The 112th Kandy’s battle of the Maroons got off to a start at Pallkelle Stadium, the match was played under the distinguished patronage of 1958 Kingswood College Captain Maurice Fernando, it was under his leadeeship the Kingswoodians won last by 10 wickets .

Rajans skipper Bhawantha Udangamuwa won the toss and invited his rival skipper Gaindu Kamburugamuwa to take the first turn of the wicket, and were able to score 166 runs losing all the wickets in 51 overs 199 minutes and faing 318 balls. One down batsmen Dhanjaya Maduranga 42 with six fours, two down batsmen Ganindu Kamurugamuwa scored 33 and three down bat Duleen Wijenarayana made 40. Yasitha Samaratne the first chamge bqwler took 3 wickets, and 2 each from Virajath Ehelepola and Upendera Warnakulasoriya.

Rajans in their turn were struggling to give a good performance and were 97 for 6 wickets at the end of the first days play, skipper

BawanthaUdangamuwa did well to score 30, and Isiru Dayanda made 24.

Kingswood College - 166 all out Dumindu Damshika 20, Hqashika Gamage 12, Danaha Maduranga 42, Gaindu Ka,urugamuwa 33, Duleen Wijenarayan 40, Harsshana Wickremasinghe 00, Binura Rajapakse 11, Saumya Piyasena 3, Deeyhayu Bandara 00, Uthpala Jayalath 00, Lakmal de Silvanot out 01, Extras 4. Virajith Ehelepola 2/47, Yasith Samarthne 3/49 , Upendera Warnakulasuriya 2/35.

Dharmaraja College - 97 for 6 at close - Kasun Gunawardenem 00, Chethiya Ekanyake 00, Isuru Dayandada 24 , Dulaj Bandara 12 , sachintha Sennayake 12 19, Bhjawantha Udangamuwa 30 , Dilshan Navinda 6 n.o, Rukmal Dissanayake 3 n. o – Extras 3 Lakmal Silva 2 for 30.

Zahira College Maradana rugby team earn a hard fought 19 points (3 tries, 2 conversions) to 17 ( 3 tries, 1 conversion) win over fighting D.S.Senanayake College outfit in their Singer ‘A’ Division inter Schools league rugby match played at Welisara yesterday. The scores were 12 all at half time.

After the scores being deadlock at 12 all in the first half the Zahira boys came up with a sterling display in the second half to outplay their counterparts.

For the winning Zahira team the three tries were scored by Iqbal Shameer (one), Amjad Fawmy (one) and Farhan Shuhaib (one) while the two conversions were fired across by vice captain cum centre Minhaj Samsudeen.

For the losing D.S.Senanayake side the three tries were scored by Hasindu Dinusha (one), Lalanka Wijesundara (one) and captain Chamuka Seshan (one)While Hashindu Dinusha put over the solitary conversion.

Bangladesh had the last laugh when they beat host Sri Lanka by two wickets with a ball to spare in a high octane league match to qualify for the Hero Nidahas trophy tri-nation T20I final with India on Sunday.

Yesterday at the R Premadasa Stadium, Bangladesh boosted by the return of their captain and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan chased down Sri Lanka’s total of 159-7 scoring 160-7 in 19.5 overs.

The man of the moment for Bangladesh was Mahmudullah who had deputised as captain when Shakib was injured. With the game heading for a tight finish as two wickets tumbled in two balls through run outs, Mahmudullah kept his cool to hit a four, a two and in a final flourish a six that sealed the match in Bangladesh’s favour amid some heated words exchanged between the fielders and batsmen over a dispute of what constituted a shoulder high no-ball.

Bangladesh almost forfeited the match to Sri Lanka when with 12 required off the last four balls Shakib from the boundary line signalled for his two batsmen to come off the field angry with the umpires for not signalling a no-ball. But saner counsel prevailed and Khaled Mahmud the Bangladesh team manager asked the batsmen to go back and finish the match which they did in style.

Mahmudullah who finished unbeaten on 43 off 18 balls inclusive of two sixes and three fours deservedly picked up the Man of the Match for his heroic knock.

The earlier part of Bangladesh’s run chase was headed by opener Tamim Iqbal who scored 50 off 42 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes) before Sri Lanka fought back to reduce them from 97-2 to 148-8 largely through their spinners.

That Sri Lanka managed to reach a competitive total of 159-7 was largely due to a record sixth wicket stand of 97 off 61 balls between Kusal Perera and skipper Thisara Perera who each made a fifty apiece after Bangladesh had reduced them to 41-5 in 9 overs.

Invited to bat first Sri Lanka’s top order collapsed and at one time it looked as if they would be bowled out inside the 20 overs. However Kusal who has been in outstanding form in the series and Thisara playing a responsible captain’s innings gave some muscle to the innings. Kusal struck seven fours and one six in his score of 61 off 40 balls and during his knock reached 1000 runs in T20 internationals becoming the fifth Sri Lankan to do so after Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Angelo Mathews.

