CAPE TOWN, Wednesday: South African captain Faf du Plessis on Wednesday hit back at his Australian counterpart Steve Smith's criticism of the decision to overturn a ban on South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. Rabada's punishment of three demerit points for deliberate physical contact with Smith in the second Test in Port Elizabeth was reduced to one point, overturning a two-match ban that would have seen him ruled out of the series. Smith claimed in an overnight interview with Australian journalists that the contact with Rabada in the second Test in Port Elizabeth had been "a little bit harder than it actually looked on the footage".

The Australian captain said he was surprised he had not been asked his opinion before the ruling was made and also claimed that a "line in the sand" had been drawn regarding physical contact. "The ICC have set the standard, haven't they? There was clearly contact out in the middle," said Smith. "I certainly won't be telling my bowlers to go out there and after you take a wicket go and get in their space. I don't think that is on and part of the game. But the standard has been set."

Du Plessis, though, praised the appeal process, saying it was good for cricket. "I don't see a problem with having a fair system where a neutral guy sits and listens to both parties," he said. "I was there and I said to our people that even if we didn't win the case I was very impressed with the judge and how he listened to both sides. He was very fair with the questions he asked. I think that process is really good."

Du Plessis dismissed Smith's comment about not being called to testify, ahead of the third Test in Cape Town with the series locked at 1-1. "He wasn't charged. If he was charged he probably would (have been) asked. KG (Rabada) was charged, he was defending himself and the judge has to decide if he sees that it was intentional." Asked whether he thought Rabada had made deliberate contact, Smith said: "It's not my place to make that judgment. It's been handed down now and it is what it is.

"I said yesterday the contact was harder than it actually looked on the TV, whether it was intentional or not is not for me to decide." Smith denied there was a deliberate attempt to goad Rabada as had been suggested in reports of a pre-tour interview he had given in Australia. "For us it is about playing the game the way we've always played it," he said. "We'll speak out in the middle, we won't do anything I guess to antagonise him into making the sorts of mistakes he's been (making). That's up to him if he wants to make those errors." Smith said Australia would field an unchanged team for the eighth Test in a row and said both Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Marsh had overcome injury concerns with a "good hit-out" at practice on Tuesday.

Du Plessis said two positions were being debated in the South African camp with a fit-again Temba Bavuma challenging for a batting place ahead of Theunis de Bruyn and fast bowler Morne Morkel possibly replacing Lungi Ngidi, who had a "toe niggle". Both captains said they had discussed with new match referee Andy Pycroft about the spirit in which the game should be played. – AFP

Top seed Anika Seneviratne cruised to an easy title win as she beat third seed Savini Jayasuriya 6/3, 6/4 in the Sri Lanka Clay Court Nationals 2018 Open Women's Singles final worked off at the SLTA courts yesterday.

Anika was undefeated from round 1 and entered the semis beating Tuvini de Alwis 6/1, 6/3 in the quarters.

The other finalist Savini had the better of second seed Janali Kawya Manamperi 6/0, 4/1 retired in the semis after beating Alana Seneviratne 6/2, 6/1 in the quarters.

Eighth seed Dineshkanthan Thangarajah continued his winning streak and entered the Open Men's Singles final when he defeated Liu-Hui Retallick in easy straight sets 6/3, 6/2. Dineshkanthan will take on the top seed Sanka Athukorala who beat Delwar Hossain in similar fashion 6/3, 6/1 in the other man's singles semi-final. Sanka too maintained an unbeaten record in the open singles event and today's final is poised to be an exciting battle for the men's single title.

Dineshkanthan booked his semi-final berth beating Mufazzal Hossain 6/3, 6/0 in the quarters. He beat Luca Knese 6/1, 6/1 in the third round before he downed Suranga Pushpakumara 6/1, 6/0 in the second round.

Sanka won a tough battle against M. Rostom Ali in the quarters 6/4, 4/6, 7/5 after he edged out Isuru Peiris 6/0, 4/1 retired in the third round. Sanka beat Kevin Markandarajh 6/1, 6/0 in second round.

The Girls'/Boys' age category events of U-12, U-14 and U-16 will be worked off at the SLTA courts today. The tournament commenced on March 18 and will continue until April 3 at the same venue with 35 events on the cards.

Former St Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya and Moors SC cricketer Ahmed Athas Kuthdoos who passed away yesterday at the age of 97 was indeed a character who left an indelible mark on those who knew him and those who were close to him.

