Cricket - Int News
Asia Cup likely to move out of Sri Lanka
BIPIN DANI
This year the Asia Cup is most likely to be shifted to the UAE, it is learnt. According to the highly placed sources in the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the decision is to be taken in a day or two.
"Our president (Shami Silva) is in Australia on a personal visit but is aware of the situation here. Our officials are in constant touch with the ACC president (Jay Shah), who has been briefed about the current situation in the country", the source, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said on Sunday evening.
"The hosting rights will still be with the SLC".
Interestingly, the month of August and till mid-September, the weather will be too hot in the UAE.
"Yes, we are aware about it but there is no other option", the source said, adding "we have not yet approached the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to host the Asia Cup there and there have been no signals from there also".
LPL in December
The 3rd edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) is postponed to December. "We were keen to host it now but the IPG, the company having rights of organizing the matches, asked us to shift it to December", the source further added.
The current political conditions in the country have also forced the SLC to retain the second Test in Galle. It was, otherwise, scheduled to be played in Colombo.
Galle Test: Babar 119 runs fighting innings brings Pakistan back in contest
Sports Bulletin Report
Galle (Sri Lanka):-Captain Babar Azam produced a Test match batting master class to keep Pakistan in the hunt on day-two of the first of the two ICC World Test Championship matches against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Sunday.
Babar, stonewalled for 244 balls in all to ensure his side finishes a mere four runs behind Sri Lanka’s first innings score of 222 after they had been reduced to 148 for nine in the second session of an absorbing day of Test cricket.
Pakistan then took the important wicket of Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne (16) as Sri Lanka finished day-two at 36 for one – 40 runs ahead with nine second wickets intact.
Earlier, Babar, the Pakistan batting linchpin added 70 runs for the 10th wicket with Naseem Shah (five not out) to script a remarkable comeback for his side that had endured a batting failure after resuming at the overnight score of 24 for two.
Azhar Ali (3) was dismissed in the first over after a delayed start due to rain while middle-order batters Mohammad Rizwan (19), debutant Agha Salman (5) and Mohammad Nawaz (5) returned to the pavilion in the first session of play. Shaheen Shah Afridi also fell for a first ball duck to leave Pakistan precariously placed at 104 for seven at lunch.
Left-arm-spinner Prabath Jayasuria, took the third successive five-wicket haul of his Test career which is a mere two Test old. Jayasuria took five of the first seven wickets to fall.
Post-lunch, Babar received productive contributions from Yasir Shah (18) and Hasan Ali (17) yet Pakistan were in the doldrums when Hasan fell to off-spinner Ramesh Mendis.
Naseem then provided stubborn resistance and blunted one end as Babar after a steady start to the partnership upped the tempo shortly before the tea interval.
Babar reached his century soon after play resumed post-tea, the right-hander reached the milestone on the 216th ball of his epic innings with the help of 10 fours and one six. Babar was the last man to fall for 119 as Pakistan finished their first innings at 218.
Summarized Score Card:
Sri Lanka Batting (1st innings): 222 all out in 66.1 overs
Dinesh Chandimal 76 runs (Balls 115, 4X10, 6X1), Maheesh Theekshana 38 runs (Balls 65, 4X4, 6X1), Oshada Fernando 35 runs (Balls 49, 4X5, 6X0), Kusal Mendis 21 runs (Balls 35, 4X3, 6X0)
Pakistan Bowling:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 58), Hasan Ali (2 for 23), Yasir Shah (2 for 66), Mohammad Nawaz (1 for 18), Naseem Shah (1 for 53)
Pakistan Batting (1st inning): 218 all out in 90.5 overs
Babar Azam 119 runs (Balls 244, 4X11, 6X2), Mohammad Rizwan 19 runs (Balls 35, 4X3, 6X0), Yasir Shah 18 runs (Balls 56, 4x1, 6X0), Hasan Ali 17 runs (Balls 21, 4x0, 6x2), Abdullah Shafiq 13 runs (Balls 47, 4X2, 6X0)
Sri Lanka Bowling:
Prabath Jayasuriya (5 for 82), Ramesh Mendis (2 for 18), Maheesh Theekshana (2 for 68), Kasun Rajitha (1for 42)
Sri Lanka Batting (2nd innings):
Oshada Fernando runs not out (Balls 35, 4X3, 6X0), Dimuth Karunaratne 16 runs (Balls 29, 4X2, 6X0), Kasun Rajitha 3 runs not our (Balls 7, 4X0, 6X0)
Pakistan Bowling:
Mohammad Nawaz (1 for 16)
Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat first
Sri Lanka (Playing XIs)
Oshada Fernando, Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Prabath Jayasuriya
Pakistan (Playing XIs):
Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Galle Test: 12 wickets fall on Day-1, as hosts lose 10
Sports Bulletin Report
Galle (Sri Lanka):-Left-arm pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 58) forced hosts batters to close their inning at 222 runs in 66.1 overs at Galle International Cricket Stadium Sri Lanka on the first day of first Test match on Saturday. Pakistan could score just 24 runs for 2 in 18 overs at the end of day.
Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne won the toss and decided to bat first, as they had to struggle when they lost their first wicket at 11. They lost their second batter at 60, as next batter could not add a single runs and went back in the hut at the same total. At 68 runs, Sri Lankan were in deep hot water after throwing another batter on a bit slow pitch.
Chandimal showed some aggression and scored 76 runs in 115 balls after hitting 10 boundaries and a huge six on the balling of Yasir Shah at midwicket. Maheesh was other contributor with 38 runs at the last stage of the innings, as he aggregated 45 runs with Kasun Rajitha for the 10th wicket partnership that help Sri Lanka to reach at 222 runs total.
Pakistani bowlers bowled well during the whole innings, as Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 58), Hasan Ali (2 for 23), Yasir Shah (2 for 66), Mohammad Nawaz (1 for 18) and Naseem Shah (1 for 53) shared all 10 wickets. At the end of the day Pakistan were 24 for 2, as the both openers Abdullah Shafiq and Imam-ul-Haq has lost their wickets.
Summarized Score Card:
Sri Lanka Batting (1st innings): 222 all out in 66.1 overs
Dinesh Chandimal 76 runs (Balls 115, 4X10, 6X1), Maheesh Theekshana 38 runs (Balls 65, 4X4, 6X1), Oshada Fernando 35 runs (Balls 49, 4X5, 6X0), Kusal Mendis 21 runs (Balls 35, 4X3, 6X0)
Pakistan Bowling:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 58), Hasan Ali (2 for 23), Yasir Shah (2 for 66), Mohammad Nawaz (1 for 18), Naseem Shah (1 for 53)
Pakistan Batting (1st inning): 24 for 2 in 18 overs
Abdullah Shafiq 13 runs (Balls 47, 4X2, 6X0), Azhar Ali 3 runs not out (Balls 38), Imam-ul-Haq 2 (balls 16) Babar Azam 1 run not out (Balls 7)
Sri Lanka Bowling:
Prabath Jayasuriya (1 for 2), Kasun Rajitha (1for 11)
Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat first
Sri Lanka (Playing XIs)
Oshada Fernando, Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Prabath Jayasuriya
Pakistan (Playing XIs):
Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali
Rohit Sharma with his six makes India-origin girl stronger in her dream to become cricketer
BIPIN DANI
Rohit Sharma's one big six in the first ODI against England on Tuesday has made 6-year-old Meera Salvi strong in her determination to become a cricketer.
Sharma's one of the five sixers landed in the terrace and injured a little girl — Meera Salvi, who was watching the match from the stands with her father Jignesh Salvi.
"This incident has not scared my brave daughter. She is not frightened or scared but will continue to dream to be a cricketer", India-origin Jignesh Salvi, who works for NHS in Brighton, said over the telephone. .
"Cricket runs in our blood. My brother Dhiren plays cricket for Baroda. My father Pradeep Krishnarao Salvi also played cricket there. His (father's) third generation daughter Meera, who is studying in Class I at Middle Street Primary School, plays cricket for All Star Club in Brighton".
Narrating the injury blow, Jignesh says, "my daughter was watching the match from the stand. My seat was two rows behind her. I had gone to buy some snacks for her and on my return, I called out to her. As soon as she turned towards me, the ball hit her on her back".