Thisara hammered 58 off 37 balls inclusive of three sixes and three fours.

Shakib returning to lead Bangladesh in this crucial match won the first round by winning the toss and after electing to bowl first made the initial breakthrough for his team by having Danushka Gunathilaka caught at long on in the third over.

However he almost undid his brilliant start towards the tailend of the match by attempting to take his batsmen off the field in a move which was quite unethical in the spirit of the game.

Sri Lanka were left to ponder for persisting with playing only four specialist batsmen and three all rounders. They paid a heavy price for that lopsided combination for when the top order failed there was no specialist batsmen to bolster the innings.

All-rounders Dasun Shanaka and Jeevan Mendis are not players to bat at numbers five and six but rather at seven and eight but the circumstances demanded they bat in that position because there were not specialists picked to fill that position.

Chandimal’s position had not been filled by a batsman but given to Jeevan Mendis who didn’t quite fill the void being dismissed for scores of 1 and 3.

Sri Lanka made two changes with Isuru Udana and Amila Aponso replacing Suranga Lakmal and Dushmantha Chameera.

Sri Lanka entered the final of Junior Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Pre-qualifiers with a thumping 3-0 whitewash against Philippines in the semi finals worked off at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association hard courts yesterday. Sri Lanka will take on Singapore in today's final at the SLTA hard courts.

Anjalika Kurera with a stormy attack beat her Philippino opponent Amanda Gabrielle Zoleta in easy straight sets 6/0, 6/0 to grab the first singles semi final victory for Sri Lanka. Her teammate Savini Jayasuriya followed Anjalika with a similar straight set victory over Maria Patricia Lim 6/2, 6/1 in the second singles rubber. Anjalika teamed up with Oneli Perera in the doubles rubber and beat their Philippino opponents Angelica Alcala and Amanda earning another straight set win 6/1, 6/1 to enter the final with a clean sweep semi final victory over Philippines.

With the semi final win over Philippines, Sri Lanka has qualified for the final qualifying round of the Asia/Oceania Junior Fed Cup

Today's final will be a tough battle as both Sri Lanka and Philippines have entered the final as undefeated leaders of respective Groups, having won

all their ties in the tournament. Sri Lanka beat Maldives (3-0) and Vietnam (3-0) at the Group stage to become Group ‘A’ leaders before they down Philippine 3-0 in semis.

Group ‘C’ leaders Singapore defeated Philippine (3-0) and Tajikistan (3-0) at Group stage before they win the semi final over Vietnam (3-0). Meanwhile Lankan Junir Davis Cup team was defeated by strong Pakistan opponents 3-0 in their Asia/Oceania Pre-qualifying semi final tie at the SLTA courts yesterday. Chathurya Nilaweera lost the first singles rubber over Muhamud Shoaib 2/6, 0/6 while Kavisha Ratnayaka was edged out by Hazaifa Abdul Rehman 2/6, 2/6 in the second singles. Kavisha and Ashen Silva lost the doubles rubber over Shoaib and Muhammed Ahmed Kamil 1/6, 2/6. Pakistan will take on Pacific Oceania in today's final while Sri Lanka will battle against Vietnam in their play-off tie for the third place. Sri Lanka will not enter the final qualifying round of the Asia/Oceania Junior Davis Cup.

Mahanama College Colombo made a bold reply of 83 runs for 3 wickets against D.S. Senanayake College Colombo in day one in the 12th ‘Battle of the Golds’ at

P. Sara Oval stadium yesterday.

D.S.Senanayake won the toss and elected to bat. D.S. Senanayake were bowled out 156 runs in 59 overs. Shenal Chandrasekara scored 56 runs and Vihan Gunasekara scored 45 runs. Heshan Hettiarachchi took 4 wickets for 49 runs and Shonal Dinusha and Hashan Sandeepa took each 2 wickets. Match will be continued today (17) on day two.

*D.S. Senanayake Colombo:* 156 in 59 overs (Shenal Chandrasekara 56, Vihan Gunasekara 45, Heshan Hettiarachchi 4/49, Shonal Dinusha 2/18, Hashan Sandeepa 2/45)

Mahanama Colombo: 83/3 in 29 overs (Pethum Botheju 39 n.o., Pawantha Weerasinghe 31)

(YK)

St Servatius College will host St Thomas College in the 118th annual Battle of the Blues from 23rd to the 25th of March. The big match between the two schools is said to have been played annually at the Uyanwatta ground since 1900. St Thomas College Matara lead the series with 32 wins to St Servatius’ 27 and both teams would be looking for a win this year as the last Thomian victory was in 2007 while the Servatians despite having the edge have been winless since 1971.