There are many stories about the man that brings out his personality and made him a lovable character.

Kuthdoos represented his alma mater in the 1930s as a left-arm swing bowler and continued his cricket with Moors SC before branching into becoming a cricket coach and then a cricket umpire. He was a man of many virtues for apart from his achievements on the cricket field he was also a onetime announcer with the Ceylon Broadcasting Corporation (as it was known then) and a wonderful singer who had the audience in raptures with his golden oldies numbers. At the time of his death he was a senior vice president of the Moors Islamic Cultural Home (MICH).

Relating a hilarious incident involving Kuthdoos, former Peterite captain Bernard Wijetunge said, “Mike Chanmugam was our coach in 1972 and in order to counter the deadly left-arm swing of Josephian bowler Rajive Benedict he invited Kuthdoos to come and bowl to us two days before the annual Big Match. Kuthdoos to everyone’s amazement arrived dressed in full suit and tie and bowled to us at the nets. He must have been in his fifties. This was the first time in my life I had faced a bowler wearing a full suit and tie. We caught and hammered him all over the park and we were confident going into the Big Match. What happened at the match was history. We were bowled out for 36, the lowest score in the Saints series and Rajiv ended up taking eight wickets for six runs including the wicket of our captain Roy Dias. The way we hit Kuthdoos we thought we could do the same with Rajiv but later on it dawned upon us that Kuthdoos had given us false confidence.”

Wijetunge also recalled that Kuthdoos is the only umpire to appeal and give a batsman out from square leg. “As the story goes Kuthdoos was umpiring a match and somebody got stumped. The fielding side didn’t appeal but Kuthdoos umpiring at square leg appealed and gave the batsman out.”

Another former Peterite cricket captain and former All-Ceylon cricketer Dr HIK Fernando described Kuthdoos as “a nice guy and a fitness fanatic who was very serious about what he did”.

“Athas used to come to the Old Peterites Club for walks and would speak to everyone. He coached St Peter’s for a short period and when they were doing badly he told me he wouldn’t touch the team even with a barge pole,” said Dr Fernando.

“Herbert Vittachchi (the former Peterite coach) still curses him for missing a vital catch that resulted in the Peterites losing. When St Peter’s was going all out to win the Joe-Pete Big Match with the last pair batting, Athas missed a ‘sitter’. There was a big partnership, and St Peter’s lost the match. I played against him for NCC when he was representing Moors. He always used to rag me saying that I would never captain All-Ceylon,” he said.

Kuthdoos’ last appearance with his old school was a few years ago at the St Peter’s College reunion of the pre-70s batch.

Wijetunge who was present at the occasion said, “Kuthdoos came to the reunion dressed in his usual full suit with black and white shoes and school tie with a walking stick. He wanted to sing as a band was playing. He climbed on the stage and after keeping the walking stick against the drums he took the mike and started to sing. We had great difficulty getting the mike out of his hands because he wanted to continue singing. After he had finally finished he forgot his walking stick and made his way to his table without any assistance. When someone told him that he had left his walking stick on the band stand he went back to retrieve it. He was a real character.”

Kuthdoos’ wife Fathima Beebi and son Ahamed Bari predeceased him. He is survived by his daughter Fathima Badriya who resides with her family in the UK. His Janaza took place at the Dehiwela Jummah Masjid burial ground yesterday afternoon.- ST

Vidyartha skipper Pulina Gunatilake hit an unbeaten century to help his team reach 229 all out on the first day of the 60th Battle of the Babes cricket encounter against St Sylvester’s College played at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium yesterday.

St. Sylvester’s skipper Avindu Hearth after winning the toss invited Vidyartha to bat first and at lunch they were 85 for 3.

Vidyaratha batsmen after lunch put up a splendid performance to take the score to 205 for 5 at tea, but lost the remaining five wickets for 24 runs in the final session.

The highlight of the Vidyartha innings was the unbeaten century made by Gunatilake who scored 102 not out off 180 balls with five fours. He made some excellent strokes round the wicket, and entertained the present and old boys present.

Sylvestrians coming to bat started well and at close were 53 for 1 with Kasun Ediritilakke showing good form with an unbeaten 36. The match continues today.

Vidyartha 229 in 72 overs (Pulina Gunatilake 102 n.o., Kasun Kulatunaga 28, Medunaka Wijetilake 18, Ravishka Upananda 13, Gihan Jayasekara 28, Nadera Balasuriya 3/37, Husindu Nishantha 3/47, Nadeera Balasuriya 2/62).

