Fast bowler Lasith Malinga’s failure to make it to the preliminary squad of 20 named by the Lankan cricket selectors for next month’s Hero Nidahas trophy T20 tri-series with India and Bangladesh may mark the end of his career in international cricket.

Malinga, 34 has been trying to impress the selectors with some impressive performances for NCC in the ongoing SLC Twenty20 tournament inspiring them to three successive wins with eight wickets taken at an average of 10.62 and an economy rate of 7.08, making him the second highest wicket-taker in the tournament after Colts left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya who has 10 wickets.

But with the next cricket World Cup scheduled for 2019 and the next World T20 for 2020, Malinga who has lost some of his deadly pace that had once made him a feared bowler in the one-day format is most unlikely to be in the national selectors’ shortlist.

Malinga’s last appearance for his country was in September last year against India in a T20 international at R Premadasa Stadium. He also failed retain his place with Mumbai Indians and to attract any bidders for this year’s IPL.

With Sri Lanka producing so many match winners in recent matches in the form of 22-year-old fast bowler Shehan Madushanka who performed a hat-trick on his ODI debut, and the return of Dushmantha Chameera to white ball cricket and the vast improvement made in his overall cricket by fast bowling all-rounder Thisara Perera, the chances of Malinga finding a place in the eleven is fast diminishing.

Wicket-keeper/batsman Kusal Perera and fast bowlers Nuwan Pradeep and Chameera who were nursing injuries proved their fitness by playing in the SLC Twenty20 tournament and find themselves selected in the 20member squad.

MATHEWS RULED OUT

However white ball captain Angelo Mathews once again has to sit on the sidelines. His run with bad luck has not deserted him as he is reported now to have strained a calf muscle during training just days after recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered during the second match of the one-day tri-series in Bangladesh.

Mathews’ continuous battle with injuries has been put down by the Lanka team physios to his heavy work load in previous years where he played as an all-rounder in addition to shouldering the captaincy across all three formats.

In his absence the burden of captaincy has once again fallen on the shoulders of Dinesh Chandimal who led Sri Lanka to victories in the Bangladesh one-day tri-series and the T20 international series.

The final squad of 15 players will be named announced today. The tournament commences on March 6.

SRI LANKA T20 PRELIMINARY SQUAD:

Dinesh Chandimal (Captain), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Jeewan Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Niroshan Dickwella, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Isuru Udana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dananjaya, Amila Aponso, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Dananjaya de Silva. 

The 89th Battle of the Maroons, the annual cricketing encounter between Ananda College and Nalanda College, powered by Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider Dialog Axiata PLC and played for the Dr. N M Perera Memorial Challenge Trophy, is scheduled to be played at the SSC ground on 3 and 4 March. The One-Day encounter between the two schools will go head to head at the same venue on Sunday 18 March.

At a media conference held at Kularatne Hall Ananda College (from left) Asel Damsika Sigera - Captain Ananda College, Manjula Wijemanne - Co-Chairman Ananda Match Committee, Upali Gajanaike - Group Chief Officer, Programme Management and Tele-Infrastructure, Dialog Axiata PLC, S. M. Keerthiratna - Principal Ananda College, Thilak Waththuhewa - Principal Nalanda College, Asanga Priyadarshana - Head of Business - Mobile Telecommunications, Dialog Axiata PLC, Mohan Gunadasa - Co-Chairman Nalanda College - Match Committee and Lakshitha Rasanjana – Captain, Nalanda College. 

Colts CC, NCC and Badureliya CC recorded their third wins in the series in the SLC T20 Inter Club Cricket tournament conduct by Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday.

Colts CC beat Ports Authority CC by 6 wickets at CCC and NCC beat BRC by 8 runs (D/L) at Colts. Baduraliya CC beat Kurunegala YCC by 6 wickets at BRC.

Matches were tied between defending champion Army SC and CCC at NCC. and Galle CC and Tamil Union CC at FTZ Katunayake.

SSC, Negombo CC, Air Force SC, Saracens CC, Chilaw Marians CC and Police SC won the matches yesterday.

* At Colts. NCC won by 38 runs (D/L )

BRC: 143/9 in 20 overs (T.N. Sampath 44, Rumesh Buddika 33, Lasith Malinga 3/24, Farveez Maharoof 2/22) NCC: 93/1 in 10.3 overs (Niroshan Dickwella 38 n.o., Upul Tharanga 35)

* At CCC. Colts CC won by 6 wickets

Ports Authority CC: 147 in 19.1 overs (Yohan de Silva 53, Yashodha Lanka 24, Prashan Wickramasingh 21, Kaveeshka Anjula 2/14, Akila Dhananjaya 2/25, Prabath Jayasooriya 2/31)

Colts CC: 150/4 in 18.5 overs (Kusal Perera 64, Sadeera Samarawickrama 56 n.o., Ranesh Perera 2/20)

* At BRC. Badureliya CC won by 6 wickets

Kurunegala YCC: 125/9 in 20 overs (Ruwantha Ekanayake 41, Keshan Wijerathne 27, Dilesh Gunaratne 3/12, Asanka Silva 3/31, Savith Priyan 2/16)

Badureliya CC: 129/4 in 19.3 overs (Dilhan Cooray 53 n.o., Pethum Nissanka 29, Nadeera Nawela 21, Malith Cooray 2/25)

* At BRC. SSC won by 107 runs SSC 203/5 in 20 overs (Thisara Perera 84, Dimuth Karunaratne 57 n.o., Dasun Shanaka 34, Shathik Nimalsha 3/25)

Navy SC: 96 in 18.3 overs (Supun Leelarathne 35, Akash Senaratne 4/22, Jeffrey Vandersay 2/30)

* At FTZ Katunayake. Negombo CC won by 30 runs.

