, M Sansayan 57, A. Nithushan 57, A Kajan 32, V Viyakkanth 26, N Sindujan 3/86, S Nandahiran 2/60, S Kriyankan 2/96.

JOHANNESBURG, Saturday - South Africa’s cricket boss has pleaded with fans to treat Steve Smith and David Warner with respect and not “embarrass” the board with poor behaviour when the Australian batsmen tour the country for the first time since a ball-tampering scandal.

Smith and Warner, who incurred 12-month bans for their parts in the tampering plot during a Cape Town test two years ago, were jeered relentlessly by English crowds during the one-day World Cup and the Ashes series last year.

Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) interim chief executive Jacques Faul said fans who misbehaved would be ejected from venues during the limited overs series, which starts with a Twenty20 match in Johannesburg on Friday.

“I would plead with South African fans to respect our opponents and don’t go overboard with these things,” Faul told Fairfax media. “It’s competitive on the field, and we don’t need it. Sport in general doesn’t need that behaviour.

“We have a very strict policy in terms of fan behaviour and we will evacuate people but the damage will have been done.” Australia’s 2018 tour of South Africa was tense on and off the field, and well before the tampering incident at Newlands.

Animosity between opener Warner and South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock spilled over into a heated stairwell confrontation during the first test in Durban, with team mates stepping in to separate the players.

Warner and his wife, Candice, were subsequently targeted by the crowds, and CSA apologised to the Australian team after two of the board’s officials were photographed wearing Sonny Bill Williams masks with fans at the ground..

Candice Warner had a tryst with New Zealand rugby international Williams

more than 10 years before the incident. “What happened last time (in South Africa), the behaviour was unfortunate,” said Faul, who stepped in as CEO in December following Thabang Moroe’s suspension for alleged misconduct.

“It’s embarrassing when it happens - for the stadium and the national federations.

“If there are best practices that we can learn from to prevent it we’re happy to look at it.”

Last month, England all-rounder Ben Stokes was fined by the International Cricket Council after a foul-mouthed row with a fan at the Wanderers ground during the fourth test in Johannesburg.

Stokes said he had been subjected to repeated abuse from the crowd and apologised for his “unprofessional” reaction.

– Agencies 

CR and FC managed to pull off a hard-fought win by 31 points (3T, 4P, 2C) to 22 (4T, 1C) win over Army Sports Club in their Dialog ‘A’ division second round rugby league match played at Welisara yesterday.

At half time CR led 22-5.

Youngster Murshid Zubair drew first blood through a penalty in the 4th minute for CR who scored their first try in the 13th minute when Milan Suranga broke over from the ruck. Zubair added the extra points for CR to lead 10-0.

Both teams made some good moves from the kick off and CR punished Army in the first quarter with some excellent touches. Their second try was scored by Zubair and he was successful in converting it to make the score 17-0.

The soldiers found their form and the first try came from Isuru Madagedara. From the scrum, the ball was sent across the field and Dikkumbura saw the overlap and drew the defenders towards him and got the offload to Madagedara 17-5.

CR’s response was well constructed try from Janidu Dilshan shortly before half time.

On resumption in the 52nd minute, Ashan Bandara found a way through for Army’s second try which also went unconverted 22-10. Army followed that up with another touch down from Lahiru Ratnayake to cut down the lead to 22-15.

Although Army made inroads into CR territory they could not prevent CR from scoring back to back penalties 28-15. Army scored their fourth try through Sudaraka Dikkumbura which was converted but CR ensured they kept their lead intact with another penalty that more or less settled the issue.

Point scorers for CR&FC were Milan Suranga 1T, Murshid Zubair 1T, 1P, 2C, Janidu Dilshan 1T and Riza Mubarak 3P.

Point scorers for Army SC were Lahiru Ratnayake 1T, 2C, Ashan Bandara 1T, Sudaraka Dikkumbura 1T, Isuru Madagedara 1T.

South Africa claimed their first warm-up win - a feat they failed to achieve in the run-up to the Women’s T20 World Cup 2018 - but Sri Lanka didn’t let it come easy.