St. Sylvester’s 53-1 at close in 19 overs (Kasun Ediritillake 36 n.o.).

Saracens SC, SSC, NCC and Chilaw Marians CC advanced to the semi- finals of the SLC Premier Inter-Club limited overs cricket tournament yesterday.

In the quarterfinals completed yesterday Saracens beat Tamil Union by 4 wickets at SSC, NCC beat Colts CC by 5 wickets at SSC, Chilaw Marians CC beat BRC by 30 runs at P. Sara Oval and SSC beat Ragama CC by 8 wickets at Colts.

Saracens CC will meet NCC at Colts and SSC will meet Chilaw Marians CC at FTZ Katunayake in the semi-finals.

l At FTZ Katunayake: Saracens SC won by 4 wickets.

Tamil Union: 113 in 40.3 overs (Tharanga Paranavitana 47, Ramith Rambukwella 20, Chathura Randunu 6/30, Andy Solomons 3/12)

Saracens SC: 114/6 in 29.3 overs (Thanuka Dabare 26, Saliya Saman 19 n.o., Binura Fernando 3/19)

* At P. Sara Oval: Chilaw Marians CC won by 30 runs.

Chilaw Marians CC: 256 in 49.4 overs (Shehan Jayasuriya 84, Rohit Damodaran 32, Kasun Vidura 29, Isuru Udana 29, Rukshan Shehan 21, Rumesh Buddhika 2/46, Chamikara Edirisinghe 2/46, Vikum Sanjaya 2/52)

BRC: 226 in 46.2 overs (Deshan Dias 60, Vikum Sanjaya 55 n.o., Rumesh Buddhika 37, T. M. Sampath 25, Dilshan Gunawardhane 3/35, Asitha Fernando 2/39, Isuru Udana 2/43)

* At Colts: SSC won by 8 wickets.

Ragama CC: 206 in 48 overs (Lahiru Milantha 48, Sameera de Zoysa 39, Roshen Silva 37, Saminda Fernando 20, Sachithra Senanayake 4/25)

SSC: 207/2 in 36.5 overs (Dimuth Karunaratne 70 n.o., Dasun Shanaka 54 n.o., Dhanushka Gunathilake 53, Kaushal Silva 20, Lahiru Milantha 2/43)

* At SSC: NCC won by 5 wickets.

Colts CC: 218 in 49.1 overs (Nisala Tharaka 83, Sahan Arachchige 31, Nuwan Kulasekara 22, Dushmantha Chameera 5/51, Farveez Maharoof 2/16)

NCC: 220/5 in 36.4 overs (Angelo Perera 74 n.o., Upul Tharanga 72, Farveez Maharoof 30 n.o., Akila Dhananjaya 2/34) - YK

Trinity College Kandy advanced to the semi final of the ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 inter-schools Two-Day knock-out cricket tournament yesterday. Trinity won on first innings against Nalanda College in the quarterfinal played at Darley Road.

Trinity: 267 in 75.2 overs (Jeff Weerasinghe 62, Thisaru Rashmika 56, Trevon Percivel 32, Pubudu Bandara 27, Hasitha Boyagoda 22, Madushan Hasaranga 3/53, Kaveesh Madurapperuma 3/56)

Nalanda: 151 (21/2 o/n) in 33.1 overs (Suhanga Wijewardena 72, Chamindu Wijesinghe 23, Raveen De Silva 11, Kavishka Senadeera 4/32, Thisaru Dilshan 2/32, Vimukthi Nethumal 2/45) and 3/1 in 2 overs - YK

Wariyapola Sri Sumangala top a century in rugby

Hafiz Marikar

Wariyapola Sri Sumangala (St. Paul’s) College scored a smashing 110 points to 3 win over Royal College Panadura in their inter-school rugby match played at the Provincial Council grounds, Digana yesterday.

The points for the winners came off 10 goals and 8 tries to a penalty. At half time the score read 53-0.

It was Sri Sumangala players courage and the determination that helped them to pass the century mark. The opponents were starved of possession and on the few occasion they received the ball they were grounded with some fine tackling.

The most impressive of the winning side was their backs; they breached the opponents defence time and again with their side stepping and speed. The two wingers made some powerful runs. S.A. Muthumala refereed.

Indian captain’s fine gesture to injured Lankan net bowler

The Indian cricket team won the Nidahas Trophy by defeating Bangladesh in style at the R Premdasa Stadium, thanks to the blistering knock of 29 runs off eight balls by Dinesh Karthik.