Negombo CC: 145/8 in 20 overs (Sandun Dias 32, Dilasri Lokubandara 29, Sehan Weerasinghe 24, Sachin Dalpethado 22, Tharindu Maduranga 3/22, Vinodh Perera 2/47

Panadura SC: 115 in 18.3 overs (Vishva Chathurange 47, Jerome Chinia 20, Lasith Croospulle 3/20, Tharindu Weerasinghe 2/20, Sehan Weerasinghe 2/24)

* At Colts. Air Force SC won by 5 runs (D/L )

Lankan CC: 145 in 18.3 overs (Maduranga Zoysa 38, Chanaka Ruwansiri 30, Yashan Samarasinghe 25, Milan Rathnayake 3/21, Buddika Sandaruwan 3/30)

Air Force SC: 61/1 in 9 overs (Udayawansha Parakrama 36 n.o.)

* At NCC. Saracens CC won by 7 runs (D/L).

Bloomfield: 187/7 in 20 overs (Lahiru Jayakody 81, Nipun Karunanayake 35, Pramud Hettiwatte 20, Ruvindu

Gunasekera 3/28) Saracens CC: 74/1 in 8 overs (Thanuka Dabare 42 n.o., Ruvindu Gunasekera 24 n.o.)

* At NCC. Match tied.

CCC: 142/7 in 20 overs (Kusal Mendis 64, Dilshan Munaweera 26, Seekkuge Prasanna 4/25)

Army SC: 142/9 in 20 overs (Lakshan Edirisinghe 63 n.o., Dushan Vimukthi 24, Nuwan Thushara 3/25, Lahiru Madushanka 2/26)

* At FTZ Katunayake. Match tied.

Galle CC: 138/5 in 20 overs (Dilshan Kanchana 50, Harsha Rajapaksha 43, Chanaka Wijesinghe 23 n.o., Pramod Madushan 2/27)

Tamil Union: 138/9 in 20 overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 55, Jeevan Mendis 29, Rajith Priyan 4/18, Udara Ranasinghe 3/19)

* At Colts. Chilaw Marians CC won by 15 runs.

Chilaw Marians CC: 146/8 in 20 overs (Rohit Damodaran 42, Dasun Senevirathna 20 n.o., Malinda Pushpakumara 20, Kushan Weerakkody 4/31, Ishan Jayaratne 2/29)

Ragama CC: 131/8 in 20 overs (Shehan Fernando 33, Lahiru Thirimanne 23, Isuru Udana 2/13, Asitha Fernando 2/23, Malinda Pushpakumara 2/25)

* At Panadura. Police SC won by 42 runs.

Police SC: 161/9 in 16 overs (Samith Dushantha 44, Sachitha Jayathilake 40, Srimantha Wijeratne 29, Eranga Rathnayake 2/28, Nipuna Kariyawasam 2/38)

Kalutara TC: 119/6 in 16 overs (Matheesha Perera 23, Nimesh Vimukthi 3/14, Manjula Jayawardene 2/19)

(YK) 

Dilhara Nanayakkara of Holy Cross Kalutara took 9 wickets for 40 runs against Taxila Central College Horana in in their traditional fixture of the ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 inter Schools Cricket tournament at Horana yesterday.

Holy Cross College Kalutara beat Taxila Central College Horana by innings and 7 runs.

Kalana Madushanka of Seetahwaka Rajasinghe and Lahiru Hiranya of Ananda made centuries.

* At Kandana. Match drawn.

Ananda Colombo: 220/7 (150/6 o/n) in 55 overs (Lahiru Hiranya 100 n.o., Ashel Sigera 29, Kanishka Ranthilakage 27, Prithvi Jegarajasingham 3/58, Maheesh Theekshana 2/46) vs St. Benedict’s Kotahena

* At Moratuwa. Match drawn. Moratu Maha Vidyalaya: 139 in 39.4 overs (Shehada Nithendra 48, Nishan Madushka 23, Pasindu Nadun 3/32, Vimukthi Kulathunga 3/38, Prabath Madushanka 2/19, Amith Dhananjaya 2/24) and 228 in 65.2 overs (Nishan Madushka 72, Janith Sewmith 53, Shehan Jeeewantha 23, Kavin Peiris 5/81, Vimukthi Kulathunge 3/81)

Lumbini Colombo: 239 (110/1 o/n) in 51.4 overs (Lakindu Upendra 60, Kavin Peiris 50, Ranmal Fernando 36, Sandunila Sankalpa 27, Rashan Kavishka 4/96, Shehan Jeewantha 3/43, Nadith Mishendra 2/42) and 41/0 in 4 overs

* At Horana. Holy Cross Kalutara won by inning and 7 runs.

Taxila Horana 77 in 27.4 overs (Umesh Prasad 29, Vihanga Gunarathna 5/24, Ruthila Akalanka 2/03, Shasanka Nirmal 2/18) and 88 (81/7 o/n) in 21 overs (Umesh Prasad 37, Malith Kaushalya 21, Dilhara Nanayakkara 9/40) Holy Cross Kalutara 172/5 decl. in 33 overs (Sasanka Nirmal 79 n.o., Nadeera Madhuwantha 50, Eranga Jayakody 3/27)

* At Padukka. Match drawn.

Siri Piyarathana Padukka: 255 in 58 overs (Rajitha Ashan 70, Pasindu Hansaka 58, Sandaru Shanilka 33, Avishka Shehan 30, Navod Abilash 3/69, Gayuth Thisuka 2/64) and 149/2 in 23 overs (Rajitha Ashan 71, Kavindu Nimesh 65) Seethawaka Central Avissawella: 243 (90/2 o/n) in 73 overs (Kalana Madushanka 131, Navod Abilash 22, Sandaru Shanilka 4/91, Ravindu Theshan 3/38, Yasiru Dinesh 2/20)

* At Anuradhapura. Match drawn.

P. De S. Kularatne MV: 120 in 45.1 overs (Lakila Tehan 49, Sithum Nimnada 6/25, Madhuranga Sri Chandrarathne 2/28) and 107/3 in 36 overs (Manusha Theekshana 64 n.o., Ashan Kavindu 3/24)

* Anuradhapura Central: 85 in 32.3 overs (Kaveesh Thathsara 4/32, Lakila Tehan 2/10)

DAY ONE SCORES

Match will be continued today on day two.

* At De Soysa stadium Moratuwa.

