Navod Paranavithana the Sri Lanka under 19 World Cup opener and captain of Mahinda College, Galle shattered batting records when he became the first schoolboy to score a quadruple century in a school match yesterday.

The 17-year-old left-hander from Galle scored 409 off 327 balls inclusive of 39 fours and 19 sixes against Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda in their ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 inter-schools cricket match played at Mahinda College grounds, Galle which ended in a draw.

Resuming at his overnight score of 119, Paranavithana went onto compile his monumental innings that helped Mahinda to a massive total of 679. Dharmasoka dismissed for 185 in their first innings made 25/4 in their second innings.

Interestingly it was only last month on February 18 that Avishka Tharindu of St Anthony’s College Wattala had broken the highest individual score in schools cricket scoring 350 against Lumbini College.

Dhammika Vaas of Maris Stella College Negombo (310 v St Peter’s College Negombo) in 1996 and Indika de Saram of St Thomas’ College Matara (304 v Devananda College Ambalangoda) in 1993 were the other players to score more than 300 runs in an innings in school cricket according to available records.

Scores:

Dharmasoka Ambalangoda: 185 and 25/4 (14) (Subhanu Rajapaksha 2/8, Kushan Madusha 2/13)

Mahinda Galle: 679 (222/3 (132) (Navod Paranavithana 409, Kaushitha Kodithuwakku 48, Osindu Kavindya 47, Subhanu Rajapaksha 42, Sandew Induwara 38, Kaveesha Maliiyawadu 31, Rashmka Maduhsanka 24, Chanaka Jananga 3/129, Maneesha Rashmika 2/145, Lohan Aroshana 2/184) -YK

Sri Lanka Cricket (‘SLC’) has clarified the news story appearing in the Daily News of March 11 titled ‘SLC Officials to Profit through Award of TV Production Contract? and affirms that the award of the tender for production services in respect of the ICC Future Tour Programme 2020-23 was made pursuant to a tender process which was conducted at all times with utmost transparency under the observation of representatives of the ICC and other independent parties, and that due process was followed at all times during the tender process.

SLC states the comprehensive Invitation to Tender for the subject tender which was circulated to all bidders contained a detailed description of the production quality required and the documents which all bidders were expected to provide for evaluation which included audited financial statements of the bidders, and a reference from a reputed bank with regard to the financial stability of each bidder, which were thoroughly evaluated during the technical evaluation stage of the tender process. SLC further states that in a move to enhance transparency a copy of the Agreement to be executed between Sri Lanka Cricket and the successful bidder for Production Services for the ICC Future Tour Programme 2020-23 was also circulated to the bidders along with the Invitation to Tender, which included the specifications of the expected performance bond required to be submitted by the successful bidder, including the value of the bond. All bidders were required to include a signed copy of the Agreement as a part of its bid in order to confirm its agreement to SLC’s terms.

In order to ensure the highest quality of production services for the best value, prior to confirming the award of the tender, the successful bidder for production services was also required to give a detailed presentation on the technical aspects of production including the cameras and equipment that will be used in the provision of its services.

SLC confirms that it was in the above context that SLC decided to award the tender for production services for the ICC Future Tour Programme 2020-23 to the most responsive bidder, Innovative Production Group FZE (the ‘IPG Group’).

The IPG Group led by Mr. Anil Mohan and under his creative vision is acclaimed as a key global player in the field of Television Broadcast productions of Sporting Events and has produced thousands of hours of live sporting events.

SLC has confirmed the IPG Group’s credibility by obtaining references from the Pakistan Cricket Board, Zimbabwe Cricket Board, Afghanistan Cricket Board and from ITW Consulting Private Limited – the company which provided production services in respect of the ‘Nidahas Trophy’ organized by SLC in 2018.

SLC made a policy decision to carry out separate tender processes for production services, ground rights and television/radio/digital rights in respect of the ICC Future Tour Programme 2020-23 in order to secure the best value for its rights.

In the midst of the raging corona virus disease that is threatening international sports events around the world, Sri Lanka and England are preparing to face each other in a two-match Test series which is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championships.

England are a confident lot coming hot on the heels of a 3-1 thrashing of South Africa in a four-Test series and hungry to extend that run further to enhance their chances of playing in the final of the World Test Championships.