Karthik’s knock included 2 fours and 3 sixes out of which one was hit off the last ball of the innings.

Team India was supported by not only Indians fans but the Sri Lankans were also cheering for the Indian players and that was quite obvious after the manner in which Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi teams had arguments in the semi-finals.

As a gesture of thanks to the Sri Lankan supporters, team India took a victory lap with the Sri Lankan flag.

Few local young players were hired by the Indian team for their net-practice during the tournament but one of them named Kaveen Fernando (23) got injured and was admitted in hospital for two weeks. When the Indian skipper got to know about this, he arranged two tickets of the final for the young Sri Lankan cricketer.

Kaveen told The Daily Observer, “I was bowling at the Indian nets and a straight drive from Rishabh Pant hit me on my face. The blood was coming out from my nose and jaw. I was immediately rushed to the Nawaloka hospital. After being discharged, I feel good.”

The Indian cricketers also enquired about the health of a fan's sick father and these good deeds must have increased love and respect for Indian cricketers in the hearts of Sri Lankan fans. – Topbuzz

The first ever under 15 international Football tournament will be conducted in Sri Lanka organized by the Manchester Soccer Academy on March 24 and 25 at the Race Course International Rugby ground commencing at 8 a.m. The highlight of the tournament is the participation of four Maldivian teams and an Indian team from Jammu Kashmiri juvenile soccer teams.

The Tournament is organized by the Manchester Soccer Academy in celebrating the 70th Independence Anniversary and as part of Academy’s first Anniversary celebrations. The twelve teams participating will be grouped in to three as Red, Yellow and Green and will play the first round on a league basis and the two top teams qualify for the quarter finals. To find the balance two quarter finalists organizers have arranged playoff off matches among the losers in group matches in the league. On the second day the quarter finals and semi finals and final will be played. The champions will carry away the Independence Cup which was

unveiled by two young footballers from the Academy at the press briefing held to announce the Launch of the under Independence Cup Football Tournament at the FFSL Auditorium on Monday. 15

Speaking at the briefing head of the Manchester Soccer Academy, Augustine George stated that this is the first time an international Soccer Tournament is being organized in Sri Lanka. The Academy’s vision is to find Soccer talent from the grassroot level to feed the Club and National soccer in Sri Lanka. With youngsters encouraged to take to soccer from their young days will not only play football but also keep them healthy and active.

At Presentthe Academy has opend branches in various parts of Sri Lanka which has attracted young players who guided by qualified coaches. These young players interest gave us the idea for us to give them exposure to play against foreign teams. We are confident that given the opportunity to play against foreign teams also help them learn more of Football from the young age, said George. He further said girls too are taking a keen interest in soccer and they too are registered with our Academy especially from outstations areas. With their participation increasing we decided to conduct an exhibition under 15 girls match on the final day of the tournament.

 

Vidyarathana University College, Horana won three volleyball boys Championships in all three age categories, under 16, under 18 and under 20, at the Horana Divisional Inter-School Volleyball Championship organized by the Sports Unit of the Horana Zonal Educational Office and held at the Ingiriya Gamini Central College Playground recently.

Here are the final results of the Boys Volleyball championship held at the Horana Educational Division.

Under 16 boys Volleyball Championship Vidyarathana University College Horana.

Runner-up Thakshila Central College Horana

Third place Don Pedrik MV,

No of teams participated in the tournament 20.

Under 18 Volleyball championship Vidyaratathana University College, Horana Runner-up Gamini Central College, Ingiriya, Third place Royal National School, Horana. No at teams participated 18.

Under 20 boys Volleyball Tournaments Vidyarathana University College Runner-up Thakshila Central College, Hornaa, Third place Royal National College, Hornaa. No of teams participated 12

[Girls’ events]

Under 16 championship Darugala Dharmapala Vidyalaya. Runner-up Dharugala Dharmaloka MV, Horana

Under 18 championship Siriewan MV, Pokunuwita Runner-up Gamini Central College.

Under 20 championship

Runner-up Sri Pali National School, Horana

The fifth Battle of the Golds in United Arab Emirates between the Old Boys of Prince of Wales College and St. Sebastian's College will be worked off at Al Batayah Grounds, Sharjah on 23rd March 2018 and this year this game will be a Twenty20 encounter.

The old boys of both schools who are living and playing in United Arab Emirates will participate.