St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa: 351/6 decl. in 75 overs (Nuwanidu Fernando 89, Praveen Cooray 56 n.o., Malintha Peiris 53, Nishitha Abilash 46, Tharusha Fernando 44, Sakuntha Liyanage 2/83)

Wesley Colombo: 32/2 in 6.3 overs (Janishka Perera 2/13)

* At Katuneriya. St. Sebastian’s Katuneriya: 309/9 decl. in 74.1 overs (Ayon Heshara 111, Udara Mendis 37, Kavindu Irosh 36, Samitha Dilshan 31, Ravindu Dilshan 20, Kavindu Maduka 5/87, Sasanka Lahiru 2/47, Kaveesha

Dulanjana 2/61)

St. Anthony’s Wattala: 33/1 in 6 overs

* At Veyangoda. Henegama Central: 217/7 in 80 overs (Isuru Dhananjaya 52, Lahiru Perera 49 n.o., Sasanka Dulaj 28, Samith Darshana 27, Malindu Manabarana 4/43, Maleesha Bhagya 2/45) vs Bandaranayake Central College, Veyangoda (YK) 

St Benedict’s and Maris Stella Negombo scored impressive wins in the ongoing President’s Cup inter-school invitation football tournament organized by the Group of 80s of Hameed Al Husseinie College at the City Football Complex grounds yesterday.

St Benedict’s trounced Thurstan 4-0 and Maris Stella also won by the same margin against Zahira Gampola.

In the other matches completed on the third day TB Jayaha beat Kalutara Muslim 1-0, Gateway International beat St Peter’s 5-4 (on penalties) and Isipathana beat Hindu College 3-2 (on penalties), 

LONDON: Reece Topley has become the latest England international to switch his focus from first-class cricket to the white-ball game, following in the footsteps of Adil Rashid and Alex Hales.

The fast bowler, who has played 10 one-day internationals and six Twenty20 matches for England, has penned a contract with Hampshire for the 2018 season during which he will only play limited-overs cricket. “Hampshire Cricket can announce that seamer Reece Topley has signed a white-ball contract with the club for the 2018 season,” the club said in a statement.

“Topley, who joined Hampshire at the end of 2015, penned the new deal in December as part of a programme to help maximise his playing opportunities while preventing injury throughout the course of the season.” The left-armer’s 2017 season was ravaged by injury and he did not play after July due to a stress fracture in his back following an earlier hand problem.

“It has been a frustrating time for me as a young bowler,” said the 24-year-old. “It is hoped that this proposal will assist me by preventing further injury as my body matures.

“Going forward, I do hope to return to red-ball cricket and still harbour ambitions of being the first left-arm fast bowler to take 100 Test wickets for England but that remains a long-term goal.” Batsman Hales announced last week he had signed a new limited-overs contract with Nottinghamshire after England leg-spinner Rashid said he would focus solely on white-ball cricket for Yorkshire this season.

The moves are likely to strengthen fears that England’s top limited-overs internationals could abandon first-class, or red-ball, cricket, which includes five-day Test matches, in favour of playing in lucrative domestic Twenty20 competitions around the world.

But England’s Jos Buttler, currently on tour in New Zealand, still hopes for a return to Test cricket.

“I haven’t played a great deal of red-ball cricket recently. Whether that opportunity comes (depends on) performance,” he was reported as saying in the Guardian newspaper.

“I think at the back-end of this year I’ll be available for quite a lot of (County) Championship cricket -- so if I’m going to get back in that’s when I need to score runs. “ 

St. Peter's College team: Seated (from left): Manuka Gunaratne [Trainer], Sampath Dharmasiri [Fielding Coach], Crishantha Peiris [Spin bowling Coach], Shanaka Fernando [Asst. Coach], Sanath Chinthaka [Sports Secretary/Senior M. I. C.], Santhush Gunathilaka [Captain], Rev. Fr. Trevor Martin [Rector], Rev. Fr. Thilina Pathum [Sports Co-ordinator], Ameen Miflal [Vice-Captain], Malinda Warnapura [Head Coach], Wasantha Haputhanthri [Junior M. I. C.], Kitto Fernandopulle [Asst. Coach], Mahesh de Silva [Manager]. Standing (from left - 1st row): Nirosh Arshana, Banuka de Silva, Shannon Fernando, Hashith Kiriella, Shalith Fernando, Ranmith Jayasena, Sachin Silva, Dinith Anjula, Kanishka Maduwantha, Ruwin Seneviratne, Shenal de Silva. Standing (from left - 2nd row): Sulakshana Fernando, Lakmina Perera, Nipunaka Fonseka, Lashen Rodrigo, Shivan Perera, Tariq Saboor, Himsara Randeni, Prabasara Herath. Picture by Herbert Perera

St. Peter’s College Bambalapitiya go out as underdogs in the 84th battle of the Saints cricket encounter against St Joseph’s College fought out for the Rev. Fr. Maurice Le Goc Challenge Trophy which will be played on March 2 and 3 at the P.Sara Oval.

This battle of the Saints encounter started in 1933 with George Jayaweera (father of former Sri Lankan national under 19 cricket captain cum Royal College 1970 and 1972 1st XI captain Asitha Jayaweera and former St.Peter’s College 1974 1st XI cricket captain Ruwan Jayaweera) leading the St.Peter’s College outfit in the first encounter. So far out of the 83 encounters that have been played, the Peterites have won on 10 occasions. According to the form book of the two teams St. Peter’s will be coming into this game with mixed fortunes as underdogs having recorded five outright wins against Gurukula Maha Vidyalaya, Richmond College, St.Servatius College, Dharmaraja College and St.Anthony’s College and losing three matches outright.

They are led by all rounder cum Sri Lanka national under 19 player Santhush Gunathilake who is the son of former Thurstan College cricketer Sirosha Gunathilake, Shalith Fernando is the leading run-getter for the Peterites this season with nearly 750 runs while all rounder and left handed batsmen Ranmith Jayasena with a tally of over 700 runs will be the mainstay of the Peterite batting department.

The other top run scorers are skipper Santhush Gunathilake over 675 runs, Shannon Fernando close to 650 runs, Sulakshana Fernando nearly 500 runs, Sachin Silva close to 350 runs and Prabasara Herath over 300 runs, they will be expected to make their contributions to bolster the Peter’s scoreboard.