St Thomas playing their first season in the elite division one performed remarkably by winning outright the games against St Benedicts, Moratu Maha Vidyalaya and Bandarnayaka College Gampaha to be placed 6th in their group and overall 17th with 98.060 points ahead of St Servatius College whu were placed overall 20th and fifth in their group with 87.560 points.

The Servatians won the game against Dharmaraja College outright and registered first innings wins against Joseph Vaz College and Wesley College.

The Thomian team led by Tharusha Kavindya will be selected from Maleesha de Seram, Mihisal Amoda, Lahiru Dilshan, Gishanthika Jayaweera, Kavindu Ridmal, Hirantha Lakshan, Sachira Rashmika, Sineth Sithara, Chamika Ranasinghe, Voshitha Amarasinghe, Hasaru Anuranga de Silva, S M Nimanthaka, J P Harindu, Hirusha Jeewadith, Sanjaya Maduranga, Udith Sathsara, G Vidushan and Rusiru Chanaka de Laneroll.

The Thomians are coached by Charith Palliyage who has Dumindu Hewapathirana to assist him. W M A D Lakmal is the Master in Charge.

The Servatians led by Sri Lanka under 19 cap Thilan Prashan Lorensuhewa will be selected from Charith Harshana, Isuru Udayanga Daladawaththa, Sandaru Nethmina, Supun Kavinda, Kesara Nuwantha, Pushpitha Dilshan, Risira Lakwin, Chethaka Denuwan, Pasindu Manupriya, Ruwinda Rochana, Kavindu Dulakshitha, Passan Sathsara, Dilakshan Kavinda and Chihan Kalindu.

The Servatians are coached by Ravindra Palliyaguruge who took over the team from A M Priyantha in December. Nayanananda de Silva is the energetic Master in Charge of the team. 

ST SERVATIUS COLLEGE TEAM : Front row from left – G H Nayanananda de Silva (Master in Charge), Isuru Daladawatta, D D A Wijesinghe (Deputy Principal – Sports), Thilan Lorensuhewa (Captain), Munidasa Rathnasekera (Principal), Charith Harshana (Vice Captain), K A K Prasanna (Assistant Principal – Sports), Sandaru Nethmina,) Middle row from left – Pasindu Manupriya, Risira Lakwin, Shashika Dulshan, Supun Kavinda, Kesara Nuwantha, Chethaka Denuwan, Ruvinda Rochana, Dilakshana Kavinda, Pasan Thathsara, Pushpitha Dilshan Back row from left – Dinura Dilmith, Kavindu Dulakshitha, Varuna Vishwa, Ruchira Sankalpa, Kavishka Harshamal, Shanaka Didulantha, Nipun Rangith, Rithik Anurada, Navin Sahith, Vihan Kalindu Absent - Ravindra Palliayaguruge (Coach)

ST THOMAS COLLEGE TEAM : Front row from left – Mihisal Amoda, Charith Palliyage (Coach), Janath Mathangadeera (Prefect of Games). Tharusha kavindya (Captain), W B Piyathissa (Principal), Maleesha de Seram (Vice Captain), W M A D Lakmal (Master in Charge), Dumindu Hewapathirana (assistant Coach), Lahiru Dilshan Middle row from left –Udith Sathsara, Sineth Sithara, Voshitha Amarasinghe, Gishanthika Jayaweera, Hasaru Anuranga, Kavindu Ridmal, Hirusha Jeewadith, J P Harindu, G Vidushan, Chamika Ranasinghe, Hirantha Lakshan Back row from left – Sathira Thikshana, Sachira Rashmika, Rusiru Chanaka de Laneroll, Nimanthaka Bhashana, Nipun Ruchira, Sanjaya Maduranga

The most prestigious school volleyball tournament, DSI Super Sports All Island Schools Volleyball Championship in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s leading footwear manufacturer DSI Company for the 18th occasion will commence on April 27. Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation and Sri Lanka Schools Volleyball Association of the Ministry of Education is organising the event to provide the youngsters an opportunity to display their talents in the national sport.

The championship was initiated in 1999 by DSI with a total of 198 teams This year the organizers expect the participation of over 4,000 teams from across the country.

The tournament will be conducted in five age groups of under 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 for both girls and boys titles. The under 11 category has been added for the first time this year to attract youngsters to the national sport.

The tournament will be held at both, district and national levels. District level matches will start from April 27 to May 1 and the national level matches from May 31 to July 2. The top two teams who win each category of district level matches will be selected to the national level. The final matches will be on August 3 and 4 at National Youth Centre, Maharagama.

The applications could be collected from respective schools and all DSI showrooms. Applications should be forwarded to The Marketing Department, D. Samson and Sons, No. 257, High Level Road, Navinna, Maharagama before April 6.