Sri Lanka got off to a flying start, Udeshika Prabodani setting the tone from the offset by bowling Lee for a duck before taking the big scalp of Dane van Niekerk, who also failed to score.

Prabodani’s early showing (two for eight) helped to restrict South Africa to 23 for two from six overs but middle-order batters Marizanne Kapp (44) and Mignon du Preez (28) stabilised the Proteas’ innings.

Kapp was then dismissed by Chamari Atapattu in her first over before the Sri Lanka captain delivered again to bowl Luus for seven with just three overs remaining.

Laura Wolvaardt (38 not out) and Chloe Tyron (23 not out) stitched together a 44-run partnership to finish the innings on 146 for five. Sri Lanka pushed on with the bat with Hasini Madushika scoring 22 but a flurry of wickets quickly derailed their chase.

Luus struck twice in her first over before finishing with the match’s best-bowling figures of four for 20 while Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka and Van Niekerk took one apiece in the 41-run victory.

Sri Lanka’s Achini Kulasuriya was injured fielding and was taken to hospital as a precaution but has since been discharged and taken back to the team hotel.

Luus said: “I’m very happy with my performance. If it’s your day with the ball, it’s your day and I’m just happy it came off. All the bowlers contributed and we’re happy with how the game went.

“We had a rocky start with the bat but I think our middle order brought it back nicely.

“Before the last T20 World Cup, we lost all our warm-up games so everyone went into this game pretty nervous, but we’re pretty happy with how it went.”

Sri Lanka meet England on 18 February in their second warm-up game at Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide.

Meanwhile Heather Knight and Danni Wyatt led the way as England bounced back from not making the final of a preceding tri-series, beating New Zealand in their first warm-up fixture in Adelaide.

Scores:

*South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 41 runs @ Adelaide

South Africa 146-5 (20) (Marizanne Kapp 44, Laura Wolvaardt 38 n.o.; Udeshika Prabodani 2-8, Chamari Attapatu 2-28)

Sri Lanka 105-8 (20) (Ama Kamchana 24 n.o., Hasini Perera 22; Sune Luus 4-20, Ayabonga Khaka 1-5)

* England beat New Zealand by six wickets @ Adelaide

New Zealand 134-9 (20) (Katey Martin 57, Suzie Bates 33; Katherine Brunt 3-23, Anya Shrubsole 2-19)

England 136-4 (18) (Danni Wyatt 42, Heather Knight 45; Lea Tahuhu 2-20)

MONACO, Sunday - Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei shattered the 5km road world record in Monaco on Sunday, shaving 27 seconds off the mark set by Kenya’s Rhonex Kipruto last month.

Cheptegei, the 10,000m world champion, crossed the finish line in 12 minutes and 51 seconds in his first race of the year to eclipse Kipruto’s effort from the 10K Valencia Ibercaja in Spain last month.

Kipruto had set the mark en route to the 10km road world record. “Wow, this is really great. I had sub 13 minutes in my mind today so when my legs felt good during the race, I really decided to go for it,” the 23-year-old Cheptegei said.

“To take this many seconds of the record makes me very happy and is a great first test for me in an important season.”

Frenchman Jimmy Gressier finished second in Monaco with a time of 13:18 to beat the European record of 13:29 set by Julien Wanders in the same race last year. – Agencies

Dharmaraja College Kandy’s left-arm leg-spinner Upendra Warnakulasuriya took seven wickets for 57 to bowl Ananda College for 200 in their drawn match of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 inter-schools cricket tournament played at Lake View Kandy yesterday.

RESULTS:

* At Lake View Kandy: Match drawn.

Dharmaraja Kandy: 271/9 (254/8 o/n) (94.1) (Chethiya Ekanayake 69, Janith Gunathunge 48, Virajitha Ehelepola 42, Yasith Samararathne 26, Dinuka Pathiraja 24, Lukshan Fernando 3/46, Adeesha Perera 3/69, Saviru Bandara 2/59) and 176/6 (39) (Chethiya Ekanayake 44 n.o., Janith Gunatunge 38, Dulaj Bandara 35, Janindu Jayawardhane 2/34, Lukshan Fernando 2/64)

Ananda: 200 (50.2) (Anuda Jayaweera 37, Damith Jayasinghe 30, Dasun Senevirathne 28, Saviru Bandara 25, Nusal Dharmarathne 24, Upendra Warnakulasuriya 7/57, Sahan Siriwardene 2/48)

* At Padukka: Match drawn.