There is no shortage of amour in their bowling attack and they will be banking heavily on two bowlers left-arm spinner Mohammad Ameen Miflal their top wicket-taker with over 100 scalps and off-spinner Sachin Silva who has taken close to 70 wickets. They have plenty more in the bowling department with Santhush Gunathilake who has also taken nearly 25 scalps along with Ruwin Seneviratne close to 20 wickets and Shivan Perera and Tariq Saboor over 15 scalps each to give the senior duo the backing they need.

The Peterites will once again be coached by their 1998 captain who scored a breathtaking 159 in the big match and Sri Lanka national cricketer Malinda Warnapura. Warnapura guided them to a sensational double by winning both the big match and the limited over encounters convincingly under all-rounder Vinu Mohotty in 2016.

St.Peter’s has produced many national cricketers who have gone on to represent the country with distinction - Clive Inman was one of the finest left handed batsmen in schools in the 1950's who later went on to play English county cricket for Leicestershire, Dr. H.I.K. Fernando - once rated as Asia’s best wicket-keeper, David Heyn, Tony Opatha, Keerthi Gunaratne, former Sri Lanka vice captain Roy Dias, Rumesh Ratnayake, Vinothan John, Amal Silva, Russel Arnold, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Malinda Warnapura and Angelo Perera to name a few. Incidentally Inman holds the all time batting record for the highest individual score of the series - 204 not out in 1954.

The outcome of the match will depend on which side will have the upper hand of scoring more runs in the first innings due to the 60 overs restriction.

Ananda College team: Seated (from left): Ramesh Perera (Coach), Priyankara Nandasena (MIC), G.A.R.L. Perera (Deputy Principal ), Asela Sigera (Captain), S. M. Keerthirathna (Principal), Lahiru Attanayake (Vice Captain ), M. S. K. Gunathileke (Deputy Principal), Jagath Alwis (POG), D. A. Randika (Deputy Principal). Standing (from left): Daminda Reshan, Kanishka Ranthilakage, Gishan Edirisinghe, Hasindu Shamika, Dushan Hettige, Chamika Gunasekera, Kamesh Nirmal, Kalana Vijayassiri, Shamal Hirushan, Sanath Dissanayake, Kavindu Gimhana, Lakshitha Amarasinghe. Picture by Herbert Perera

Ananda College who began the schools season strongly but have failed to maintain that momentum will be hoping that they can get their act together for the Big one against traditional rivals Nalanda College when they meet in the 89th Battle of the Maroons cricket encounter for the Dr NM Perera memorial trophy on March 3 and 4 at the SSC grounds.

All-rounder and 4th year coloursman Asela Sigera has guided his school to three outright wins in 13 outings against Zahira Colombo, Dharmapala Pannipitiya and Lumbini in their Under 19 Inter School cricket tournament this season. They have suffered a loss to St. Joseph's College. Ananda have also recorded five first innings victories and lost two on the first innings.

Skipper Sigera has scored 450 runs and performed with the ball as well claiming 52 wickets. The leading run getter of the team is deputy skipper and 4th year coloursman Lahiru Attanayake with over 700 runs under his belt inclusive of a century and seven half centuries. His best was 108 not out against Trinity College.

All rounder and 2nd year coloursman (right hand bat and medium pacer) Dushan Hettige is one of the key performers of the team with 620 runs inclusive of three hundreds and three half centuries with a highest score of 114 against Trinity College.

All rounder Daminda Reshan is another player to watch having scored over 300 runs including a century against Maliyadeva and bagging 34 wickets. Another key role player is right hand batsman and pacer Shamal Hirushan with 411 runs and 30 wickets.

Other top order batsmen who are expected to contribute are Kanishka Ranthilakage (500 runs) and Kavindu Gimhana (300).

In the Battle of the Maroons history Ananda leads the tally with 12 wins against Nalanda’s six with 71 drawn. The last victory in a Maroons Battle was recorded by Ananda at the Big Match in 2003 under Duminda Kularatne.

Ananda College has produced many talented players to the national team such as Anuruddha Polonowita, Sunil Wettimuny, Sidath Wettimuny, Ajith de Silva, Brendon Kuruppu, Arjuna Ranatunga, Marvan Atapattu, Sanjeewa Ranatunga, Thilan Samaraweera, Tilan Wijesinghe, Hemantha Wickramaratne, Chandika Hathurusingha, Avishka Gunawardena, Thilina Kandamby, Akalanka Ganegama, Muthumudalige Pushpakumara, Nishantha Ranatunga, Mahela Udawatta, Mithra Wettimuny, Dhammika Ranatunga, Charith Senanayake, Dulip Samaraweera and the current Sri Lanka Test cricket captain Dinesh Chandimal.

The first half century, the first century and also the first double century for Sri Lanka in Test Cricket were scored by three Anandians – Arjuna Ranatunga, Sidath Wettimuny and Brendon Kuruppu respectively. Kuruppu incidentally is the only wicket-keeper in the history of Test cricket to score a double century on debut.

The Anandians are coached by Ramesh Perera with Amal Fernando as his assistant.

Today rugby is very popular in the central hills with the success Kandy Sports Club had this season sweeping everything before them to win the league and knockout titles without losing a single match.

It was a joyful occasion for Kandy who carried away another trophy displaying and outplaying their opponents showcasing their lofty standards. They made history by becoming the first team to win the Clifford Cup on 22 occasions since 1992.

They continued to walk the local rugby world like a colossus this season both in the league and the knockouts.

Kandy SC has won the Clifford Cup for a consecutive period of ten years between 1995 and 2005 (the competition was not held in 1998) and six consecutive years between 2007 and 2012. In 2006 Kandy withdrew from the tournament (due to dispute over the ground allocation).

The years they have won are 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, In the years 1954,1955, 1969 and 1978 they were placed second.

In Sunday’s Cup final they beat a fighting Sri Lanka Navy XV at Longden Place. Among those who graced this memorable event and enjoyed the top class rugby dished out by Kandy were Dialog’s Group Chief Marketing officer Amali Nanayakkara, Sri Lanka Rugby president Asanga Seneviratne and Vice President Lasitha Gunaratne.