England captain Joe Root did not mince any words what his team’s focus was on when he said, “For us heading towards the Test championship if you get that far, is getting close to being no. 1 in the world. It’s a big occasion to play in the final at Lord’s that’s what we are heading for as a team. A lot of processes of making sure having to adapt to different conditions, different surfaces in different parts of the world can make you become a better team long term. That’s a big focus for us trying to get the consistency and how we want to go about playing our cricket.”

England are currently fourth in the standings and a 2-0 win over Sri Lanka will gain them 120 points and propel them into third place behind India and Australia.

But to achieve that England will first have to overcome the oppressive conditions experienced in the country at the moment, which is a far cry from when they last played here when conditions were much cooler with threats of rain and thunderstorms. On that occasion England simply swept the series 3-0.

“Last time we came at a different time of the year it was a lot more wet and lot more thunderstorms around it was the monsoonal season,” said Root. “Its extreme conditions this time around. We have to find a good way of exploiting that. We’ve seen some of the guys we had on that tour and the way they play their cricket. It think it is important coming into this series that if we just wait and expect it to be the exactly the same we could find ourselves getting soaked in. It’s very important that we play what’s right for us. We respect the surface, the opposition and I am sure the guys want to put their stamp mark on the team and how they are going to take it forward. It’s important we don’t get too far ahead of ourselves with too many ideas.”

England’s last tour to Sri Lanka was dominated by their three-pronged spin attack of Jack Leach, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid who amongst them captured 48 of the 56 wickets that fell to bowlers in the series. This time around Root does not have that luxury as only Leach is available and supporting him are two spinners Dom Bess with 4 Tests behind him and Matt Parkinson who has yet to appear in a Test.

“We expect the surfaces to be slightly different but we are quite open-minded about what to expect. It (the absence of Moeen and Rashid) also gives the opportunity for some of the other guys to show what they are capable of,” said Root. “Young guys who have probably not played much cricket in these conditions before so these warm-up games are going to be very important for us making sure that we get as much out of this as possible. Take as much from the games. When the guys who have played they generally put their hands up on their performances, they are full of confidence and ready to show what they can do out here.”

With England cricketers taking precautions against the corona virus and been told to “fist pump” instead of shaking hands with their Sri Lankan rivals during the Test series, there was no customary hand shake between Root and Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne as they held their first formal press conference at Shangri-La Hotel yesterday.

“We have to make sure we look after ourselves and the team so no handshakes and no autographs. It’s against our nature as a team we quite like to interact with fans and sign autographs and things like that, but we can’t,” said Root. “We have to restrict ourselves and make sure that we are looking after ourselves and the team and the series. I don’t think the guys are worried about that it’s not much we can do other than prepare well for the series.”

Rival skipper Karunaratne also spoke on the same lines and said that the team was not so much worried about the virus but they were solely concentrating on what they have to do in the next few weeks preparing against England.

“We are in good frame of mind for the Test series, playing at home also gives us the advantage. England is a good side the last occasion we lost to them 0-3. They are not like other country’s they compete well in the subcontinent so we have to be prepared for the challenge. There are no big changes to our squad and I am looking forward to performing well,” said Karunaratne.

“It is easy to captain a side when there are not so many changes to it. You saw that during the ODIs against the West Indies. A lot of good things came out of the series and we hope to carry them into the Test series as well,” he said.

Sri Lanka’s head coach Mickey Arthur said, “We are preparing as we can possibly can against a very good cricket team. England has played a lot of good competitive cricket of late probably on different surfaces although Port Elizabeth did turn in a Test match up there. We are preparing at our best, to do our disciplines as best as we can. Obviously we will prepare and analyse England as any team would and find what we think could be potential weaknesses, but at the moment we are very much focused on getting our teams spot on, getting our disciplines spot on and working on what we can control at the moment.”

The two-Test series starts on March 19 at Galle, but before that England commence at 4-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka Cricket President’s XI at the P Sara Oval starting today.

Tokyo, Wednesday: Japan and Olympic organisers are at pains to insist this summer’s Games in Tokyo are on, despite the new coronavirus outbreak, but what would a cancellation cost the world’s third-biggest economic powerhouse?

With a dearth of reliable figures, opinions vary, yet experts all agree on one point: Games or no, the main risk to the Japanese economy this year is a prolonged global coronavirus epidemic.