Siri Piyarathana MV Padukka: 259 and 218 (44.5) (Madushan Peiris 68, Janith Yomal 39, Kavishka Dhananjaya 26, Kavinda Ishwara 22, Hirusha Dewmika 2/32, Kaveesh Sathsara 2/65)

P. de S. Kularatne MV Ambalangoda: 97 (64/3 o/n) (47.5) (Hirusha Dewumika 27, Kavinda Ishwara 4/35, Madushan Peiris 3/22) and 153/2 (32) (Tharindu Harshana 61 n.o., Manusha Theekshana 50, Kumindu Nilhara 31)

DAY ONE SCORES

* At Moratuwa: Isipathana: 228/6 (102) at close (Saveen Dantha 59, Lisura Vinath 55 n.o., Leshan Amarasinghe 40, Ravindu Ratnayake 26, Ravindu Janith 3/64) vs Prince of Wales Moratuwa

* At Moratuwa: Zahira Colombo: 234 (47.4) (Mohomed Shamas 79, Rizwan Raahid 42, Mohomad Mahdhi 33, Imithias Slasa 24, Abdul Majid 22, Eran Hansamal 4/53, Rashan Kavishka 2/41, Vishwa Didulana 2/52) and 15/1 (4) at close

Moratu Vidyalaya: 150 (34.4) (Eran Hansamal 39, Nipun Kaushalya 32, Madhura Gimhana 25, Mohomad Shamas 3/29, Imithiyas Slasa 3/48, Rizwan Raahid 2/15) - YK

Glasgow, Saturday: Sweden’s Armand Duplantis set a world pole vault record of 6.18 metres at an indoor meeting in Glasgow on Saturday, adding one centimetre to the record he set in Poland last week.

Duplantis, who won silver at last year’s world championships in Doha, cleared the bar with something to spare and won a world record bonus cheque for $30,000.

The old record of 6.16m set by French vaulter Renaud Lavillenie had stood since 2014 until Duplantis broke it last Saturday in Torun, Poland.

Duplantis, known by his nickname “Mondo”, did a lap of the track signing autographs in Glasgow.

“There are so many things that go into this, so many years of hard work,” he said. “It’s really complicated but I guess when you’re doing it right it seems simple.

“I feel good on the runway, I feel fast, I feel strong and I feel I am working the poles I have really well. I’m excited for the outdoor season. The Olympics is the biggest thing that a track and field athlete can compete in and that is when I want to have my best competition this season. -AFP

Saracens SC’s slow left-arm orthodox bowler Chamikara Edirisinghe took eight wickets for 32 runs to bowl his club to an innings and 110 runs win over Ragama CC in their SLC Major League Tier ‘A’ 3-Day Inter-Club cricket match played at Surrey grounds, Maggona yesterday.

Ragama CC were dismissed for scores of 119 and 144 in reply to Saracens’ total of 373.

BRC pulled off an exciting two-wicket win over Moors SC, while SSC and Negombo CC were the other teams to record wins.

Sri Lanka Test cricketer Dinesh Chandimal hit an undefeated 163 for Army CC but despite his valiant innings they finished on the losing side to Negombo CC. NCC and Chilaw Marians figured in a draw.

RESULTS

* At BRC: BRC won by 2 wickets.

Moors SC: 353 and 137.

BRC: 238 and 253/8 (2/0 (61) (Bhanuka Rajapaksa 69, Nisal Francisco 60, Raminda Wijesuriya 35, Kevin Koththigoda 34 n.o., Ayana Siriwardane 3/72, Ramesh Mendis 2/70)

* At Maggona: Saracens SC won by inns and 110 runs.