The rugby on show was befitting a cup final; where both teams were locked in a tense battle in the first half using all their rugby skills.

The game began with Navy forwards dominating the proceedings. But whenever Kandy won possession they looked very dangerous with their three-quarters running the ball in splendid fashion. Still the sailors prevented Kandy’s penetrative moves with some terrific tackles by their forwards.

Both teams displayed a willingness to throw the ball around but neither got too close to their opponent’s line in the first quarter.

The winners displayed some excellent running rugby to show they’ll again be hard to stop in the race for the grand win. Everyone was impressed by the work rate of the winning team, the power of the players looked good and their work rate. It was a team effort that resulted in victory.

Many seem to have forgotten those glorious moments of Kandy, but there are still a few who remember the part played by promoters, one such person is former Royalist Malik “Mr. Rugby” Samarawickrema. Malik’s name is a household in the game of rugby.

He played for Royal College as a scrum half from 1966 to 1968 and CR & FC, Low Country and was also a member of the Sri Lanka President’s XV.

He hung up his boots in 1977 and became a great promoter of the sport, and today in the field of rugby he is the undisputed king maker. It was Samarawickrema who brought Kandy to its present standard through his knowledge and experience.

A big hand should go to the rugby committee headed by former captain Lasantha Wijesuriya. The champion Kandy SC squad comprised Gayan Weeraratne (captain), Damith Dissanayake, Richard Dharmapala, Shehan Pathirana, Oshan Perera, Buwenaka Udangamuwa, Dimitri Wijetunga, Thilina Wijesinghe, Jason Dissanayake, Nigel Ratwatte, Lavanga Perera, Fazil Marija, Lasitha Aththanagoda, Danush Dayan, Dhanushka Ranjan, Asitha Ratnayake, Roshan Weeraratne, Yakoob Ali, Arshad Jamaldeen, Piyumal Manchanayake, Anurudda Wilwara, Ganuka Dissanayake, Uchitha Jayasuriya, Shashika Jayawardana, Heshan Kalhara, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Suhiru Anthony, Ashan Darling, Tharindu Chathuranga, Sanushka Abeywickrama, Heshan Jansen, Diluksha Dange, Kasun Srinath, Chathura Seneviratne, Lakshitha Ranaweera. Coaching staff - Sean Wijesinghe, Saliya Kumara, team manager - Kapila Silva, Sanjeewa Perera and masseur and Siva Kumar.

This was the last game of Fazil Marija, who once again was the cynosure of all eyes and he signed off with another magnificent display.

A player of international class Marija who mesmerized opponents and spectators with his magnificent and inspirational play is not likely to be seen again. 

What a fabulous and gruelling season this league has been ...right from the word go ...decent match scripts crafted by seasoned experts carefully concealed in their tested armchairs Ö? And performance levels that showed a degree of meticulous preparation.

There was little doubt or hesitation about the inform quality or ability to change gears as required....or to motor up the park, win the turnover and plenty for that bank of expert finishers to seal the deal.

Kandy quite pleasingly averaged 30+ per game and 40+ if at home inside the Nittawela cauldron. Their fanatical fans enjoying the form whatever the weather or special magic the visiting opposition, threw at them. The inevitability of the big W Ögrowing stronger with each game they played and gelled as a team.

What a grand season for skipper Gayan, grabbing the double and good news at home too ...his personal performance level marching up together with his team's ...and closing the challenge without breaking a sweat ...half time scores mighty misleading...

except for CH&FC and Havelocks pushing them down to the wire ...Life was pleasing ...with nothing missing, both sides of the pitch.

The achievement a telling testament to the lionís passion for the code and discipline to keep wracking ....up the big {W's}...with solid tactics to finish as they had planned ...fundamentally, a degree of patience that clearly set them apart from all clubs in Sri.

Both league and Clifford Cup Öthe glittering Dialog/Sri Lanka rugby partnership shining bright into the Colombo skyline...with the game stepping up past all issues that sounded a few alarms?

The TMO and referee button, always good to wire up our soapbox brigade and pundits with lots to chew. All part of the game and much glamour to boot ...with our warriors on film.

Much will waxed about how we get this game to the next level...and can our islanders league step up to match the pro Japanese or Hong Kong league structure anytime soon?

Will expatriates be allowed back to boost gates and balloon the season at the highest altitude of quality?

Will there be separate investment for clubs to handle the facility and player upgrades next season?

Will there be more floodlit games next season....which really make it a telling experience for players and fans?

Will the other clubs install floodlights and TV facilities?

Will there be giant screen replays at all matches in division 1 2018/19?

A few relevant thoughts that need careful scrutiny and a good kick upstairs to add to our islanders league....progress must be the beacon to guide our rugby thru troubled waters and calm winds to see us home.

The school season looms with mega anticipation and a lot more besides...it's billed to be the most competitive ever and old boy association season, bigger than ever!

The phenomenon of school rugby is beyond conventional contemplation...it's really a magical mystery tour of our rugby rich stables ...parents, teachers, school old boys and coaching staff to complete the holy alliance.

The endurance of craft and strategy, the most vital components for a successful campaign in division 1 ...player and injury management sharing the same priority for the duration, on the same platform.

Much is being said about teams with traditional strength ...but expect everything...an all or nothing theory each game this season...starting March 2.

I am impressed with the rest of our rugby family about the quality and set up for all the top division teams ...even more telling is the fans and following...serious numbers to support and inspire performance every subsequent week ...irrespective it is a massive adrenaline charged fixture list and food to everyone there...family and school kids to see their colours stand up under pressure...

Let's wish all the stables islandwide for the best competition ever. It's all about skills, heart, fitness and mind that separate the better team in the middle. Preparation is key and arming these young warriors with principles and respect is vital ...the essence of clean hard natural is key to everyone being a winner.

I understand it is a difficult concept to grasp ...but I rather think it a vital intravenous shot of pure rugby values be inculcated and drilled into all school players from U12 up ...that way we breed a generation of true pure rugby knights, who live the code and the values that stand us islanders apart from day 1.

The stage is set ...the international 7s season bids our national squad a warm welcome to the Hong Kong 7s...my mind racing with intimidating impact and heaps of colours that made the trip absolutely unforgettable...9 player visits and the mind still warmed up for more!