The inaugural old boys big match was in 2014 and Cambrians registered the first win and the last three matches were won by Sebs old boys.

This year the Old Cambrians will be led by Chamara Fernando and his deputy will be Dilan Abeyweera and the Sebs will be captained by Suneth Mendis while his vice captain will be Ryan Mario Livera. In addition there will be an over 40 match and the wives of the Old Boys too will play a softball match for the first time.

Old Cambrians from Chamara Fernando (Captain) Dilan Abeyweera (Vice Capt), Danuka Munasinghe, Shanesh Weerawansa, Lahiru Vindika, Modis Udaya, Don Uditha Manoj, Ashan Cooray, Sanoj Wanasinghe, Buddika Anuradha, Mohomed Shariz, Udana Prathibtha, Yashendra Fernando, Rukshan Dharmadasa, Praveen Peiris.

Old Sebastianites from – Suneth Mendis (Capt), Ryan Mario Livera, Lakseth Silva, Dilshan Fernando, Shavo Rodrigo, Shavindra Fernando, Jayashan Perera, Asiri Jayasuriya, Umesh Costa, Shilaini Rodrigo, Mervyn Fernando, Anjelo Silva, Nimesha Jayatilleke, Raj Mendis, Dinesh Perera.

“Deepthi” House emerged champions of the Inter-House Sports Meet of Heiyantuduwa Mahinda Maha Vidyalaya was held at the school grounds recently. Here the Olympic Athlete Wimalasena Perera hands over a trophy to the champion Deepthi House. Principal (Mrs) Deepika Perera was also present. Malwana Group Correspondent – Mahanama Vithanage)

Karatekas of the Shitoryu Shukokai Karate Association won seventy seven medals at the 42 National Karate Tournament was held at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo recently.

It was organised by the Sri Lanka Karate Do Association. They won fifty five (55) gold medals, Eleven (11) Silver medals and Eleven (11) Bronze medals.

They were trained by Shitoryu Shukokai Karate Association's chief Instructor, Sensei, Lakshman Saparamadu.

The coaches who helped in this event were Senpai Preethi Asanga, Wasantha Kumara Seneviratne (Mrs) Kumudu Priyangika and Shaan de Silva.

The Addalaichenai Divisional School Games 2018 Football Tournament final was held for the under 16, 18 and 20 age categories recently at the Addalaichenai Zahra Vidyalaya Ground and Public Play Ground, Palamunai.

This tournament was organised by the Addalaichenai Divisional Education Officer M.A.C.Gassaly and conducted by the Education Department under the guidance of the Assistant Education Director (Physical Education) S.M.Jameel and the Akkaraipattu Zonal Education Director A.M.Rahmathullah.

Six schools took part in the finals of the tournament.

They are from Addalaichenai, Palamunai and Oluvil in the Addalaichenai DS division under purview of the Addalaichenai Educational Division.

Result of final:,

Under 16 boys.

Champion - Addalaichenai Central College (National School). Runner-up – Al-Hamra Maha Vidayala, Oluvil.

Under 18 boys.

Champion - Addalaichenai Central College (National School). Runner-up - Al-Hamra Maha Vidayala, Oluvil.

Under 20 boys.

Champion - Al-Hamra Maha Vidayala, Oluvil . Runner-up –An-Noor Maha Vidyalaya, Addalaichenai. The champion teams and , runner-up teams have been selected for the Zonal Level football competition said Addalaichenai Central College, Football Coach and Physical Education Teacher A.G.Firnas.

Cricket equipment was distributed to Addalaichenai Central College (National School) recently. The ceremony was held in the school Auditorium.

The sports gear was handed over by chief guest on this occasion Sports Deputy Minister H.M.M.Harees. The event was presided over by Addalaichenai Central College Principal A.L.Kamardeen. The Sports Ministry distributed cricket equipment to schools with the aim of developing school cricket.

The Addalaichenai Central College senior and junior cricketers receiving the donation at a ceremony.

Parliamentarian A.L.M.Nazeer, Addalaichenai Pradeshiya Sabha Members S.K.Mohamed, A.S.M.Uwais, Thameem Abdeen, deputy and vice - principals, teachers, students and many others were present on this occasion.

The Police Department beat the Customs Department by a narrow margin of three runs in their State Services Division One Tournament Cricket match which was worked off at Police Park, Bambalapitiya.