St. Mary's College, Wadduwa won the Under 20 Boys Elle Championship and Panadura Sri Sumangala Girls National School won the Under 20 Girls Elle champonship at the Kaltuara Zonal Level Inter-school Elle Championship organized by the Kaltuara Zone's Asst. Director of Education (Sports) Kanthasiri Meegamuwage and held at the Wadduwa Cental College playground recently.

Boys and Girls Runner-up places were won by Halkandawila MV, Kalutara and Bharathi Tamil Vidyalaya, Aruppola, Thebuwana, Kalutara respectively.

Here are the final results of the team events of the Kalutara Zonal Level Sports Competitions.

Netball champions– Kalutara Balika Vidyalaya (U-16) Runner-up – Holy Family Convent

Net ball (Under 20) Champions Holy Family Convent Runner up Tissa Central College

Softball Cricket (boys) (U-20) Sumangala Boys National School Champions Panadura

Runner-up– Wadduwa Central College Wadduwa

Soft ball cricket – girls (Under 20) champions– Wadduwa Central College Runner-up – Uggalboda MV, Kalutara.

The remaining sporting events of the following games will be held at the under mentioned places as follows.

April 9,10 Football at Vernon Fernando Sports Complex, Kalutara

April 25, 26 Volleyball (boys/girls) Panadura Royal College Playground

Athletics May 8,9,10 at Panadura public playground

All the champions and Runners-up are qualified to take in the Western Province Sports Competition which will be held at Colombo in the future.

Under 20 Girls Elle Champions of the Kalutara Zone 2018 Sri Sumangala Girls National College, Panadura,
with the Sports teachers Rohini Hettiarachchi, (PTI) Lasitha Wijesinghe (Coach) Hasara Parakrama (PTI).
Picture by Kalutara Central Special Corr. H.L. Sunil Shantha

A fine bowling spell of 5 for 28 by Hasitha Wickramasinghe guided Old Dharmapalian Sports Club to beat United Southern Sports Club by a narrow margin of two runs in their inter club governors Trophy cricket match worked off at Air Force grounds Colombo.

Batting first Old Dharmapalians scored 177 runs with Jayanga Nirmana scoring 49 runs and in reply united Southern fell short by two runs.

Old Dharmpalians sprots club 177 in 43 overs (Jayanga Nirmana 49, Kasun Mahela 36, Chamila Jayaisnghe 27, Kumudu Gayashan 2/49, Ashan Madushanka 3/46, Athula Senarathne 2/22.

United Southern Sports Club 175 (Ashan Madushanka 32, Ashan Kavishka 25, Hasitha Wickramasinghe 5/28, Ravindu Wijerathne 2/38).

Last week whilst mingling with my past school mates at the Ananda Nalanda match, I spotted a guy who stood out of the ordinary, ebony in colour with a head of striking silver hair who certainly looked like an ex West Indian Cricketer. Inquiries revealed that he is none other than Ananda Jayatilleka(AJ) popularly called ANA by his friends who said that he not only looked like a West Indian but batted like one, he was a treat to watch they said. I was not fortunate enough to see him play as I was overseas at that time.

As far as I can recollect AJ was the only player who has represented both Ananda & Nalanda in first eleven cricket. At 15 he was in the Nalanda team under Anura de Silva. Interestingly the next year at the age of 16 a strange shift of schools found AJ opening batting for Ananda with Sunil Wettimuny. In the next three years AJ gave Ananda batting a new dimension with stylish stroke play, drawing crowds to the famous Campbell Place grounds where many top bracket cricketers displayed their skills. Many who witnessed his batting sitting under the big Mara trees still talk of AJ’s iconic “ late cut” seen last off the bat of famous late Mahadevan Sathasivam who was a batting great of Ceylon.

AJ’s skills were recognised by the men who mattered and was selected to represent Ceylon schools. Subsequently the famous Indian tour of the Ceylon Schools Team took place and without doubt laid the foundation for Sri Lanka Cricket today. It produced four National cricketers including two Sri Lanka captains in Duleep Mendis & Bandula Warnapura. AJ’s outstanding batting and wicket keeping led him to be adjudged the “BEST CRICKETER OF THE TOUR” from both Ceylon and Indian teams winning the IRENE AWARD presented by the Indian Cricket Board, an accolade of excellence for Sri Lanka when cricket was not so lucrative and professional like today. AJ was of the view that his cricket peaked during that Indian tour.