Blessings to our 7s team and hopes for inspiration after the club season, let's get our 7s muscles twitching as required, the mind performance ready and the body armed for the tour.

Bula bula Sri islanders...big hearts, bigger minds!

The 2018 inter-school ‘big match’ season got off to an interesting start with the first of the four key traditional games in Colombo. Apart from the Thurstan-Isipatana encounter, there were a couple of other ‘big matches’, including the inaugural ‘Battle of Friends’ annual limited over encounter between Christ King College Tudella and Loyola College Negombo at Saravanamuttu Stadium.

Isipatana held Thurstan to an exciting draw in their 55th annual cricket encounter played at SSC grounds last weekend. Chasing a victory target of 254 runs from a maximum of 57 overs, Isipatana were tottering at 153 for seven wickets when the play was called off after 52 overs due to bad light.

The three other main ‘big matches’ in Colombo – the Battle of the Golds, Battle of the Maroons and the Battle of the Saints will be played during the month of March, generally known as the ‘big match’ month.

With the oldest uninterrupted inter-school cricket encounter in the world – the Royal-Thomian known for its high traditions for 14 decades, due to begin its latest edition next Thursday, school cricket will be at its best, generating tremendous interest and excitement.

While the ‘big match’ fever hits the main cities around the country, the race for the Observer-Mobitel Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year will reach its climax. Voting for the Observer-Mobitel Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest, conducted under three divisions - Platinum, Gold and Silver, is gradually reaching its peak as schoolboys and their supporters show a special interest towards their respective school teams during the ‘Big Match’ season.

Becoming the Obsever-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year will be the ultimate dream of every schoolboy cricketer as they are acutely aware that such high recognition would take them closer to securing a place in Sri Lanka national team in the coming years. That common belief is justified as there have been enough and more examples from the day the first-ever Observer Schoolboy Cricketer Ranjan Madugalle was selected to play for Sri Lanka at the Prudential World Cup tournament in England in 1979.

Merely a couple of months after becoming the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year in the inaugural year (1979), the then Royal captain found a place in the Sri Lanka team for the second ICC World Cup tournament. Just out of school after leading the Reid Avenue boys at the centenary Royal-Thomian cricket encounter, Madugalle made his Sri Lanka debut against India in Manchester exactly on his 20th birthday.

It turned out to be a perfect birthday celebration for Madugalle as his team, then Sri Lanka only an associate member of the ICC without Test status, beat much fancied India by 47 runs in their first round match of the 1979 World Cup tournament.

Three years later, Madugalle and the very next winner of the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title Arjuna Ranatunga (in 1980 and 1982) were selected to play for Sri Lanka in its inaugural Test – against England way back in February, 1982. Both of them grabbed the memorable opportunity they got to score half centuries. Ranatunga (54) became the first ever Sri

Lanka batsman to score a half century in Test cricket. Minutes later, Madugalle (65) completed his half century in Sri Lanka’s first innings.

For many past Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year winners, the mega title they had won at Sri Lanka’s oldest school cricket awards show remains the most memorable moment in their lives. Despite going places and winning many International Awards, they still value the cherished moment at the mega event.

One such legendary Sri Lanka cricketer is former national captain turned Cabinet Minister Arjuna Ranatunga. “You may go places and win many other international awards, but an award won at ‘Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year’ event remains the most memorable in every cricketer’s life”, said

Ranatunga in a recent interview. “Winning the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Award twice remains the most cherished moment in my life” Ranatunga was quoted as saying. He further added that those titles won from 1980 to 1982 had given him “tremendous inspiration and confidence” when he had stepped into the international arena.

“When a schoolboy is adjudged the Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Best All-rounder or the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year, that’s a tremendous boost for a youngster, who could then aim at club level and international level thereafter”, he added.

Former Nalanda captain and member of Sri Lanka’s World Champion team in 1986, Kumar Dharmasena, the winner of the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award in 1989, had said that it was one of the greatest moments in his career as a cricketer.

“Winning the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title was a big inspiration.

That helped and encouraged me to play for Sri Lanka. Winning such a mega award gives a huge image and confidence to a schoolboy cricketer to go places. We were determined to reach the top of the ladder and did so with dedication”, said the ICC Elite panel umpire who had now competed 50 Tests as an ICC umpire.

Sri Lanka’s first and the most prestigious school cricket award show will be celebrating its 40th milestone this year, continuing the rich traditions maintained by the country’s flagship English newspaper, the ‘Sunday Observer’. With SLT Mobitel stepping in as the principal sponsor 11 years ago, the contest has gone from strength to strength. It all began way back in 1979 at a time when there had not been a single School Cricket Awards show. Forget about an awards show altogether, but there had not been an organized inter-school first XI tournament at that time. Schools engaged in first XI cricket had only their friendly and traditional inter-school matches.

Beside Madugalle, who subsequently went on to captain Sri Lanka and now serves as the Chief Match Referee of the ICC, the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest has produced some of the top Sri Lanka cricketers who had prominently marked the country in the world cricketing map.

That ever-growing list of galaxy of stars includes Sri Lanka’s World Cup-winning captain Ranatunga and the world’s highest wicket taker in Test cricket Muttiah Muralitharan.

Ranatunga, who captained Sri Lanka to the World Cup triumph way back in 1996, was adjudged ‘Observer Schoolboy Cricketer’ in 1980 as an emerging star from Ananda College, Colombo.

He had that rare honor of winning the ‘Observer Schoolboy Cricketer’ Award twice (in 1980 and 1982), a feat achieved by only a handful of schoolboy cricketers, including former Sri Lanka captain and ICC Match Referee Roshan Mahanama. Spin wizard Muralitharan first came to limelight as a schoolboy cricketer from St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota by capturing over 100 wickets each in successive seasons. He was adjudged the ‘Observer Schoolboy Cricketer’ in 1989.

Apart from Madugalle, Ranatunga, Mahanama, Muralitharan and Dharmasena, several star cricketers have won this coveted award. Among them are Sri Lanka’s world cup stars Asanka Gurusinha and Marvan Atapattu to name a few.