What has the Games cost Japan?

At the end of 2019, organisers estimated the total cost of the Games at around 1.35 trillion yen ($12.6 billion).

That is divided between the city of Tokyo, which is paying 597 billion yen, the Japanese organising committee, which contributes 603 billion yen and the central government, which is paying 150 billion yen.

But the actual costs for the country have been hotly debated, with a widely publicised audit report estimating national government spending from the bid in 2013 until 2018 at 1.06 trillion yen, nearly 10 times the budget.

Japanese businesses have also poured money into the event in sponsorships, paying out a record 348 billion yen ($3.3 billion).

And that figure doesn’t include the partnerships signed between major companies and the International Olympic Committee for rights to sponsor several Games. Among those are giants including Japan’s Toyota, Bridgestone and Panasonic.

Which sectors would be affected?

According to analysts at Capital Economics, one key factor to consider in terms of how a cancellation might hit Japan’s economy is that most of the spending has already happened.

That means the effects of outlays, most notably on construction of new sporting venues, has already been factored into GDP in recent years.

But a cancellation would be a drag on tourism, as well as general consumption in the country, already under pressure after a controversial sales tax hike last year.

Tourism in Japan was already hit before the virus, amid a diplomatic spat with South Korea that prompted boycott calls. Visitors from South Korea previously made up the second largest contingent of tourists to Japan, behind only China.

And with the virus outbreak, Japan has seen a further fall in South Korean numbers, as well as a plunge in travellers from China, which together accounted for nearly half the 31.9 million foreign visitors to the country in 2019.

Japan has an industrialised and diversified economy not heavily reliant on tourism, with foreign visitor expenditures making up just 0.9 percent of GDP in 2018, according to economic research organisation CEIC.

But with domestic spending already weak, the hit from a cancellation could ripple through and further depress local purchasing.

What would the impact on GDP be?

Economists at research firm Nomura already predict a 0.7-percent contraction in GDP for the 2020 calendar year, but warn that could be up to 1.5 percent if the Games are cancelled. AFP

Dhaka, Wednesday: Opener Liton Das maintained his superb form as Bangladesh thrashed Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the second Twenty20 international to clinch the two-match series 2-0 in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Liton hit an unbeaten 60 off 45 balls, his second fifty on the trot, which followed two brilliant centuries in the preceding one-day international series, as Bangladesh reached 120-1 in 15.5 overs after restricting Zimbabwe to 119-7.

Chasing a modest target, Liton struck eight fours as he took the excitement out of the game in a 77-run opening stand.

Naim, who replaced the rested Tamim Iqbal, made 33 runs before he became the only batsman to be dismissed in Bangladesh’s innings as Tinashe Kamunhukamwe took the catch off Chris Mpofu at mid-wicket. Soumya Sarkar remained unbeaten on 20 and finished the game off alongside Liton with a single from Mpofu as Bangladesh reached their target with 25 balls to spare.

Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah Riyad heaped praise on Liton for his consistent performance throughout the series.

“The way we played is pleasing to see. Especially Liton has batted outstandingly well. It shows his maturity and hunger,” he said.

Former skipper Brendan Taylor earlier hit an unbeaten 59 off 48 balls with six fours and a six to give Zimbabwe innings some respectability.

Taylor posted 57 runs with Craig Ervine, who made 29, for the second wicket but the Bangladesh bowlers maintained a tight line to put Zimbabwe under pressure.

Al-Amin Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman claimed 2-22 and 2-25 respectively for Bangladesh. Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams urged his teammates “to stay positive.”

“Things happen quickly in T20 cricket. It’s just not happening for us at the moment. AFP

Sri Lanka batsman Lahiru Thirimanne who was left out of the Test squad named for the two-Test series against England starting next week in Galle has been picked to lead the Sri Lanka Cricket President’s XI team in the four-day warm-up match against the tourists starting today at the P Sara Oval.

A 15-member squad was selected for the match but Bhanuka Rajapaksa has sustained an injury and will not be available for selection.

The selectors will be having a close look at spinners Ramesh Mendis (off-spinner) and 18-year-old right-arm leg-spinner Kavindu Nadeeshan who recently took part in the Under 19 World Cup in South Africa, as a replacement in the Test squad for the injured Wanindu Hasaranga.