AJ was offered employment at ARPICO by P I Pieris who was the vice captain of the All Ceylon team then and was absorbed to play for SSC in the Sara Trophy . He kept wickets for SSC under Anura Tennakoon and Sunil Wettimuny.Changing lanes a bit now. His employment involved studies in Rubber Technology at the Moratuwa University which partly hindered his cricket. Incidentally AJ not only excelled in cricket but in his studies as well obtaining 6 Ds out of 8 subjects at OL’s which was outstanding at the time. His involvement in studies took him off cricket which cost him a definite place in the National side. However, AJ had no regrets since he had stamped his mark in the corporate world, due to his professional qualifications. He was instrumental in starting several new companies for ARPICO including Richard Pieris Exports PLC that has added so much value to the national economy today. Starting as a Management Trainee AJ rose to be a senior main board Director of Richard Pieris & Company. His contribution to the Rubber Industry was recognized by way of a merit award by the Plastics & Rubber Institute of Sri Lanka. He later started a new export venture company by the name Latex Green as Chairman/MD and presently serves in several boards under the John Keells & Hayleys groups.

Whilst he was employed in Zambia from 1978 to 1984 in the Copper Mines and later in General Tyre. He represented the Zambian National Cricket Team and was unlucky to miss playing for East African Team in the world cup for not having the required period of residency in Africa. His records show some good performance by him for Zambia against leading teams like the MCC.

AJ,s cricketing achievements in India and Zambia were numerous and to do justice to a few of them, I would like to include some snippets from the news papers of those countries:

TIMES OF INDIA

Ceylon schools reign supreme- Wettimuny, 5 for 30; Jayatillake, 72, rattle Indians, it further stated,”The lad who started the ball rolling was opener Ananda Jayatillake who hit the Indian bowlers to the tune of 72 runs. He was a picture of elegance as he stroked his way in to the runs. He cut and drove the bowling with great confidence and had complete command over the bowlers.”

The hindu-Feb 2 1970

Bannerjee’s inspired display in vain: Ceylon schools win series

“One notable feature in Ceylon’s fielding was the excellent work of wicket keeper Jayatilleke. A frail looking youngster he impressed everyone with his agility and anticipation, he claimed four victims.”

Zambian Times

Tanzania Vs Zambia- “Brilliant batting by Jayatillake together with Patel helps Zambia to beat Tanzania.”

Zambia Vs Minor Counties- “Zambia started off badly losing opener Sunil Eratne(another old Anandian) with the total at six. Of the early batsmen only Ananda Jayatilleke displayed any confidence, against the counties attack, but he was unfortunately run out for two.”

NKANA ’A’ batsman destroys Roan

A brilliant century by opening batsman Ananda Jayatilleke helped his club to pile up a mammoth score of 304 for the loss of only 4 wickets in the 40 overs Henderson cricket trophy against Roan in Luanshya on Sunday.His score of 135 came in only 101 minutes off 93 balls and included 5 sixes and 14 hits to the boundary.

AJ admits that his cricketing skills was mainly due to watching cricket being played at the Railway grounds in Mount Mary. He was fortunate to have a Birds eye view from the Prisons Quarters where he lived during his school days. AJ honed his skills by hitting a table tennis ball using a broom stick, his imagination running riot imitating many famous names of the time.

AJ is a classic example of how one could make use of cricket to build a good personality and be a good leader and create value for the nation as a true sportsman.

India’s victorious skipper Rohit Sharma whilst praising the Sri Lankan fans for turning up in their numbers for the final of the Hero Nidahas trophy tri-nation series at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday said that their support didn’t make his team feel that they were playing outside India.

“The crowd was brilliant, it was magnificent. To get the support from the entire crowd, I think it was 20,000-25,000 people to get their support was really good. We didn't feel that we were playing outside India,” said Sharma at the post-match press conference after his team had beaten Bangladesh by five wickets to clinch a thrilling last ball victory.

“They (spectators) enjoyed their cricket which is always a good thing. They came out in large numbers and their support was very crucial. It is always good when you get that support, just to get you going, it is very important. They supported us throughout the course of 40 overs. Even when we were bowling and making those stops, and when we started off batting, they were there for us,” he said.

Sharma became very popular and earned more respect with the Sri Lankan fans for his humble post-victory act when he got his team to do a lap of honour with Sri Lanka’s legendary one-man cheer squad Percy Abeysekera.

Further after claiming an emphatic victory Sharma instead of waving the Indian tri-colour flag he took the Lankan flag from a fan and went on a lap of honour to acknowledge the local fans’ support.

Sharma praised the match-winning knock of Dinesh Karthik who hit the final ball for six off Soumya Sarkar after India were left chasing an improbable 34 runs off the final two overs. Karthik hit 22 runs off the penultimate over bowled by Rubel Hossain to make the impossible happen in the final over.

“When you have a situation like this, you can only be positive. You have to think that you can always get it. What we think in the dressing room doesn’t matter that much. Guys who are out there in the middle matter the most, because they are the ones out there taking the pressure and taking that challenge to finish off the games,” said Sharma.