As a brilliant schoolboy cricketer from St. Servatious College, Matara, Sanath Jayasuriya too had won the ‘Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year’ Outstation title in 1988.

That alone speaks the high traditions maintained by the Mega Show which continues to produce champion cricketers.

At a time when there had not been a single awards show for schoolboy cricketers or an organized inter-school Under-19 two-day tournament, the ‘Sunday Observer’ and its publisher Lake House understood the need to inspire the country’s budding cricketers. That had given birth to the country’s biggest School Cricket Awards show.

It is heartening to see that several others have followed the Sunday Observer’s initiative to hold similar awards shows to commend the achievements of schoolboy cricketers after every season. But the ‘Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year’ remains as the ‘Mother of all Shows’. 

Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA) president and the Principal of Dharmapala College, Pannipitiya, Oshara Panditharatne commended the country's oldest school cricket award ceremony with a history of four decades, the Sunday Observer- Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest as the most successful and transparent school cricket award ceremony ever in Sri Lanka.

He assured continues support of SLSCA to the 'Mother of all Shows'.

Panditharatne also mentioned that since Ranjan Madugalle received the first schoolboy cricketer award in 1979, so many recipients of this prestigious award went on to shine in national and international cricket scene.

"I am proud as the Principal of Dharmapala College that during this 40-year stint Dharmapala has also produced a top award winner in late 90s when all-rounder Chinthaka Jayasinghe was adjudged the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year in 1997," he said.

Panditharatne also emphasized that this high profiled contest has provided great inspiration to school cricket generations, lifting their profiles high while opening doors for them to club and national level cricket.

When asked about the decline in school cricketers entering national level straight, Panditharatne said cricketing greats like Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva and Mahela jayawardena entered the national team straight from the school, but it is a globally rare phenomena. "We saw Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal don the national caps soon after schooling in the near past.

But I must say the school cricket is doing fine and developing rapidly with the great support from Sri Lanka Cricket," he further explained. Commenting on the ongoing big match season, Panditharatne said disciplinary problems have been a big topic with the intensified competition and great efforts by the players, supporters, parents, coaches and old boys of the schools in recent times. But as a remedy for this SLSCA with the assistance of Education Ministry has appointed a supervision officer for each big match, so hopefully there will be less disciplinary issues this time, He concluded. 

Browns Pharmaceuticals Ltd., came forward to sponsor two prominent sports tournaments and the Royal College, Colombo Road Race during this February. The sponsorships were awarded through Browns' the renowned brand, isotonic drink 100PLUS.

The isotonic drink sponsored 'Smashes 2018' the All Island Badminton Championship organized by the badminton team of University of Sri Jayewardenepura. 1000 players representing schools and universities across Sri Lanka took part in the tournament from February 9 to 13 at the Mercantile Badminton Association, Colombo.

100PLUS was also the proud main sponsor of the Oxy Sports Junior Tennis Tournament organized by the Sri Lanka Tennis Association together with former national tennis champion Shalini De Silva.

The tournament was held from February 9 to 11 at the SLTA.

The popular isotonic drink partnered the Old Royalist Athletics Club (ORAC) to become the co-sponsor of Health Run O’ Walk – the latest addition to the annual Inter-House Road Race of Royal College, Colombo. The purpose of the Health Run O’ Walk held on February 18 was to promote healthy living amongst parents, old boys and well-wishers of Royal College. 100PLUS kept the participants of Health Run O’ Walk refreshed throughout the 5.2 KM run.

The 100PLUS isotonic drink was officially launched in Sri Lanka in January 2018 to fulfil the needs of those who engaged in sports and leading to an active lifestyle by refreshing, rehydrating and re-energizing

the body without adding unhealthy ingredients that are usually contained in energy drinks. The drink is available in four varieties, namely 100PLUS Original, 100PLUS Lemon Lime, 100PLUS Berry and 100PLUS Orange. 

Former Sebastianite Lasith Fernando misses his third successive century by six runs when her ran short of parters in their Mercantile ‘C’ division tournament cricket match against Pan Asia Bank and played Surrly grounds, Maggona, Pyramid Wilmar has booked a in the quarter fials and they now meet Kanrich Finance on March 2018 at Moors grounds Batting first pyramid Wilmar piled up 251 for 8 with Brian Paul too contributing 45 and in rely when bad weather will play Pan Asia Bank where 41 for 1.

Pyramid Wilmar 251/8 in 45 overs Laskith Fernando 94 n/o, Brian Paul 45, Lahiru Semasinghe 3/57.

Pan Asia Bank 41/1 in 7.3 overs. 

First choice wicket-keeper for quite some time Niroshan Dickwella has been dropped from the Sri Lankan squad of 15 named for the three-nation T20 international Hero Nidahas trophy from March 6-18 at the R Premadasa Stadium.

Dickwella has not been in the best of form in recent ODI and T20I matches and his wicket-keeping duties will in all probability be filled by Kusal Perera who has returned to the side after an injury.

Dickwella has made only one half century in his last 17 ODI innings since scoring back to back hundreds against Zimbabwe at Hambantota last July and, in T20Is, he scored only 39 runs in three innings in India last December and made 11 in the first T20I against Bangladesh recently before being dropped for the second game.

Test captain Dinesh Chandimal who led Sri Lanka to victory over Bangladesh in the tri-series and T20 internationals in the absence of injured white ball captain Angelo Mathews, has been handed the task of leading his country once again in the T20 format.

Fast bowler Suranga Lakmal has been named Chandimal’s deputy

Other notable changes in the squad are the return of fast bowlers Nuwan Pradeep and Dushmantha Chameera and the inclusion of batsman Dhananjaya de Silva, whose last T20I appearance was against South Africa in January last year. These three players replace Dickwella, Jeffrey Vandersay and Shehan Madushanka (injured) from the Sri Lanka squad that won the T20I series 2-0 in Bangladesh.

The Hero Nidahas trophy tri-series commences on March 6 with Sri Lanka meeting India. Bangladesh are the third team taking part.

SRI LANKA SQUAD OF 15: Dinesh Chandimal (Captain), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Jeewan Mendis, Suranga Lakmal (Vice Captain), Isuru Udana, Akila Dananjaya, Amila Aponso, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Dhananjaya de Silva.