SRI LANKA CRICKET PRESIDENT’S XI SQUAD:

Lahiru Thirimanne (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Perera, Shehan Jayasuriya, Roshen Silva, Minod Bhanuka, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Nisala Tharaka, Ashen Bandara, Kavindu Nadeeshan.

S Thomas College regained the Lady Jayathilaka Shield after lapse of three years when they defeated traditional rivals St Joseph’s College by 24 points (4 tries, 2 conversions) to 22 (4 tries, 1 conversion) in a thrilling Dialog schools league rugby match played CR and FC grounds yesterday.

S.Thomas’ led 12-10 at half time.

Reva Tissera and Sakith Perera played major roles for the Thomians and scored two of the most important tries in the game that helped the Thomians bring the shield back to Mt Lavinia.

Joes took an early lead when Cheka Jayawardena scored a try that went unconverted. Star player of S. Thomas Revanka Tissera touched down to equalize 5-all in the 11th minute when that try too went unconverted.

Five minutes later Joes extended their lead through a try from Ruchira Ekanayake but the place kicker failed to add the extra points.

The Thomians took the lead for the first time when they scored their third try through Sakith Perera who touched down near the post. Jaan de Zoysa booted the conversion and the Thomians led 12-10 at half time.

On resumption Joes got into action and scored their third try through Rashane Gunawardene. Mohamed Riffan added the extra points and the scores read 15-12 in favour of Joes.

The Thomians did not allow the Joes to dominate and they took control the game when Rehan Olugala scored a try to level the scores at 17-all.

In the 59th minute Mohamed Riffan scored his second try for Joes to extend the lead to 22-17.

But Thomians responded with two back to back tries through Revaan Tissara and Sakith Perera both of which were converted to seal the match in their favour.

Cricket runs in the veins of every true-blooded Sri Lanka. Taking this commitment a step further, beloved home-grown bakery brand P&S recently came on board as the official food partner of the 141st cricket encounter between Royal College, Colombo and S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia.

Fondly known as Roy-Tho, the ‘Battle of the Blues’ for the prestigious D. S. Senanayake Memorial Shield will be held at the SSC ground from today till Saturday.

P&S officials commenting on the sponsorship, said, “We are proud to sponsor this historic event, the Battle of the Blues, which has redefined the concept of inter-school cricket and built itself up to be a sporting event of national importance. We believe it not only results in a loss or triumph, but also encourages an idea of passion, determination and a sense of togetherness among both young and old generations alike, which ultimately contributes to the foundation of our nation’s future. As a brand that has served Sri Lankans from all walks of life over the past 118 years, we feel this momentous event is directly in line with our strategy to encourage all Sri Lankans to stand together to reach global heights.”

Muditha Lakshan skipper of D. S. Senanayake College scored an unbeaten double century (203 in 244 balls with 26 fours and 2 sixes) against Thurstan in their ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 inter-schools cricket match which ended in a draw at Thurstan grounds yesterday. Lakshan in the process also passed the 1000-run mark for the season. All the other matches ended in draws.

RESULTS:

•  At Thurstan: Match drawn.

D.S. Senanayake Colombo: 405 (345/7 o/n) (105) (Muditha Lakshan 200 n.o., Chamath Yatawara 80, Amila Dabare 41, Vihas Thewmika 6/142)

Thurstan: 401 (72.4) (Ranesh Silva 124, Bhawantha Jayasinghe 99, Jayavihan Mahavithana 59, Lakmal Sandun 36 n.o., Maneendra Jayathilake 3/55, Muditha Lakshan 3/109, Chamath Yatawara 2/32)

• At Sooriyawewa: Match drawn.

Devapathiraja Rathgama: 173 and 135 (44) (Pawan Sandesh 55, Sasanka Nirmal 35, Kalpa Chethiya 23, Sheron Hinidumage 3/39, Sumudu Pramod 3/45, Kaveesha Kalpana 2/10)

Sri Devananda Ambalangoda: 144 (99/7 o/n) (46) (Kaveesha Kalpana 31 n.o., Sheron Hinidumage 31, Chamika Perera 22, Sudeera Weeraratne 4/54, Pawan Sandesh 3/21, Irushka Thimira 2/17) and 84/9 (40) (Buddhi De Silva 20, Irushaka Thimira 5/29, Sudeera Weeraratne 4/30)

• At Horana: Match drawn.

