Sports
Wankhede; still brings painful memories
Rex Clementine in Bombay
What if Kule had held onto that catch? What if Mathews had not got injured? What if Murali hadn’t picked up a niggle? These are the immediate thoughts that come to mind as you visit Wankhede Stadium. Sri Lanka having started off the 2011 World Cup final so well, fell agonizingly short against hosts India, 11 years ago.
Every now and then politicians cast aspirations and want the public to believe that everything wasn’t tickety-boo about that game. They question why four changes were made for the final and what not, conveniently forgetting that the press had reported to expect all those changes 48 hours before the game.
The politicians also forget that India were the best team in the competition. How? Here’s how. Sri Lanka had lost to Pakistan in the group stage and their game against Australia was washed out. Then they were lucky to meet England in the quarter-finals and New Zealand in the semi-finals. Two knock-out games at RPS proved to be a cakewalk for Kumar Sangakkara’s side.
India, meanwhile beat defending champions Australia in the quarter-finals and arch-rivals Pakistan in the semi.
Next time when people with little knowledge of the game tell you cock and bull stories, take them with a pinch of salt.
Situated in the heart of Bombay, right next to the Churchgate Train Station, Wankhede Stadium has been named after former Board President S.K. Wankhede.
A lawyer by profession, Wankhede was a freedom fighter. He entered politics after independence in 1947 and was the President of Bombay Cricket Association for 25 years from 1963 to his death. He headed the Indian board in 1980s.
Like Colombo, Bombay also has several venues that have hosted Test matches. India’s first-ever home Test match in 1933 was held at the Bombay Gymkhana.
From 1948 to 1973 Test matches in Bombay shifted to Brabourne Stadium. However, there was a dispute between the Cricket Club of India that owned Brabourne Stadium and Bombay Cricket Association about the distribution of ticket revenues from games and in 1975 Test cricket shifted to the newly built stadium and later was named as Wankhede.
Sri Lanka have played a Test match at Brabourne Stadium though. Some may think this is unlikely as the nation was granted Test status only in 1981. But, in 2009 Wankhede was under constriction for the 2011 World Cup and the third Test between Sri Lanka and India was played at Brabourne.
Bombay is the heart and soul of Indian cricket. The city has produced many Indian stars from Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar.
India’s domestic cricket tournament Ranji Trophy has been dominated by Bombay, who have won the title a record 41 times.
Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani also lives here, just a few kilometers from the Wankhede. He owns the Mumbai Indians franchise, and they are the most successful team in the IPL having won five titles.
There are several Sri Lankans who are held in high esteem in Bombay having helped the franchise to be successful. Ambanis paid US$ 975,000 to secure the services of Sanath Jayasuriya in the first IPL auction in 2008.
Lasith Malinga too was with Mumbai Indians throughout his career while currently, Mahela Jayawardene is their main think tank.
With a population of over 20 million, Bombay is world’s eighth most populous city and the financial capital of India. The main language spoken here is Marathi.
Latest News
Heat Index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 28 March 2026, valid for 29March 2026.
Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Rumesh Tharanga created history with yet another world leading throw that shattered his own national javelin record at the Champions Track and Field event at Diyagama on Saturday.
The massive 89.37 metres throw, when recognized by World Athletics is set to become the fourth furthest throw in the history of the Asian region.
Despite little competion from his rivals, Tharanga rose like a champion of an entirely different league when he delivered the record breaking feat in his final attempt.
Tharanga had a world leading mark of 83.07 metres for the year coming into this meet. His national record of 86.50 metres was from August 2025. (RF)
Tiger Woods has been charged with driving under the influence after rolling his car in a crash in Florida, police have confirmed.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said the 15-time major champion was also charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
Woods, 50, rolled his Land Rover after clipping a pressure cleaner truck while trying to overtake it at “a high rate of speed”, according to Sheriff John Budensiek.
The golfer, who had to crawl out of the passenger door of his vehicle, passed a breathalyser test after the crash but refused a urine test.
No-one sustained any injuries in the incident which took place on Beach Road in Jupiter Island just before 14:00 local time on Friday (about 19:00 GMT).
Sheriff Budensiek told a news conference: “The DUI investigators came to the scene and Mr Woods did exemplify signs of impairment.
“They did several tests on him. He did explain the injuries and surgeries that he’s had and we did take that into account, but they did some in-depth roadside tests.
“When it was determined, he was placed under arrest and taken to the Martin County jail.
“At the Martin County jail, and even on scene, we were really not suspicious of alcohol being involved in this case and that proved to be true.
“Mr Woods did a breathalyser test with triple zeros, but when it came time for us to ask for a urinary analysis test, he refused.”
Budensiek also said Woods had been “co-operative but was trying not to incriminate himself”.
“He has a right to refuse that test,” added the sheriff. “There is a statute which he will be charged with for refusing to take that test, but we will never get definitive results as to what he was impaired on at the time of the crash.”
US president Donald Trump was asked about the crash on Friday, saying: “I feel so badly. [Woods has] got some difficulty. There was an accident. That’s all I know.
“He’s a very close friend of mine, he’s an amazing person, an amazing man.”
Sheriff Budensiek said Woods would remain in jail for eight hours then be released on bond. The charges are misdemeanours, not felonies.
The BBC has contacted the golfer’s representatives for comment.
This is not the first time Woods has been involved in a car accident – he has played a limited schedule since the serious crash in 2021 that left him with extensive injuries and fortunate to be alive.
In 2017 police officers also found him slumped at the wheel of his parked Mercedes-Benz not far from his Florida home.
A toxicology report found Woods had several legal medications in his system and marijuana’s active ingredient, and he was sentenced to a year’s probation after pleading guilty to reckless driving.
In 2009 Woods hit a fire hydrant, a tree, and several hedges in a bizarre collision outside his home.
The incident sparked accusations of extramarital affairs which led to the end of his seven-year marriage and the loss of lucrative sponsorship deals.
[BBC]
Heat Index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district
Tharanga shatters national javelin record again
Courtesy call by the Heads of Mission- Designate on Prime Minister
Three dead after helicopter crash in Hawaii
Woods charged with driving under influence after crash
Showers may occur at a few places in the Rathnapura, Kaluthara, Galle, and Matara districts during the evening or night
‘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
-
News4 days agoSenior citizens above 70 years to receive March allowances on Thursday (26)
-
Features22 hours agoA World Order in Crisis: War, Power, and Resistance
-
Features6 days agoTrincomalee oil tank farm: An engineering marvel
-
News2 days agoEnergy Minister indicted on corruption charges ahead of no-faith motion against him
-
News3 days agoUS dodges question on AKD’s claim SL denied permission for military aircraft to land
-
Features6 days agoThe scientist who was finally heard
-
Business3 days agoDialog Unveils Dialog Play Mini with Netflix and Apple TV
-
Sports2 days agoSLC to hold EGM in April