Twenty-time tennis grand slam champion Roger Federer has won the 2017 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year and Comeback of the Year awards. The 36-year-old Swiss won the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles in 2017 after seven years without a major.

"I didn't believe I would ever come back to this level," said Federer. "The year I had was something else."

Serena Williams took the World Sportswoman of the Year award after winning her 23rd grand slam in 2017.

"This means the world to me," added world number one Federer.

"The comebacks are always extremely emotional. Last year was a dream come true."

Formula 1 constructors' champions Mercedes picked up the Team of the Year accolade, and wheelchair athlete Marcel Hug won Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability.

"There's so much expertise in all parts of our team, I feel so proud to be a part of it," said Mercedes' world champion Lewis Hamilton

Also at the ceremony in Monaco, golfer Sergio Garcia secured the Breakthrough prize following his Masters success, while recently-retired Roma forward Francesco Totti clinched the Laureus Academy Exceptional Achievement award.

Brazilian football club Chapecoense were given the Best Sporting Moment of the Year for their response in adversity following a plane crash in 2016 in which they lost the majority of their team. – BBC

MOUNT MAUNGANUI, Wednesday: All-rounder Ben Stokes set aside his off-field troubles to steer England to a six-wicket win in the second one-day international against New Zealand on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old produced a man-of-the-match performance in just his second appearance for England since being sidelined over a nightclub incident five months ago. Stokes took two wickets for 42 then hit an unbeaten 63 as England easily chased down New Zealand's target of 224 at Mount Maunganui.

"It was good to get a bit of time out in the middle," he said after England levelled the five-match series 1-1.

"It's good to get out here and train and implement it in the games to make sure I was out there at the end. Hopefully it's a stepping stone for other games coming up."

Stokes only joined England this month after pleading not guilty in a British court to a charge of affray, with the controversy forcing him out of the Australian leg of their tour, including The Ashes. After England finished on 225 for four in reply to New Zealand's 223 all out, captain Eoin Morgan was full of praise for his star all-rounder.

"Ben's a big character, big in our changing room, he lifts everybody in the side when he performs like he did today," he said.

"It's great to see him back in fine form."

Trent Boult made early inroads as New Zealand tried to defend their modest total, dislodging Jason Roy for eight and Joe Root for nine.

Jonny Bairstow made a rapid-fire 37, then Morgan and Stokes dug in for an 88-run partnership that had England at 144 for three after 25 overs.

Morgan notched his first ODI 50 in 11 innings off 48 balls before departing on 62 before Stokes brought up 50 off 54 balls with a six edged over the keeper's head.

Earlier, Black Cap spinner Mitchell Santner scored his maiden limited overs half-century as the New Zealand tail to give the home team's score some respectability.

Santner's unbeaten 63 off 52 balls was the highlight of New Zealand's innings, with in-form opener Martin Guptill also scoring 50.

But a superb fielding display from England saw New Zealand bowled out for 223 with two balls remaining.

Centurion skipper Pasindu Sooriyabandara steered Royal College, Colombo into the quarter finals of ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 division 11 inter schools (Two day K/O) Cricket tournament when they posted first innings win over Debarawewa Natioanl School in pre quarters at at Reid Avenue yesterday.

Royal skipper Pasindu made his second ton in this season scoring an unbeaten 121 runs in 163 balls with 12 boundaries and a six.

n At Reid Avenue.

Debarawewa National School: 217/8 decl. (215/6 o/n) in 72 overs (Chanuka Asinsana 83, Sahas Hansala 54, Kamil Mishara 3/14, Gayan Dissanayake 2/23, Manula Perera 2/40)

Royal Colombo: 245/8 in 72 overs (Pasindu Sooriyabandara 121 n.o., Kavindu Madarasinghe 68, Imlaka Madushan 5/39).

YK

Sakuntha Liyanage of Wesley College, Colombo shown good all-round performances against St. Sebastians’ College, Moratuwa in their traditional fixture of the ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 inter Schools Cricket tournament played at Moratuwa yesterday.

All matches in Moratuwa, Katuneriya and Veyangoda were drawn yesterday.

n At De Soysa stadium Moratuwa.

St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa: 351/6 decl. in 75 overs (Nuwanidu Fernando 89, Praveen Cooray 56 n.o., Malintha Peiris 53, Nishitha Abilash 46, Tharusha Fernando 44, Sakuntha Liyanage 2/83) and 154 in 42.1 overs (Tharusha Fernando 36, Janishka Perera 31, Thashik Perera 21, Sakuntha Liyanage 6/47, Movin Subasinghe 2/06)

Wesley Colombo: 193 (32/2 o/n) in 51.1 overs (Isuru Sandeepana 66, Sakuntha Liyanage 56, Vinuja Ranasinghe 4/31, Janishka Perera 2/19, Praveen Jayawickrame 2/30, Tashik Perera 2/31)

n At Katuneriya. Match drawn.

St. Sebastian’s Katuneriya: 309/9 decl. in 74.1 overs (Ayon Heshara 111, Udara Mendis 37, Kavindu Irosh 36, Samitha Dilshan 31, Ravindu Dilshan 20, Kavindu Maduka 5/87, Sasanka Lahiru 2/47, Kaveesha Dulanjana 2/61)

St. Anthony’s Wattala: 145 (33/1 o/n) in 58.4 overs (Vishal Silva 45, Joel Pinto 25, Dilshan Pramod 4/40, Sithum Akilanka 3/25, Seshan Udara 2/25) and 155/7 in 54 overs (Avishka Mewan 55 n.o., Avishka Tharindu 42, Dishan Pramod 5/69)

n At Veyangoda. Match drawn.

Henegama Central: 232 (217/7 o/n) in 87.3 overs (Lahiru Perera 61 n.o., Isuru Dhananjaya 52, Sasanka Dulaj 28, Pranith Darshana 27, Malindu Manabarana 4/45, Maleesha Bhagya 4/49)

Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda: 251 in 87.3 overs (Malindu Manabarana 113, Maneesha Bhagya 53, Lahiru Perera 3/52, Samith Wijenayake 3/59, Damith Wijenayake 3/61). YK