Sports
SLC had warned about rain in Kandy
Rex Clementine at Pallekele
The much-hyped Asia Cup clash between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan was a flop with rain ruining the game and both teams sharing a point each. Although there were two rain interruptions during India’s innings, a full quota of 50 overs was bowled, but after the dinner break the run chase was not possible as persistent rain kept the players indoors, and at around 10:00 pm it was decided to abandon the game.
The ground staff had put up a terrific effort to resume the game and on two occasions the covers of the entire ground were removed, but rain returned on each occasion and no play was possible.The Island learns that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had warned about the rain in Kandy after the Esala Perera and wanted the games played at Dambulla, which is usually dry at this time of the year.
However, SLC’s concerns were ignored, and authorities were adamant about playing at Pallekele and Colombo.In fact, West Indies under-19 are in the island at the moment and their series is continuing in Dambulla uninterrupted.
It was the first India-Pakistan game played on Sri Lankan soil in over ten years. The teams were also playing their first ODI since the 2019 World Cup and there was lot of hype. However, it turned out to be a flop with rain and one of the lowest turnouts for an India – Pakistan clash in history.
The Kandy Esala Perahara held in August is a festival where devotees pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha that’s housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa. The Perahara ends with the diya-kepeema ritual, a water-cutting ceremony which is held at the Mahaweli River. Following this age-old ritual, the extended dry period in the hill capital ends and it is followed by torrential rain.
Following the disappointment on Saturday, where a single ball wasn’t bowled in Pakistan’s innings, it rained heavily on Sunday too and now there are concerns of Monday’s India versus Nepal clash being washed out as well.
The scheduling is not the only flaw the organizers have committed in this Asia Cup. Ticket prices were beyond the reach of spectators and turnouts have been poor for the games. Although a grass bank ticket is generally priced at Rs. 250 at Pallekele, this time it was sold at Rs. 9600. A seat at Pallekele Stadium cost Rs. 40,000 for the India – Pakistan game although these seats generally are sold at Rs. 1250.
Although the grass bank tickets were later brought down to Rs. 1500, by then most local fans had lost interest.Teams will return to Colombo this week for the Super Four round of the Asia Cup with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the second round.
Sri Lanka won the toss and made the surprise call to bat first on a North Sound surface with a fair covering of grass. West Indies lead the two match series 1-0.
Dhananjaya de Silva’s focus at the toss was on picking up 20 wickets and Sri Lanka’s inability to do so in the first Test, which he cited as a primary reason for their heavy defeat. Roston Chase was quite happy to bowl first, stating that it was what he would have done had he won the toss.
There were changes for both teams, with several of those injury-enforced. West Indies welcomed back Shai Hope with Joshua Da Silva making way. Kemar Roach also missed out with an injury, with Anderson Phillip replacing him to keep four pacers in the playing XI.
Sri Lanka made three changes, as Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Kumara and Kasun Rajitha missed out. Nissanka underwent a wrist surgery, while Kumara suffered a hamstring injury in the first Test. Lahiru Udara, Prabath Jayasuriya and debutant pace-bowling all-rounder Isitha Wijesundera all came in.
With the pitch described as even, with a fair covering of grass with a tinge of green on it, Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first caught a few off-guard. West Indies’ four-pronged pace attack will once more look to test the Lankan top order – particularly in the first hour of play. The pitch was also expected to show some uneven bounce with a few cracks on it. Sri Lanka do have the extra spinner in their lineup, and will be hoping that when it comes time for them to bowl there will be some assistance for the slower bowlers.
The weather remained dry, but there was some forecast for rain.
West Indies: John Campbell, Brandon King, Kavem Hodge, Amir Jangoo Shai Hope (wk), Roston Chase (capt), Justin Greaves, Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Anderson Phillip
Sri Lanka: Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), Kusal Mendis (wk), Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayake, Isitha Wijesundara, Asitha Fernando
(Cricinfo)
The much anticipated Juventus Training Camp organized by the Colombo Kickerz Football Academy will take place from 6th to 10th July at the CR&FC Grounds Colombo.
The Camp will be conducted by two official Juventus Academy coaches from Italy, and will provide 50 young footballers from across the country to participate in an intensive program based on the renowned Juventus methodology, focusing on technical development, tactical understanding, team work, discipline and personal growth.
Romario de Silva CEO of Colombo Kickerz Football Academy said that the objective of the Academy was to provide young footballers with access to world class coaching and international development opportunities.
He added that the Training Camp was made possible through the valued support of Hilton Colombo Residencies, Aitken Spence travels, The Pappare and Lady J.
Sri Lanka have been hit by a spate of injuries and an illness ahead of the secondbTest against West Indies, in North Sound, a game they must win to take something away from the series after suffering an innings defeat in the first.
The injuries have forced the team management to pick from a squad of 13, rather than the 17 they took on tour. The seam-bowling department has been especially hard hit, with Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando both going down with injuries.
The most serious injury, however, seems to be that of opener Pathum Nissanka, who left the squad on June 30 to undergo surgery on an injured wrist in the United Kingdom. Lahiru Udara will take Nissanka’s place at the top of the order for the second Test. Nissanka’s surgery casts a cloud over his Lanka Premier League participation as well.
Vishwa, meanwhile, has not sufficiently recovered from back and side pain to become available for the second Test. And Sri Lanka’s quickest bowler in the squad, Kumara, remains unavailable after having walked off the field with a hamstring complaint (a recurring injury) having delivered just one over in the previous Test.
These injuries, plus Kasun Rajitha’s modest performance in the first Test, have paved the way for seamer Isitha Wijesudera’s Test debut.
In addition, offspin-bowling allrounder Ramesh Mendis has contracted a bacterial infection on tour. As such, he is also unavailable for selection. Prabath Jayasuriya – Sri Lanka’s top specialist spinner over the last three years – will enter the XI.
(Cricinfo)
Hope returns, Roach out for West Indies after injury-hit Sri Lanka bat
Juventus Training Camp from 6-10 July in Colombo
Wijesundara set for debut as injury-hit Sri Lanka struggle to make up XI
UNEP support pledged to strengthen Sri Lanka’s Environmental Priorities
Ronaldo scores as Portugal come back to win, Croatia denied by late VAR
Lister replaces injured Sears for ODI series in the West Indies
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News5 days agoLAWASIA warns against ad hoc initiative to increase judges’ retirement ages
-
News6 days agoAnother 1,132 Sri Lankan Personnel to be deployed for United Nations Peacekeeping Missions
-
News4 days agoChamuditha to seek removal of injunction on Youtube programme
-
Features4 days agoClimate action to bring South Asia together
-
Business7 days agoMonth-end profit-takings drive stock trading; indices up
-
Features6 days agoPeople’s Bank expands digital banking network with 125th cheque deposit kiosk
-
News4 days agoCPRP alleges another death in custody, seeks protection for witness
-
News7 days agoFSP complains of irregularities in a Guinness World Record event held in Sri Lanka