“In the dressing room we were always positive. The reason we had Dinesh in the end is because we knew he could finish off the game for us. That was the only idea. We were all positive of the kinds of shots that he has in his hands. We always thought he could play those shots.

“When I got out I went and sat in the dugout and he was quite upset that he didn’t bat at six. But I told him: I want you to bat and finish off the game for us, because whatever skill you have, it will be required in the last three or four overs.

“He’s batted in that position in a list of games for his state teams. Even when he was playing for Mumbai Indians with me, I knew his ability with the bat. He’s got some different types of skill shots that would probably be required at that point at the death overs. That was the only reason we held him back. I can proudly say it paid off,” Sharma said.

India’s stand-in skipper commended Bangladesh for their ‘fearless’ cricket and described them as a ‘dangerous team’.

“Bangladesh is certainly a very good team. Definitely in this tournament they were a very dangerous team. We saw a few games when they chased more than 200 runs. They’re very fearless. They come out, express themselves, and they enjoy cricket,” said Sharma. “Going forward, in the last three years, we’ve seen how they’ve changed their style of cricket. The senior guys are there in the team and there are a few new faces. That’s always a good combination to have, when you have mixture of youth and experience, you always get the result you want.

“I won't say they are not good enough. Bangladesh certainly has great talent in the squad. Even today (Sunday), it was a close finish, it wasn't that we came out here and smashed and won the game. We had to earn that victory and it is a good sign for their cricket. They shouldn't be disappointed; they have a long way to go.

“At the start of the tournament, they played some really good cricket and the two games they won against Sri Lanka was there for all of us to see, you know what kind of players they have and what sort of cricket they play. They play fearless cricket, it's always good. Sometimes, it can bite you when things don't go your way but that is the style of cricket they want to play,” said Sharma.

Bangladesh were left wondering of what might have been after coming so close to lifting a trophy. They have now lost five tournament finals in the limited-over formats including a similar tight last over defeat against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup final where they failed to make nine runs off the last over.

Former International Cricket Council (ICC) president Eshan Mani and Mrs Mani witnessed the 113th Big Match between RIchmond College and Mahinda College played at Galle over the weekend on the invitation of RIchmond 60 Club president Nuski Mohamed.

Mani was in Sri Lanka as a special invitee of Sri Lanka Cricket president Thilanga Sumathipala for the Nidahas trophy tri-nation tournament.

Distinguished old boys of Richmond College Hemakumara Nanayakkara, Governor Southern Province, Austin Fernando, Secretary to HE the President of Sri Lanka and Prasad Kariyawasam, Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former cricket captain of RIchmond College are also present.

Trinity College, Kandy will meet Nalanda College, Colombo in the quarter final of the ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 inter Schools Two-Day Knok-out Cricket tournament at Darley road today and tomorrow.

Trinity beat St. Aloysius College, Galle and Nalanda College, Colombo beat S. Thomas' College Mt. Lavinia in pre quarters.

Trinity will be led by Sri Lanka Youth cap Hasitha Boyagoda and Nalanda will be led by Lakshitha Manasinghe.

Nalanda College squad: Lakshitha Manasinghe (Captain), Suhanga Wijewardhane (Vice Captain), Umeksha Dilshan, Avishka Perera, Raveen De Silva, Dilhara Polgampola, Chamindu Wijesinghe, Mahima Weerakoon, Ranidu De Silva, Madushan Hasaranga, Kaveesh Madurapperuma, Dinendra Kasthuriarachchi, Rusiru De Silva, Nipun Devinda, Sachitha Gunathilake, Kalana Kathriarachchi, Mr. Keerthi Gunaratne (Head Coach), Mr. Prasanna Dahanayake (Assistant Coach), Saman Hettiarachchi (Master in charge), Thilak Watthuhewa (Principal)

Trinity College squad: Hasitha Boyagoda (Captain), Trevon Percivel, Rashmika Dilshan, Hasintha Jayasooriya, Vimukthi Nethumal, Pubudu Bandara, Avishka Senadheera, Kavishka Senadheera, Ruvin Pieris, Ashan Lokuketiya, Abishek Anandakumar, Chanuka Kumarasinghe, Himanga Suriyampola, Narendranath Ashok Kumar, Uvindu Imaldana, Jeff Weerasinghe, Kavinda Jayasooriya (Coach), Dhammika Kulasuriya (Master-in-Charge). YK

INDIAN WELLS, Monday – Former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro stunned top-ranked Roger Federer 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (7/2) Sunday to win his first Indian Wells title and second consecutive ATP crown.

The 29-year-old from Argentina handed Federer his first match defeat of 2018 and extended his own win streak to 11 matches, including a title run earlier this month at Acapulco.

"I'm still shaking," Del Potro said. "It's difficult to describe with words. It's like a dream."

