Sports
Let’s not panic
Thursday’s World Cup debacle against India, revived memories of the humiliation of the Asia cup final. The anger of fans, their frustrations and resentments vented on social media, were therefore all perfectly understandable as are the increasingly loud cries for change and accountability.
However, when emotions are given time to subside let us sit back and review objectively the circumstances that led to both events.
Asia Cup Final
In the Asia Cup final, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that the decision to bat first, in overcast conditions and a helpful pitch as Shastri’s pre match report cautioned, was a grave error in judgment.
While those conditions were exploited to the hilt by Mohamed Siraj in particular, given our own fast bowling talents, one could not be faulted for saying that the roles may well have been reversed if India had batted first.
One only has to recall Sharma’s dismissal by Madushanka in Thursday ‘s encounter in good batting conditions to appreciate the real potential of our pacemen .
World Cup
The circumstances leading to the World Cup debacle on Thursday was no different.
The decision to field first perhaps failed to recognise the dew factor for the side batting second. In fact the Indian captain was certain that he would have batted first if the coin fell his way.
The way the ball moved both in the air, nipped and bounced off the pitch from the very first delivery when we batted showed the impact that dew had on a sun scorched pitch, and knowledgeable commentators attributed three of our early dismissals to ‘unplayable deliveries’.
I would cite Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis in that category.
Madushanka’s heroic efforts in unhelpful conditions earlier in the game and his dismissal of the very accomplished Rohit Sharma who left the arena looking shell shocked gave us a glimpse of what he, Rajitha and Chameera may have delivered in those conditions.
In fact if two sharp chances, one each from Gill and Kohli had been taken India may well have been three down before they reached ten and that too when conditions favoured batting !
So let’s not be too harsh on the team.
It’s a young nucleus and none can doubt their potential After a disappointing World Cup of 2019, India took a step back to focus and build on a balanced cohesive strong combination for 2023.
There are reaping the benefits of that professional planning now. We should take a leaf out of their book and do likewise with World Cup 2027 in mind.
The talent is there, and what’s more it is also still very young. Let’s find the professionals to harness and build on it. There is no cause for Panic!
S. Skandakumar
(A former Hony. Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket )
by Reemus Fernando
Two formidable teams Mahinda and Thurstan are set to produce a thrilling contest when they meet in the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘B’ cricket tournament final commencing at Sooriyawewa today.
After having recorded a remarkable Big Match victory over the weekend, Thurstan skippered by Thanuga Palihawadana will be looking to conclude the tournament with the coveted title. They had a minor set back on Tuesday when they were beaten by St. Anthony’s Wattala in a limited overs tournament match. Spinner Sethru Fernando who was rested for that match is expected to return for the decisive three-day final.
Mahinda are a team continuing to peak. The team captained by Kaveen Rukshan reached the final displaying a thoroughly dominant performance against St. Thomas’ Matara in the semi-final. The innings and 69 runs victory is their biggest win this season.
They also posted their highest innings total, 373 runs in that match with opening batsman Dulsith Darshana scoring a sensible knock of 96 runs and Senuka Damgamuwa hammering 200 runs in 153 balls.
Keeping Dangamuwa under control will be vital for Thurstan as he has the ability to turn the complexion of a game.
Mahinda will open batting with Dulsith Dharshana and Thevindu Rashmika. Wicketkeeper batsman Randul Mabarana, Sehas Ashinsa, Dineth Pehesara, Manitha Rajapaksha and Dangamuwa will form the top order batting lineup.
The new ball duties are shared by left-arm paceman Sadew Nethmina and Sahanjith Samadith. Left-arm spinners Senuka Dangamuwa and Arosha Udayanga and skipper Rukshan form a strong spin attack.
Thurstan too possess a strong spin department with Sri Lanka Under 19 skipper Vihas Thewmika, captain Palihawadana and Sethru Fernando sharing most of the duties.
Rachintha de Silva who excelled in the Big Match, Yovun Silpa and Lasindu Punsara form the pace attack.