Kegalu Vidyalaya: 230 and 200/4 decl. (63) (Pasindu Basnayake 102 n.o., Sandaru Shehan 50, Sanuda Bandara 22, Chamindu Ranvinu 2/49, Thisara Sachinthana 2/93)

Taxila Central Horana: 234/9 decl. (126/6 o/n) (52.1) (Thisara Sachinthana 52 n.o., Sasanka Adeepa 38, Malith Kaushalya 33, Eranga Jayakody 29, Chamindu Ranminu 26, Sanuda Bandara 5/63, Viraj Sandaruwan 2/24) and 49/3 (7) (Eranga Jayakody 22, Sanuda Bandara 2/18)

DAY ONE SCORES

•  At Matara: St. Thomas’ Matara: 143 (45.5) (Harindu Jayasekara 30, Woshitha Amarasinghe 27, Nipun Samarasinghe 25, Sineth Ishan 4/36, Praveen Liyanage 2/21) and 67/3 (18) at close (Sineth Ishan 2/32)

St. Mary’s Kegalle: 46 (26.5) (Sachira Rashmika 4/7, Sineth Dissanayake 3/12, Hirusha Jeewajith 2/11) - YK

Trincomalee District carom team beat Ampara District carom team in the final to emerge men’s champions while Batticaloa district team clinched the women’s title beating Trincomalee district team in the final as the Eastern Province Carom Tournament, which was held as part

of the Eastern Province Sports Festival-2020, concluded at the Weber Sports Complex Indoor Stadium, Batticaloa recently.

This Carom tournament was organized by Eastern Province Sports Department Director N.M.Nowfees. Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara Districts Carom teams took part in this competition.

The Amapara district carom team included captain M.H.Jainudeen, I.L.Shaifdeen, M.Christy, N.T.Naleem, M.Hayam and M.M.Mubeen.

Eastern Province Sports Department coach A.W.M.Basith, Senior District Sports Officer A.H.Wimalasena and sports officers were all participated.

Results:

Men’s Division

01.Champion – Trincomalee district team.

02.Runner-up – Ampara district team.

Women’s Division

01.Champion – Batticaloa district team.

02.Runner-up – Trincomalee district team.

HNB Finance took sweet revenge over Sri Lanka Telecom with a comprehensive 91 runs win in the final, as they took charge of the brand new ‘NDB’ Challenge Trophy, in the first National Development Bank PLC. Sponsored, MCA ‘C’ division 50 Over (white ball) league Tournament 2020, concluded on March 7 at the MCA grounds.

When the two teams met each other earlier on in the round –robin stage, Sri Lanka Telecom convincingly beat HNB Finance by 04 wickets.

SLT won the toss and put HNB Finance to bat. SLT opening bowlers Ian Devin and Sachin Devangana bowled with a lot of purpose and shackled the HNB Finance top order batsmen.

Opening batsman, Kasun Ekanayake had to retire hurt after hit by a bouncer and captain, Heshitha Gamage (No.3) was out cheaply for four runs.

Slow and painfully, HNB Finance tackled the SLT attack by some sensible batting via Muditha Fernando (46 in 72 balls, inclusive of 06 fours) and Vindika Chandrasiri (41 in 56 balls with 01 six and 04 fours), who put on 90 runs in 116 balls, for the second wicket.

By the 25th over, HNB Finance was 113 for 3. Their innings was further consolidated by useful contributions made by their middle order batsmen, Sanoj Dharshika (56 in 68 balls with 03 fours), Thushara Fernando (24) and Janith Perera (24), as they finished with a challenging total of 263 for 9 in 50 overs. SLT’s left arm leg spinner, Inshanka Siriwardena bowled his heart out to bag 5 for 47 in his 10 overs.

Both teams were depleted losing some of their top players, who opted to play for their clubs. HNB Finance was minus their centurion in the semifinals, Pathum Mendis and their bowling star, Umeshka Morais. SLT missed their inform batsman, Adeesha Thilakshana and all rounder, Damitha Silva.

SLT started off badly losing 03 wickets for 50 runs in 10 overs. They got back on track with two solid partnerships, both involving Nimesh Mendis bating at No. 5 (56 in 45 balls, inclusive of 03 sixes and 06 fours) – 45 runs in 38 balls for the fourth wicket with opener, Sachin Divangana (27) and 51 runs in 48 balls for 5th wicket with Anjan Marran (08 in 32 balls).