Batting first Police were all out for 106 runs and in reply Customs were bowled out for 103 runs with Mahesh Priyadarshana Claiming 4 for 31.

Police 106 in 23.4 overs – Saman Wijerathne 34, Lahiru Dihantha 23 n/o, W. R. P. Fernando 3/18, D. J. H. A. Samarasekera 3/22.

Customs – 103 in 34.5 overs – Mahesh Priyadarshana 4/31, Manjula Jayawardene 2/10, Lahiru Dihantha 3/23.

Bandaranayake College team: Front row from left: Pasindu Bandara, Madhawa Thathsara, Sashiru Roshen, Hachitha Thimal (Captain), Kanishka Amarasinghe (Coach), Susantha Kularatne (MIC), Iran Champika de Silva (Principal), Kapila Samaraweera (MIC-Cricket), Dhanushka Sampath (Assistant Coach), Arosha Madhushan (Vice Captain), Sasitha Madhanayake, Janidu Jayawardena, Hasitha Pathirage. Second row from left: Rasika Jayaweera, Dinushka Himesh, Samitha Rajapaksa, Gayashan Hettiarachchi, Dilshan Molligoda, Sandun Devinda, Dileepa Sandaruwan, Lakshima Madhusha, Madhaara Dolawatte, Prabhasha Alwis, Ashen Randima, Shehan Rashmika, Dilsara Shihan, Lelasara Kavindu.

The 5th Battle of the Blues and Greens cricket encounter between Lumbini College, Colombo and Bandaranayake College, Gampaha will be held at the P. Sara Oval today and tomorrow.

All rounder Kaveen Peiris leads the Lumbini team and Hachitha Thimal will skipper Bandaranayake College.

Lumbini lead the series with two victories while the rest of the games have ended in draws. Last year they beat Bandaranayake College by an innings and 9 runs and will be looking to repeat that performance this year too.

Lumbini have played 12 matches in the current schools season winning three games outright and three on first innings. Bandaranayake have won two matches outright and have one first innings win from 12 matches.

Lumbini will rely on key players Lakinda Upendra who has scored 724 runs and all-rounder Vinu Hemal who has contributed 609 runs and bagged 37 wickets. Skipper Kaveen Peiris has scorede 703 runs and hit a brilliant 80 in last year’s big match. Deputy skipper Vimukthi Kulatunga will be the main weapon of the bowling attack having claimed 100 wickets for the season.

Leading run-getter of the Bandaranayake team is Janidu Jayawardane who has scored 551 runs. Sisitha Madhanayaka (455), captain Hachitha Thimal and deputy skipper Arosha Madhushan are expected to strengthen the batting. Hachitha has scored 423 runs and captured 34 wickets while Arosha has piled up 463 runs and claimed 30 wickets.

The match will be conducted under the supervision of Lumbini College Principal K.G. Wimalasena and Principal of Bandaranayake College Dharshana Iran de Silva.

The One Day cricket encounter between two schools is scheduled to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium on April 4.

UTE Engineering Pin Fernando Grand-Prix March edition got off to a great start once again with a 4 under par round from RCGC Club champion Sachin De Silva leading the field with a 4 under par 67 and par 71 to total 138 after first two rounds at the Royal Colombo Golf Club yesterday.

The lush fairways on the course after the recent rains has encouraged the top amateurs to make full use of the near perfect golfing conditions. It’s great to see four golfers with under par scores in first two rounds. The old war horse Amarapadma, and 2017 Top ranked B.A.Sanjeewa breathing down Sachin’s neck with 139 total, while strongman Ranga is following one stroke behind. Keeping pace with the leaders, is the in-form Sisira Kumara and young M.U.Chanaka Perera on 142 total.

With plenty of golf to be played, there is no sure winner emerging at this stage and lots of excitement and drama to come over the next 2 days. The leader board at the cut-off stage is below.

1. Sachin De Silva 67 + 71 138

2. M. Amarapathma 71 + 68 139

3. B. A. Sanjeewa 70 + 69 139

4. N. Ranga 71 + 69 140

5. Sisira Kumara 70 + 72 142

6. M. U. Chanaka Perera 70 + 72 142

7. J. M. D. Indika 71 + 74 145

8. G. M. Pradeep Kumara 74 + 74 148

9. U. A. Ranasinghe 78 + 72 150

10. D.M.P.P. Bandara - 74 + 76 150

CAPE TOWN, Thursday - Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins transformed the first day of the third Test against South Africa with a devastating four-wicket spell at Newlands on Thursday.