Ragama CC: 119 and 144 (47.2) (Lahiru Thirimanne 45, Ishan Jayaratne 39, Udara Jayasundara 27, Chamikara Edirisinghe 8/32)

Saracens SC: 373 (321/5 o/n) (120.1) (Navindu Vithanage 83, Sithara Gimhan 74, Chamikara Edirisinghe 55, Gamindu Kanishka 45, Milinda Siriwardane 41, Pramod Maduwantha 34, Kalhara Senaratne 6/127, Amila Aponso 3/40)

* At Colts: SSC won by 88 runs.

SSC: 301 and 175 (114/5 o/n) (56.5) (Sachithra Senanayaka 33, Sahan Arachchige 32, Akash Senarathne 27 n.o., Nuwanindu Fernando 21, Dilruwan Perera 4/45, Prabath Jayasuriya 4/55)

Colts CC: 183 and 205 (73.2) (Vishad Randika 69, Dhananjaya Lakshan 54, Sachithra Senanayaka 5/59, Dhammika Prasad 2/27, Jeffrey Vandersay 2/43)

* At Moors: Negombo CC won by 8 wickets.

Army CC: 155 (42.1) and 398 (74/0 o/n) (97.5) (Dinesh Chandimal 163 n.o., Pathum Dilshan 91, Lakshan Edirisinghe 38, Seekkuge Prasanna 34, Roshen Fernando 3/60, Upul Indrasiri 3/155, Dilshan Munaweera 2/27)

Negombo CC: 484/9 decl. and 74/2 (7.3) (Saad Nasim 40 n.o., P. Lakshanka 21 n.o.)

* At NCC: Match drawn.

NCC: 312 and 314/8 (6/0 o/n) (78.1) (Mahela Udawatta 117 n.o., Lahiru Udara 75, Pethum Nissanka 73, Angelo Perera 26, Nimesh Vimukthi 4/86, Lasith Croospulle 3/35)

Chilaw Marians CC: 304.

DAY ONE SCORE

* At CCC: Lankan CC: 266/9 (90) at close (Geeth Kumara 69, Primosh Perera 64, Chanaka Ruwansiri 43, Damitha Silva 26, Keshan Wijeratne 20 n.o., Jeewan Mendis 3/65, Suranga Lakmal 2/42) v

Tamil Union C & AC

SLC MAJOR LEAGUE TIER ‘B’

* At Panadura: Kandy Customs SC won by inns and 24 runs.

Kandy Customs SC: 443/9 decl

Kalutara TC: 237 and 182 (42/3 o/n) (62.3) (Hasitha Nirmal 79, Hashan Chamara 38, Ishan Abeysekara 28, Sampath Perera 4/47, Chirag Khurana 2/31, Sachithra Perera 2/17)

* At Dombagoda: Sri Lanka Ports Authority CC won by inns and 219 runs.

Sri Lanka Ports Authority CC: 420/8 decl.

Air Force SC: 78 (60/5 o/n) (28.2) (Ravindu Sembukuttige 25, Rajeewa Weerasinghe 5/20, Chanaka Komasaru 4/23) and 123 (40.1) (Madhawa Nimesh 43, Udayawansha Parakrama 20, Chaminda Bandara 4/20, Chanaka Komasaru 3/45)

*At Galle: Match drawn.

Galle CC: 175 and 216 (43/0 o/n) (75.2) (Mansoor Amjad 54, Damitha Hunukumbura 39 n.o., Vinura Dulsara 27, Kavindu Ediriweera 25, Ravishka Wijesiri 22, Roshan Jayatissa 4/61, Dilshan Abeysinghe 3/35, Chalana De Silva 2/55)

Panadura SC: 161 and 146/6 (36.2) (Raju Gayashan 52 n.o., Vishwa Chaturanga 22, Chalana De Silva 22, Ahmed Jamal 3/46, Kavika Dilshan 2/54)

* At Welisara: Match drawn.