HNB Finance opening bowler, Ayesh Madushanka coming back for his second spell in the 21st over, made the vital break through getting the wicket of Nimesh Mendis (145 for 5 in 24.3 overs). After the exit of Nimesh Mendis, the rest fell like nine pins, being all out for 172 runs in 34.1 overs.

The chief wrecker was spinner Tharusha Fernando (replacement for Umeshka Morais ), who finished with most impressive figures of 6.1-13-05, which earned him the Man of the Match award, picked by the Match Referee, Thusitha Karunaratne.

The other three awards based on performances up to the semi finals went to Umeshka Morais from HNB Finance / Best Bowler (06 matches, 54 overs,159 runs , 16 wickets); Sandaru Chanditha Wickramaratne. from PABC Bank / best batsman (04 innings, 249 runs, with 01 century and 01 half century, Avg.62.25) and Gimhan Ashirvada from Commercial Bank/ Man of the series (169 runs and 11 wickets for 175 runs).

Chief Scores

HNB Finance – 263 for 9 in 50 overs (Kasun Ekanayake 19, Muditha Fernando 46, Vindaka Chandrasiri 41, Sanoj Dharshika 56, Tharusha Fernando 24, Janith Perera 24, Nipun Lakshan 18, Inshaka Siriwardena 5/47)

Sri Lanka Telecom – 172 all out in 34.1 overs (Sachin Divangana 27, Nimesh Mendis 56, Inshaka Siriwardena 21, Ayesh Madushanka 2/29, Tharusha Fernando 5/13)

Fairfirst Insurance announced the renewal of their partnership with the Colombo Colts Cricket Club as their Official Sponsor for 2020.

The partnership, which commenced 2017 was renewed for the third year, with the objective of recognizing sportsmanship and nurturing sports.

Speaking about the partnership with Colombo Colts Cricket Club, Managing Director and CEO of Fairfirst Insurance, Dr. Sanjeev Jha, stated, “I believe sports is a great way to bring people together, encourage healthy lifestyles, break boundaries and make our world a happier place. It teaches fairness, teamwork and the value of hard work. These are values very dear to Fairfirst. Thus, we are delighted with this partnership with the Colts Cricket Club, which is a champion club of Sri Lanka.”

The Colombo Colts Cricket Club has been instrumental in producing some of the best-known cricketers to the country, such as Roy Dias, Chaminda Vaas, Romesh Kaluwitharana and Angelo Mathews. Several outstanding women cricketers who represent the national team, are also part of the Club’s Women’s Wing.

Invictus V, a no-gi submission grappling tournament organized by the Shed martial arts academy in Nugegoda and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Sri Lanka will take place on March 14 from 4.30 pm onwards at 97/9, Thilaka Gardens, Nugegoda.

The aim of the event is to promote submission grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu across the island by showcasing the best that Sri Lankan competitive grappling has to offer. Dozens of competitors from various clubs in the area will participate in this event, which is held twice a year, in the form of match-ups according to weight and skill.

This is a great opportunity for fans or practitioners of grappling arts such as freestyle wrestling, catch wrestling, Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and others.

Invictus has been held at the Shed Martial Art academy since 2016. Everyone interested in witnessing this event is welcome. More details can be found on the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/theshedlk”

Batting excellence and catching blunders were the highlights at stumps, on the opening day of the 141st Battle of the Blues cricket encounter, between S. Thomas’ College and Royal College that got underway at the SSC grounds yesterday.

In worthy batting performances, a heartbroken Shalin de Mel (85) missed out on a well-deserved hundred, while another hope for the Thomians Ryan Fernando squandered the big stage on compensating personally and for the team.

The Royal fielding that started with an abundance of enthusiasm, only took a nosedive in sloppy catching putting down four chances, including that of a tough opportunity.

Throughout the course of the day, the pendulum swung both ways, with both schools owning various passages of play. There were enough windows of opportunities, where the teams could have cashed-in however, none did, though.

Thomian Ryan Fernando who scored 70 in action.