Despite an unbeaten 121 from Dean Elgar, South Africa were on a shaky 266 for eight at the close in a pivotal match in the bad-tempered four-Test series. The teams are locked at 1-1.

The hosts looked in command when they reached 220 for two, with Elgar and AB de Villiers scoring at better than four runs an over in a third wicket stand of 128.

It all changed when Cummins came back into the attack in the 63rd over and with his fifth delivery induced a false shot from De Villiers, who drove him to mid-off after scoring 64.

It was the start of a superb spell in which Cummins took four wickets for 12 runs in eight overs to finish the day with four for 64.

Mitchell Marsh and Mitchell Starc followed up with two late wickets. When Keshav Maharaj drove Starc to cover, South Africa had lost six wickets for 37 runs –- and lost control of the match on the best batting pitch of any of the Tests South Africa have hosted against India and Australia this season. Opening batsman Elgar had scored 106 when De Villiers was dismissed and batted with more fluency than usual.

He reached his century off 178 balls with 16 fours and a six but opted to go back on the defensive as wickets fell around him. By the close he had faced another 75 balls after reaching his hundred and only added one more boundary.

It was Elgar’s 11th Test century and his second against Australia. On 61 he reached 3,000 runs in Tests.

Elgar and Hashim Amla (31) stabilised the innings with a second wicket partnership of 86 off 174 balls after Josh Hazlewood had Aiden Markram caught at second slip by Australian captain Steve Smith for nought. Hazlewood struck again when Amla was caught at fine leg soon after lunch. He also had Elgar dropped at backward point by Nathan Lyon when the batsman was on 53 and four runs later hit Elgar on the helmet during a sustained spell of fast, short-pitched bowling.

De Villiers, the leading batsman in the series, looked comfortable from the start and made his 64 runs off 95 balls with ten fours.

Cummins then had both Faf du Plessis and Temba Bavuma caught at second slip by Smith for five and one respectively before Quinton de Kock got a bottom edge to an attempted pull and was caught behind for three.

Vernon Philander was caught behind off Mitchell Marsh before Maharaj fell to Starc. - AFP

Eighth seed Dineshkanthan Thangaraja walked away with the Sri Lanka Clay Court Nationals 2018 men’s singles title beating top seed Sanka Athukorala comfortably in straight sets 6/3, 6/1 when the two top favourites for the crown battled it out in the final at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) courts yesterday.

Both Dineshkanthan and Sanka entered the final with a superb undefeated record in the tournament and the final was tipped to be a close contest between the two strong players. But the final did not deliver the expected excitement as Dineshkanthan sailed to an easy clean sweep win downing the much fancied top seed.

Dineshkanthan beat Liu-Hui Retallick 7/6(6), 4/6, 6/1 and Sanka had the better of Delwar Hossain 6/3, 6/1 in the semi-finals.

Anika and Alana Seneviratne advanced in the women’s doubles event by defeating Senuri Alexander and Ochithithya Fernando in straight sets 6/1, 6/1. The sisters will take on Savini Jayasuriya and Janali Kawya Manamperi today.

Nithila Goonetilleke and Dulaj Wickramanayake booked their quarterfinal berths in the under-12 boys’ singles event winning their third round matches. Dulaj edged out Nejan Karunatissa in a tough battle 5/4(5), 1/4, 10/8 and Nithila beat Yuthila Hettiarachchi 4/1, 4/1.

Heshan Imanga Hewa Thalagahage was the first to enter the quarters of the girls’ under 14 singles event when she defeated Nelini Jayasuriya 4/2, 4/1 in a third round battle.

Apna Perera had a cake walk to the boys’ under-16 singles quarters after receiving a walkover from Pasindu Bandara in the third round.

St. Joseph’s College Maradana will be at full strength and raring to go when they take on St.Anthony’s College Kandy in their Singer ‘A’ Division Inter-Schools league rugby first round encounter at Havelock Park at 4:15pm today.

Led by speedy centre Sameesha Veranga the Joes got some good players who could be match winners for the Maradana outfit.

Players such as centre cum play maker Gamunu Chethiya, wingers Dulanjana Piyatissa (Sri Lanka national under 19 and former Dharmaraja College Kandy rugby player) , K.D. Kavinda, fly half Santhush Algama, number eight Tharindu de Alwis, flankers Shehan Kelaniyagoda and John Ganegoda along with prop forward Shevon Gregory, Nimesh Kavinda, full back Shan Akila and scrum half Rashen Gunawardena should be marked well by the Antonian lads if not they will be in deep trouble.