Navy SC: 153 and 273 (205/7 o/n) (91.4) Tharushan Iddamalgoda 45, Savindu Dissanayaka 43, Savindu Pieris 37, W. Mayantha 27, Tharusha Fernando 27, Shalith Fernando 31, Naveen Gunawardane 5/107, Ranesh Perera 2/31)

Sebastianites C & AC: 166 and 199/5 (79) (Ranesh Perera 59 n.o., Thilanka De Silva 47, S. Fernando 32, Dasun Senevirathne 31 n.o., Dilanka Auwardt 4/67)

* At Panagoda: Match drawn.

Nugegoda S & WC: 413 and 106/1 (16) (Pethum Madusanka 59 n.o., Pramud Hettiwatte 21 n.o.)

Kurunegala Youth CC: 300 (35/0 o/n) (86.3) (Sandeep Kunchikor 69, Malinga Maligaspe 46, Zain Abbas 39, Randeera Ranasinghe 32, Vinodh Perera 30, Dilshan Kollure 23, Navin Kavikara 22 n.o., Chanuka Dilshan 6/113, Pasindu Madushan 2/70)

DAY TWO SCORE

* At Police Park: Bloomfield C & AC: 170 and 244/9 (58) (Dilhan Cooray 55, Chamara Silva 57, Harsha Vithana 42, Kasun Ekanayake 27)

Police SC: 228 (153/7 o/n) (65.3) (Dulash Udayanga 54, Lakshan Rodrigo 41, Maduranga Zoysa 27. Supun Madushanka 22, Gitansh Kera 20, Dileepa Jayalath 3/97, Madushan Ravichandrakumar 4/46, Gayan Sirisoma 2/54) – YK

Bangladesh have dropped batsman Mahmudullah and recalled pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe starting next Saturday.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim also returns to the side for the Dhaka match after opting out of the Test against Pakistan earlier this month over safety concerns.

The 16-member squad named Sunday has four changes from the team that lost to Pakistan by an innings and 44 runs in Rawalpindi. Spinner Mehidy Hasan and pacer Taskin Ahmed are back after recovering from injury while batsman Soumya Sarkar, pacers Rubel Hossain and Al-Amin Hossain were dropped.

Batsman Yasir Ali Chowdhury and fast bowler Hasan Mahmud are the two uncapped players in the squad.

“I believe we have selected the best possible Test squad under present circumstances”.

“There is a very nice blend of experience and potential,” chairman of the selection panel, Minhajul Abedin, said in a BCB statement.

“It is unfortunate that some players had to miss out but our priority has been to ensure balance and continuity. We felt that Mahmudullah needed a break from the red ball.”

Mahmudullah has scored only one half-century since making 146 runs against New Zealand in March last year.

Bangladesh are currently on a bad run of form in Tests, losing their last six matches -- three of them by an innings margin.

The hosts will also play three one-day internationals and two Twenty20s in the upcoming series in March.

SQUAD: Mominul Haque (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Taijul Islam, Abu Jayed, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadat Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Yasir Ali. - AFP

DHAKA, Sunday - Zimbabwe batsman Brendan Taylor has said his side’s performance in the recent series against Sri Lanka would motivate them to do well against Bangladesh in the one-off Test later this month.

Zimbabwe, playing their first Test series in more than a year, pushed Sri Lanka hard in two home matches in January before narrowly going down 0-1.

They lost the first Test, and then an unbeaten second-innings century from Kusal Mendis denied them a series levelling-win in the second Test.

“We have had two good Test matches that went five days against Sri Lanka. We took a lot of positives from that.

Hopefully, we can carry that on to the first Test (against Bangladesh),” Taylor told reporters at Dhaka airport on Saturday. Zimbabwe will play their Test against Bangladesh at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium from February 22.

“Bangladesh have always been very difficult to... (beat) here. We know what we are up against... But we look forward to it,” said the 34-year-old Taylor.

Bangladesh are currently in a bad run of form in Tests, losing their last six matches -- three of them by an innings margin -- but Taylor warned that would not give his side any leverage.

“I think they always play well at home. That’s their comfort zone, where they thrive... and always have a good record,” he said.

Batsman Craig Ervine will lead Zimbabwe in the Bangladesh Test, with regular skipper Sean Williams missing the game to be with his family for the birth of his child.