Del Potro, nagged by wrist injuries throughout his career, survived three match points before claiming the championship in a third-set tie-breaker, ending a two hour, 42 minute marathon contest.

"I cannot believe I won this tournament, beating Roger in a great final and this level of tennis. We played great tennis today," Del Potro said.

"I just want to keep winning titles like this if I can."

Del Potro won the first five points of the deciding tie-breaker then closed it out when Swiss superstar Federer, who had won a career-best 17 straight matches to start the year, smacked a forehand long.

It was an emotional match for both players as each took turns questioning the chair umpire. Del Potro urged him to stop the pro-Federer crowd from making noise on his serve and an irritated Federer also had a couple of lively conversations with the umpire.

"I don't remember half of it," said Federer. "I was trying to pump myself up more, get energy for me. It had no effect on the outcome."

Del Potro was competing in his first Indian Wells final since 2013, when he lost to Spaniard Rafael Nadal.

It was Del Potro's seventh victory over Federer in 25 career meetings, one of those wins coming in the 2009 US Open final.

"I always play good against him. I won a couple of finals and lost a couple of finals. In the end I was lucky to win. We played great tennis today," Del Potro said.

World number eight Del Potro is back in the rankings top 10 after dropping to 1,045th before beginning his comeback from three left wrist surgeries in 2016.

"I am excited to see what is next," he said. "I am still surprising myself and I want to keep surprising the tennis tour," Del Potro said.

Federer blasted 10 aces but had five double faults and his serve was broken twice.

He said it is going to take a little longer than normal to get over this one.

"It should sting," Federer said. "The question is how long? It is disappointing talking about a great match like this and losing.

"You move on. There's no time to dwell over it. I see the positives at the end of the day."

Federer survived a match point in the second set tiebreaker to force the third. "It was a lot of chances at either end," he said.

"He should have maybe closed it first in the second set I believe. Even early in the second set I think he had break point chances.

"But I was able to find my game and get out of that game."

In the 10th game of the third set Federer returned the favour with three match points of his own but Del Potro timed his forehand shots perfectly.

"It was disappointing," Federer said. "Juan Martin was a bit better at the end. It was maybe a point here or there, maybe a shot, maybe a forehand, maybe a chip."

Federer, the oldest world number one in ATP history at 36, entered the final having dropped just one set, in a difficult semi-final test from Croatia's Borna Coric.

Federer's five Indian Wells titles included last year, when he beat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka. – AFP

Defending champions Sri Lanka Women’s national sevens rugby team took third spot when they beat Singapore Women by 24 points (4 tries, 2 conversions) to 5 (1 try) while Sri Lanka men’s sevens team secured fourth place after losing to Hong Kong by 17 points (3 tries, 1 conversion) to 20 (4 tries) in the play-off for third place in the Borneo 7’s rugby tournament concluded on Sunday at Sandakan, Malaysia.

Asanga Seneviratne the president of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) said, “Sri Lanka men were outstanding in Borneo. A virtual under 23 side with our national captain Muthu (Sudarshana Muthuthanthri) as the only senior player in the squad, they beat Saba Eagles with five Fijian internationals, Mellow Puffs, a South Auckland invitation team and narrowly lost to Hong Kong along with another New Zealand team Borneo Eagles the defending champions in the Cup semis.

“Our national women’s team showed tremendous improvement but unfortunately lost a few players due to injury and lost in the Cup semi-finals. This tournament was a good experience booster for both teams and the high performance coaches are on track to improve our team rankings and be a serious medal contender for the upcoming Asian Games in August,” Seneviratne said.

Earlier in the day Sri Lankan men’s won their Cup quarterfinals beating Mellowpuff New Zealand 24-19 in the sudden death period when referee awarded a penalty try after the game ended in a 19-all draw at full time.

In the Cup semi-finals the men’s Tuskers lost by 17 points to 12 to defending champions of the Borneo Sevens - Borneo Eagles from New Zealand.

Sri Lanka women’s Tuskers won the cup quarterfinals beating Sabath Eagles by 46 points to nil to get into another Cup semi-final with last year’s losing finalist Thailand.

But unfortunately Sri Lanka lost the semifinal to Thailand off a try in the last minute after the scores were level at two tries all.

Andrew Balbirnie stroked a career-best century and also became the seventh Ireland batsman to complete 1,000 ODI runs as the 2009 champions defeated traditional rivals and reigning champions Scotland by 25 runs in a crucial Super Six fixture of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday.

In front of broadcast cameras and a crowd of around 1,500, Balbirnie scored 105, his second career century, and Niall O’Brien contributed 70 in his 99th ODI as the two batsmen put on 138 runs for the third wicket before Kevin O’Brien’s 27-ball 46 runs cameo lifted Ireland to 271 for nine after they were sent in to bat.

Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer (61, 70b, 7x4, 1x6) played some delightful strokes to provide his side a flying start and his departure at the score of 112 seemed to be a setback, but fighting knocks from Richie Berrington (44), Safyaan Sharif (34), Mark Watt (31) and a 10-ball cameo of 14 by Brad Wheal allowed Scotland to reach 246 in 47.4 overs.

Ireland’s victory means they remain in the hunt for a place in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

They now have four points with one match against Afghanistan (on 23 March) remaining, while Scotland remain on five points with a match against the Windies (on 21 March) in hand.

Zimbabwe lead the points table with five points and meet the Windies on Monday in a match which will make them the first side to qualify for the World Cup provided they beat the two-time former world champions. In the scenario of the Windies winning the match, the tournament will remain wide open and any two of the five leading sides can qualify for the ICC’s pinnacle 50-over tournament which will be held in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July.

Scores: Ireland 271-9 in 50 overs (Andy Balbirnie 105, Niall O'Brien 70; Brad Wheal 3-43)

Scotland 246 in 47.4 overs (Kyle Coetzer 61; Boyd Rankin 4-63)

Raveen Yasas, all-rounder of Devapathiraja College, Rathgama shown good all-round performances against Kegalu Vidyalaya in their ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 inter Schools (Traditional) Cricket tournament match at Kegalle yesterday.

Raveen Yasas scored 94 runs and took 7/31. He missed his fourth century of this season by six runs.

Twenty nine wickets fell in day one between Karandeniya Central and Sri Devananda College, Ambalangoda at Balapitiya.

* At Kegalle.

Devapathiraja Rathgama: 183 in 43.3 overs (Raveen Yasas 94, Kalpa Chethiya 29, Pawan Sandesh 24, Pethum Madhusanka 21, Madushan Gunasinghe 4/58, Sandaru Missaka 3/10, Tharindu Sandaruwan 3/48)

Kegalu Vidyalaya: 143 in 42.5 overs (Umesha Tharaka 52, Tharindu Sandaruwan 28, Raveen Yasas 7/31)

* At Balapitya.

Karandeniya Central: 151 in 26.2 overs (Ishara Madhuwantha 59, Danesh Madhusanka 35, Dinesh de Silva 3/09, Devindu de Silva 3/39, Sadun Soyza 2/24) and 129/9 in 30 overs (Shamith Isuru 34, Dhanesh Madusanka 28, Dilupa Sewmini 25, Sadun de Soyza 3/26, Nimesh de Silva 3/67, Dinidu de Silva 2/11)

Sri Devananda Ambalangoda:143 in 33.4 overs (Shashindu de Silva 56, Samith Abeysekara 31, Ravindu Milan 6/45). YK

Mahanama College ‘A’, Colombo advanced to the quarter final round of ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 15 division 1 inter schools cricket tournament when they beat S. Thomas’ College ‘A’, Mt. Lavinia by 2 wickets in pre quarters played at St. John’s ground, Panadura yesterday.

Mahanama will meet Royal College in the quarter final at Bandaranayake MMV ground Veyangoda on March 25.

S. Thomas’ ‘A’ Mt. Lavinia: 205 in 47.5 overs (Ranuka Perera 48 n.o., G. Kanistan 43, Yasiru Rodrigo 42, Devindu Kekirideniya 5/30, Pawan Rathnayake 2/34)

Mahanama ‘A’ Colombo: 206/8 in 49.2 overs (Pawan Rathnayke 96, Vinuka Rubasinghe 25, Aneesh Kamalachandra 2/32, Randev Gunasekara 2/38, Anuk Palihawadana 2/50). YK

Colombo, Monday: Former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee says emotion and aggression are part of the game and doesn't want to see robots on the field, but he warned against behaviour "crossing the line".

The ongoing Australia tour of South Africa has been marred by on-field altercations with South African speedster Kagiso Rabada appealing against a two-Test ban for a shoulder barge on Aussie skipper Steve Smith in the second Test.

The 41-year-old Lee, a fearsome fast bowler during a sparkling career for Australia from 1999 to 2012, told AFP that controlled aggression is good for the sport.

"The thing that I will say about that, in all honesty, is we don't want robots on the field," he told AFP ahead of the T20 tri-series final between India and Bangladesh in Colombo on Sunday.

"Of course, there is a line that the players should not cross," Lee added, without offering any judgement on the incident involving Rabada, whose appeal is due to be heard by the International Cricket Council later on Monday. AFP

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said that Cricketer Chamari Atapattu was appointed to captain the Sri Lankan Women’s Cricket team.

Accordingly Chamari Atapattu will be steering the team in the match series against Pakistan.

The series, which consists of three ODI’s and three T20’s will commence from today at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium.

Atapattu placed her mark at the World Cup by scoring 178 points at the match held against Australia.