The Joes, one of the strongest contenders for the Singer rugby league this year, will be out for their third win against St.Anthony’s. The Joes are coached by former junior Sri Lanka coach and Sri Lanka national sevens coach in Nilfer Ibrahim (head coach) who is assisted by forward coach Anuranga Walpola and kicking coach Dev Anand. They should have things their own way in this encounter.

The Maradana school beat S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia convincingly (33-10) and ran out worthy winners last week against the formidable Trinity College Kandy by 32-25 in a tense battle up in Pallekelle. Also fly half Algama’s kicking boot will play a major role in this game.

Meanwhile Antonian’s the “dark horse” of the Singer League, who are slowly but steadily getting into peak form after close 11-15 loss to arch rival Trinity College suffered an unexpected heavy loss to Royal College last week by 13 points to 55 after trailing 13-15 at half time at Nittawela. Hence they will be out for their first win this season to keep their chances alive to move forward in the round two Cup segment.

They will be heavily dependent on their skipper and prop forward Kavinda Amarakoon, number eight Mohamad Shabeer, fly half Mohamad Makarim, cracking flanker Isuru Ariyapala, second row forward Jithen Daulagala, scrum half Suhail Waseem, centre Theeksha Gunasinghe and full back Janindu Himsara (this year’s St.Anthony’s 1st XI cricket captain).

This year they are coached by their 1986, 1st XV rugby captain Sanjaya Amunugama.

This encounter should be a close tussle for supremacy with St. Joseph’s holding a clear edge with two consecutive wins this season, while the St.Anthony’s have yet to win a game in the ongoing schools league.

Captain Bismah Maroof’s 89 and Sana Mir’s 4/20 helped Pakistan Women to a 94-run victory over Sri Lanka Women in the second ICC World Championship one-day international of the three-match series at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium yesterday.

The victory gave Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, after they had won the first ODI by 69 runs.

Opting to bat, Pakistan put up a competitive total of 250/6, Maroof being aided by contributions from Nida Dar (38) and Nahida Khan (29). Mir contributed with the bat as well, her 25-ball 27 towards the end of the innings comprising three fours.

In reply, Sri Lanka kept losing wickets and were bowled out for 156 in 37 overs. Sripali Weerakkody top scored with 29, while Chamari Athapaththu and Chamari Polgampola both scored 24 each. Ama Kanchana also got a start, with a 24-ball 23, but none of the batters managed to make them count, Pakistan nipping them out just as they got going.

Mir’s four-wicket haul was a driving factor behind Pakistan’s victory. The right-arm off-spinner dismantled Sri Lanka’s top order, getting the wickets of Dilani Manodara (5), Shashikala Siriwardene (0), Rebeca Vandort (10) and Hasini Perera (11).

Sri Lanka were dealt an early blow when opener Nipuni Hansika was run out in the fifth over of the innings. Mir then scalped Manodara in the eighth over while captain Atapattu was caught by Nahida Khan off Nashra Sandhu for 24. Sri Lanka were reduced to 34/3 within nine overs.

They kept losing wickets thereafter. A 34-run partnership between Kanchana and Polgampola helped Sri Lanka cross the 100-run mark, but they couldn’t pose a challenge big enough to get near the Pakistan total.

Weerakkody and Sugandika Kumari added 50 runs for the final wicket, but it was too little too late. Kumari (17) was dismissed by Diana Baig to put an end to the Sri Lankan resistance.

Earlier, a 91-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Dar and Maroof lifted Pakistan from 98/4 to 189/5 and revived the innings after Sri Lanka had made early inroads.

Maroof was the last woman to be dismissed as she was caught by Athapaththu off Weerakkody in the third ball of the final over.

Sripali Weerakkody picked up two wickets for Sri Lanka while Ama Kanchana and Inoka Ranaweera returned a wicket each.

Scores:

Pakistan Women 250-6 in 50 overs (Nahida Khan 29, Muneeba Ali 31, Bismah Maroof 89, Nidar Dar 38, Sana Mir 27 n.o., Sripali Weerakkody 2/46)

Sri Lanka Women 156 in 37 overs (Chamari Atapattu 24, Chamari Polgampola 24, Ama Kanchana 23, Sripali Weerakkody 29 n.o., Sana Mir 4/32, Nidar Dar 2/27)