Like Mahinda, Thurstan’s batting line up too produced their best performance of the season (383/8) in the semi-final with Sri Lanka Under 19 batsman Thanuja Rajapakse and Rachintha scoring centuries against their arch rivals.
Dinal Induwara and Rajapakse will open batting for Thurstan. Sethru Fernando, Janitha Rukshan, Thewmika, Rachintha and Pathum Dananjaya will form the top top order batting lineup.
This is not the first time these two teams are meeting this season. When they met during the league stage Thurstan posted 274 to earn first innings points. Mahinda could muster only 205 runs. That was a early third term encounter. Both teams have grown by leaps and bounds. Hence a mouthwatering encounter is on the cards.
In a groundbreaking move to enhance school cricket, the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), under the leadership of President Shammi Silva, has introduced three-day school matches in place of the traditional two-day encounters.
As part of this ambitious initiative, SLC has committed financial grants to 56 schools, enabling them to host their annual big matches as three-day contests. Until now, only three schools enjoyed this privilege, while the rest were restricted to two-day games. With this progressive shift, 28 big matches will now be played over three days, ushering in a new chapter for school cricket, effective from the ongoing season.
This transformation, executed in collaboration with the Sri Lanka School Cricket Association, is designed to provide young cricketers with extended match exposure, sharpen their skills, and ensure a seamless transition to first-class and international cricket.
Further strengthening this initiative, SLC has also revamped the U19 School Cricket competition by extending the three-day match format to the knockout stages of Division I and II (both Tier A and B), replacing the previous two-day structure.
Sri Lanka’s school cricket system is one of the most dynamic in the world, with over 6,800 matches played annually across U13, U15, U17, and U19 levels. SLC remains the primary financial pillar behind these tournaments, reaffirming its dedication to grooming the next generation of cricketing talent.
This initiative underscores SLC’s long-term vision for grassroots cricket, reinforcing the foundation that has historically produced Sri Lanka’s finest national players.
Dialog Axiata PLC proudly launches the 2025 Dialog Big Match Season, continuing its legacy of fostering school cricket and shaping future champions. As March arrives, the island will be swept by cricket fever as past and present students unite for this time-honoured tradition.
This year, Dialog sponsors seven iconic Big Matches, featuring 14 esteemed schools competing for pride and glory. The season’s crown jewel, the 146th Battle of the Blues, takes center stage at SSC on March 6th-8th, as Royal College and S. Thomas’ College renew their legendary rivalry. The Mustangs Trophy follows on March 15th.
Other marquee encounters include the 91st Battle of the Saints (April 3rd-5th) and One Day clash (April 26th), the 120th Lovers’ Quarrel (April 3rd-5th), and the 118th Battle of the Maroons in Kandy (April 4th-6th). Fans can also anticipate thrilling contests like the Battle of the Rocks and Battle of the Golds and more.
With its unwavering commitment to Powering the champions of tomorrow, Dialog invites fans to experience the excitement live at the grounds or via ThePapare TV and Dialog ViU. The 2025 season promises passion, tradition, and the birth of future cricketing stars.
Hamas hands over four bodies
Crypto sleuths join hunt for $1.5bn stolen in biggest ever heist
Death toll in Sudan military plane crash rises to 46
-
Business3 days agoSri Lanka’s 1st Culinary Studio opened by The Hungryislander
-
Sports4 days agoHow Sri Lanka fumbled their Champions Trophy spot
-
News6 days agoKiller made three overseas calls while fleeing
-
News5 days agoSC notices Power Minister and several others over FR petition alleging govt. set to incur loss exceeding Rs 3bn due to irregular tender
-
Features4 days agoThe Murder of a Journalist
-
Sports4 days agoMahinda earn long awaited Tier ‘A’ promotion
-
Features4 days agoExcellent Budget by AKD, NPP Inexperience is the Government’s Enemy
-
News5 days agoMobile number portability to be introduced in June