Zimbabwe will also play three one-day internationals and two Twenty20s during the Bangladesh tour in March. -AFP

CHICAGO, Saturday - The National Basketball Association All-Star Game MVP Award has been permanently named for the late Kobe Bryant, league Commissioner Adam Silver said on Saturday.

Bryant, an 18-time All-Star who won a record-tying four All-Star Game MVP awards, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles on Jan. 26. He was 41.

“His loss, together with his daughter and those other seven people on the helicopter, is unspeakable,” Silver said at a news conference before the All-Star Saturday Night event at the United Center in Chicago. “As the father of a child ... that’s the unimaginable.”

The Kobe Bryant MVP Award will be presented on Sunday to the most valuable player at the end of the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.

“Kobe Bryant is synonymous with NBA All-Star and embodies the spirit of this global celebration of our game,” Silver said in a statement.

“He always relished the opportunity to compete with the best of the best and perform at the highest level for millions of fans around the world.”

Bryant made his NBA All-Star Game debut in 1998 at age 19 – the youngest player to ever play in an All-Star Game. His 18 All-Star selections are the second most in NBA history behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, at 19.

Silver said the decision to name the MVP award in honour of Bryant was made collectively by league officials and some players.

“To all of us, it seemed like the appropriate way to bring honour to him,” Silver said.

Silver also spoke about the loss of former NBA Commissioner David Stern, who oversaw explosive growth in the popularity of the game during his 30-year tenure. Silver said that Stern, who died in January, and Bryant had a lot in common.

“They were both determined to win,” he said. “They could be difficult at times because they prioritised winning, and often, they didn’t have time for some of the niceties around personal relationships because it was about winning.”

Moments after Silver’s news conference ended, the packed United Center stood and cheered as the game clock was wound up to 24.2, in honour of Bryant’s No. 24 jersey number and the No. 2 that Gianna Bryant wore when she played basketball at her father’s Mamba Sports Academy. – Agencies

Shelinda Jansen adjudged the best performer and won the RIT Alles challenge trophy while Lyceum Wattala topped the medals tally at the International Schools Athletic Championship concluded at Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday.

Shelinda also won the best female athlete’s award for her performance in the 100m clocking 11.94 seconds which is a new meet record.

Schools from Wattala won 92 medals with 39 gold, 30 silver and 23 bronze. Host school Gateway Colombo secured third place with 72 medals - 24 gold, 29 silver and 19 bronze medals.

TROPHIES

Gateway Graduate School Challenge Trophy for the Overall Relay Champions: Gateway College, Colombo.

Munchee Challenge Cup for the Best Female Athlete: Shelinda Jansen - Gateway College, Colombo, 100m in 11.94 secs (new meet record)

Munchee Challenge Cup for the Best Male Athlete: Sandun Kumara - Lyceum International School, Wattala, Triple Jump with 15.44 meters (new meet record)

R.I.T.Alles Challenge Trophy and Edexcel Challenge Trophy for the Best Performer of the Meet: Shelinda Jansen - Gateway College, Colombo, 100m in 11.94 secs (new meet record)

Centurion, Sunday: England beat South Africa by five wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international at SuperSport Park on Sunday to win the three-match series.

South Africa 222–6 in 20 overs (T. Bavuma 49, Q. de Kock 35, H. Klaasen 66, D. Miller 35 not out; T. Curran 2-33, B. Stokes 2-35)

England 226-5 in 19.1 overs (J. Buttler 57, J. Bairstow 64, E Morgan 57 not out; L. Ngidi 2-55)

Dinesh Chandimal gave me a warm welcome at his spacious bungalow in Thalangama. As expected he was friendly, unassuming and down to earth. His petite wife was friendly and was there in the background.