The Thomians put into bat first were off to a cautious start, taking their time in the middle to settle. The opening pair, had to see off thrills, spills and hyped up first half-an-hour. Royal skipper Thevindu Senaratne got down to business entering bowling, himself.

Dilmin Ratnayake was dropped off a tough chance at the slips cordon during his dangerous stay. Immediately before the opening wicket partnership could reach 50, Dilmin was the first to go trapped leg before wicket.

The spinners introduction of Gishan Balasooriya, delivered instant results, removing SL U-19 player Ravindu de Silva stumped for six, adding only seven more to the team’s total. Nevertheless, the Thomians reached lunch without any more hiccups.

Shalin de Mel, the settled batsman, scored off what was his third 50 of the Battle of the Blues series, also associating himself in a 76-run stand.

However, all the accurate fielding dropped drastically, when Shalin survived a lifeline at 75. Shalin sailed smoothly and looked all-set for his maiden big match century.

Captain Senaratne, returned to complete an injured Madushanka’s spell. He returned in style, separating the century stand, and dismissing a dejected Shalin, caught at deep square leg, for an elegant 85 scored off 135 balls with the aid of seven fours and two sixes.

The latter did take the field, recording the best economy rate.

Royal’s SL U-19 cap cum off-spinner Kamil Mishara, made up for the failed run-out opportunity, sending Kishan Munasinghe packing for a golden duck.

Ryan Fernando, was now established, courtesy of his second fifty in the series, and was rebuilding after a double-trouble derailed the progress. The blue, gold and blue team, ruined the rhythm, trapping Fernando lbw for 70 scored off 145 balls (9 fours), that also ended a productive 52-run partnership for the fifth-wicket.

The Thomians finished the day with their middle-order batsman Gavin Boteju unbeaten on a cameo knock of 42 and could be the third fifty plus score.

With the Blue, Black and Blue team, in sight of the 300-run mark, their aim would be to briskly post 300 or more, and declare. However, late yesterday, they were expected to accelerate the innings, as they were inching towards the commanding total, inside day one.

The action continues today and concludes tomorrow.

The possibility of IPL 2020 being a severely restricted tournament - with at least some part of it being played to empty stands - in light of the coronavirus threat has increased following statements by two key ministries of the Indian government on Thursday.

While the sports ministry said it would not stop sporting events from taking place as long as they adhere strictly to governmental guidelines, discouraging mass gatherings, the external affairs (foreign) ministry went a step further and said their advice was to not go ahead with the tournament at this time, but left the decision to the organisers.

The IPL itself is yet to issue a statement on the tournament but its Governing Council is scheduled to meet franchises on March 14 in Mumbai.

The 13th edition of the tournament will likely feature nearly 60 overseas players, arriving from and through different parts of the globe that have been affected by the pandemic.

On Wednesday, shortly after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) a pandemic, the Indian government updated its travel advisory to increase visa restrictions for travel to India.

KARACHI, Thursday - Pakistan cricket authorities appeared Thursday to brush off fears for the coronavirus pandemic as it prepared to host several Pakistan Super League matches in the bustling commercial hub of Karachi.

The city of at least 15 million people is set to host five Twenty20 league games starting Thursday evening at the national stadium, which can hold up to 30,000 spectators.

The decision to move ahead with the league comes as anxiety escalated globally about the potential of unchecked transmission of the virus at big sports events.

Sporting events around the world have been cancelled or postponed over the virus, including the suspension of NBA games in North America.

Social media users in Pakistan voiced concerns over authorities continuing to host games despite a rise in coronavirus cases.

“Still trying to understand why PSL hasn’t been canceled during a GLOBAL PANDEMIC,” tweeted Pakistan novelist Fatima Bhutto.

“World’s best sports events are cancelled but in Pakistan flight operations are still going on, PSL is still not banned... Where we’re headed?” added Twitter user Asim Siddiq. However, officials insisted the situation was under control.

In a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board, officials encouraged fans attending games to wash their hands and refrain from hugging, shaking hands and spitting.

“We have ensured all kinds of safety measures at the PSL matches, so the people can enjoy cricket,” said Murtaza Wahab, the provincial government spokesman.

“Spectators would be scanned and they would be able to wash and sanitise their hands before entering into the stadium.”

Pakistan has recorded just 20 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus -- including several in Karachi -- but no deaths, according to Mumtaz Ali Khan from the National Institute of Health.