TSUNAMI

He set the ball rolling by mentioning about the horrendous experience he had to undergo confronting the ‘TSUNAMI.’At the time Chandimal lived at Patabendimulla, Ambalanggoda, and had to confront this as a 13 year old. On that day December 26, 2004 he got up at 4.30 am to watch a cricket match, New Zealand against Sri Lanka with his father ( they did not have a TV set and used to watch at a neighbourr’s place) it was a Poya day. As is customary for Buddhist households during Poya days, Dinesh Chandimal’s family partook in cleaning their household, and his mother opened the back door which was facing the sea, to throw the dirt out and to her horror saw the first wave approaching, ‘alarm bells rang’ and the whole family ran 100 metres towards the landside seeking shelter and approached a nearby hill, his mother was seven months pregnant. He also mentioned that they escaped the second mighty wave by a couple of seconds, if not there would not be a ‘Dinesh Chandimal today.’ He and his siblings had to rough it out for three days in a Temple until an elderly lady gave them proper shelter. Eventually the Government provided them with a house.

PLEASANT SURPRISE

During that traumatic period, Chandimal got a pleasant surprise, he got an offer to play for Ananda College Colombo and he mentioned that Agith De Silva(the best left arm spinner Sri Lanka produced until Rangana Herath came on the scene) and helped him in switching from Dharmashoka to Ananda. Incidentally both these highly talented cricketers took the same route, Dharmashoka to Ananda. Chandi didn’t favour the switch because he didn’t want to leave his friends in Ambalngoda. He thought it would stand him in good stead for his future career prospects other than cricket by joining Ananda College. He never dreamt that he would reach such “dizzy heights in cricket.”

A SHINING STAR AND A GUIDING LIGHT AT ANANDA

Chandimal recalled that he represented Ananda College for three years and captained in his final year, during that year they won outright 10 matches and scored 1540 runs . He was also the school boy cricketer in 2008/09 and to cap it all he was the Best Captain, Best Fielder and The Best Batsman.

After getting selected to play for the under 19 Sri Lanka team Chandimal set his sights on representing Sri Lanka, not only was he a talented batsman but a brilliant wicket keeper and an enthusiastic and agile fielder.

He stated that In 2010 he played for Sri Lanka under Kumar Sangakkara in West Indies it was to be his first senior outing. Thus far Chandimal has scored nearly 4000 runs in Test Cricket at an average of 49, in ODI’s 3,600 runs at an average of 74, T 20’S 800 runs at an average close to 105, impressive stats indeed.

ROMESH KALUWITHARANA

Romesh Kaluwitharana was the cricketer who inspired him most and he had that ability commented Chandimal. He was also proud of the fact that that he played alongside Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene,Mutthia Muralitharan, Thilakaratne Dilshan and Sanath Jayasuriya and was grateful to all of them.

T 20-2010,2012,2014,2016 and the 2015 World Cup as the record shows Chandimal has played in five World Cups and is still 30 years of age, disciplined and fit. According to Chandi he still have a good 5 years in the tank. The writers opinion is that given his due opportunities, without short circuiting Dinesh Chandimal if he keeps his cool could surpass all the greats except Aravinda De Silva. I feel that Chandimal’s inbuilt athleticism, will enable him to get back on track easy.

He recalled that during the ICC World Cup 20015, he got around 52 runs in 24 balls at a strike rate of 216, it was unfortunate that Chandi got a hamstring injury if he carried on in that vain in Sydney they would have gone through to Quarters and would have had a chance of lifting the World Cup in 2015,lamented Chandimal.

to be continued

A fine match bag of 11 for 71 (5/32/6/39) by left arm leg spinner Janith Gamage helped Defence College Colombo to beat Herman Gminner school Kesbewa, Piliyandala in their inter-school first eleven cricket match played at Piliyandala.

Batting first homesters were all out for 131 runs and in reply Defence College made 299 runs and Thivanka Wijekoon too scored 53 runs and in their second essay Herman Gminner were shot out for 69 runs.

Herman Gminner School– 131 in 41.5 overs – Dimuthy Sameera 32, Janith Gamage 5/32, Sithura Induwara 2/9, Thivanka Wijekoon 2/30 and 69 – (Janith Gamage 6/39, Sithura Induwara 2/21).

Defence College– 299 in 52.2 overs – Roneth Perera 69, Dinal Charuka 61, Thivanka Wijekoon 53, Chatura Senasinghe 48, Sithura Induwara 29, Dimuthu Sameera 2/74, Yoshitha Dinura 3/75, Usaya Naveen 2/29.