However, there are fears that officials have yet to test large swathes of the population in earnest due to a lack of resources and decades of underinvestment in the country’s health sector. This year’s PSL tournament is the first in the league’s five-year history to in its entirety on home soil.

Previous seasons saw a portion of matches held in the United Arab Emirates over security fears. - AFP

Thilak Wattuhewa, Principal of Nalanda College was elected the new president of the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association at their 71st Annual General Meeting held at the Ministry of Education yesterday.

Wattuhewa a former vice president recorded a landslide victory beating former vice president, principal of P de S. Kularatne MV Ambalangoda Jagath Senaratne by 166 votes to 58.

Former secretary of the Schools Cricket Association Dilshan de Silva was beaten by former under 19 tournament secretary J.A.K.S. Indrajith who polled 135 votes to 70 for the post of general secretary. Jaliya Jayantha of Asoka Vidyalaya Colombo came third with 36 votes.

Manjula Vaz of St.Peter’s College Negombo (144 votes) was elected treasurer beating DM Rajaratne of Lumbini College (40 votes) and Wasantha Kariyawasam of President’s College Maharagama (28 votes).

The new Office bearers:

President: Thilak Wattuhewa (Principal, Nalanda College)

Senior Deputy President: Oshara Panditharatne (Ministry of Education – uncontested)

Vice Presidents (5): Mrs. Hema Jayawardhane (Principal, Ratnawali Balika Vidyalaya Gampaha 124 votes), Susantha Mendis (Principal, Science College Mt. Lavinia 117 votes), Gamini Jayawardane (Principal, Mahinda College Galle 98 votes), Jagath Senaratne (P de S. Kularatne MV Ambalangoda 92 votes), Nadith Jayaweera (Principal, Lalith Athulathmudali MV Mt. Lavinia 77 votes).

Secretary: J.A.K.S. Indrajith (Kegalu Vidyalaya 135 votes)

Treasurer: Manjula Vaz (St. Peter’s College Negombo 144 votes)

Assistant Secretary: Leelananda Kumarasiri (TZuchi National School Hambantota uncontested)

Assistant Treasurer: Pradeep Kumara Dharmasena (Sri Buddha Jayanthi MMV, Balangoda 93 votes)

Technical Officer: Viraj Chaminda de Silva (Sri Sumangala College Hikkaduwa - uncontested) – YK

MyCola Beverages (Pvt) Ltd. offered a sponsorship cheque of Rupees 500,000 for the Inter-Departmental Softball Cricket Tournament organised by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (Lake House). The executive director of MyCola Beverages Shyam Fernando hands over the sponsorship cheque to ANCL Chairman, W. Dayaratne PC at the Lake House premises yesterday. Director Legal ANCL Rakhitha Abeygoonawardhana, Manager Sports (ANCL) Tissa Kumara, Deputy Manager Sports (ANCL) Nishshanka, Secretary Sports Committee (ANCL) Nilantha Kumara and Officer in Charge Sports Complex (ANCL) Susil Perera are also present.

(Picture by Samantha Weerasiri)    

The 103rd cricket clash between two of Kandy’s cricket rivals Trinity College and St. Anthony’s College termed the Kandy Battle of the Blues has been postponed because of the corona virus school holidays. This game was to be played today and on Saturday at the Asgiriya Stadium.

The Battle of the Golds big match between Rahula College and Wariyapola Sumangala College which was to take place at Pallekele Stadium from today too has been postponed.

A new date for the two matches will be decided later.

Meanwhile Trinity and St Anthony’s are due to meet in a Dialog inter-school rugby match at Nittawela today. A decision whether to go ahead with the match will be decided this morning.

Left-arm leg-spinner Sineth Dissanayake took a match bag of 11 wickets for 31 to steer St. Thomas’ College Matara to a 170-run win over St. Mary’s College Kegalle in their ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 inter-schools cricket match played at Matara yesterday.

Scores:

St. Thomas’ Matara: 143 and 134/4 decl. (67/3 o/n) (35.3) (Hirusha Jeewadith 50 n.o., Woshitha Amarasinghe 26, Sineth Ishan 3/51)

St. Mary’s Kegalle: 46 and 61 (23.4) (Sineth Dissanayake 8/19, Sachira Rashmika 2/0) - YK