"Meera is absolutely fine and cheerful now. She was well looked after by the England medical team and the staff at the Kia Oval. David Gorrod, the official at the Surrey ground has made her comfortable and has even promised to provide tickets in future also. Meera has been given an England jersey", the father added.
Jignesh has also refuted the media reports stating Rohit Sharma came to see her after the match, gave chocolates, Team India jersey etc.
The Indian cricket board is likely to contact the parents. "I want our Indian team to focus on the games without any pressure on this incident", the father emphasized.
Salman Ali Agha to make Pakistan debut in first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle
Sports Bulletin Report
Galle (Sri Lanka):-Pakistan have unveiled their line-up for the first Test against Sri Lanka that begins on Saturday (July 16, 2022) at Galle International Cricket Stadium. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha will make his Pakistan debut.
Salman was added to the 18-player squad for this series following an impressive run in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy first-class tournament in the last three years. In 18 matches, since 2019-20 season, the right-hander has scored 1,629 runs at a strong average of 56.19. The 28-year-old has smashed five centuries and eight half-centuries. His off-spin snared 25 wickets.
Leg-spinner Yasir Shah and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz will return to the side in the first Test. Yasir - who was instrumental in Pakistan’s 2-1 Test series win in 2015 with his player of the series performance – will play his first Test since August 2021 after recovering from a thumb injury. Mohammad Nawaz will return after almost six years as the 28-year-old last played a Test in November 2016.
Pakistan’s XI for first Test:
Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice captain-wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi and Yasir Shah
England Men name squads for white-ball matches against South Africa
Sports Bulletin Report
LONDON:-England Men's selection panel have named squads for the Royal London ODIs against South Africa starting on Tuesday 19 July and the Vitality IT20s versus South Africa, which get underway later this month.
Durham seamer Matthew Potts is called up to the ODI squad for the first time after making an impressive debut in England's four Test matches earlier this summer.
Yorkshire spinner Adil Rashid returns to both squads after missing the series against India, having been permitted by the ECB to make The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
Yorkshire batter Jonathan Bairstow is included in the T20 squad after he was rested for the India series.
To manage the workload and fitness of England Men's Test captain Ben Stokes, he will not feature in the Vitality IT20 series and The Hundred competition, which is due to start next month.
Names of players (ODI Series):
Jos Buttler (Lancashire-captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Sam Curran (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Craig Overton (Somerset), Matthew Potts (Durham), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Surrey), David Willey (Yorkshire)
Names of Players (T20 Series):
Jos Buttler (Lancashire-captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Richard Gleeson (Lancashire), Chris Jordan (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Reece Topley (Surrey), David Willey (Yorkshire)
ODI Series Schedule:
1st ODI: England v South Africa, Tuesday 19 July, Seat Unique Riverside, (1.00pm start)
2nd ODI: England v South Africa, Friday 22 July, Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start)
3rd ODI: England v South Africa, Sunday 24 July, Headingley (11.00am start)
T20 Series Schedule:
1st IT20: England v South Africa, Wednesday 27 July 2022, The Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol (6.30pm start)
2nd IT20: England v South Africa, Thursday 28 July 2022. Sophia Gardens (6.30pm start)
3rd IT20: England v South Africa, Sunday 31 July 2022, Ageas Bowl (2.30pm start)
One change in commentary panel for Tests against Pakistan: Morrison to replace Haddin
BIPIN DANI
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made one change in the commentary panel for the Test series against Pakistan, it is learnt.
According to the sources in Colombo, Brad Haddin, who was hired for the matches against Australia is replaced by former New Zealand fast bowler Danny Morrison.
In fact, the 56-year-old Morrison is a regular face in the commentary box in Sri Lanka.
The other members of the panel- Roshan Abeysinghe, Russel Arnold, Farveez Maharoof and Aamer Sohail- have been retained.
The former left-hand batter Aamer Sohail will be the "voice of Pakistan" in the commentary box.
The SLC has also sent chief selector Pramodya Wickramasinghe to join the squad. Pramodya replaces Romesh Kaluwitharana, who was with the team for the matches against Australia. The decision on composition of the team is, however, decided by all senior men's selectors in consultation with the team management.
Asia Cup fate
The fate of the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka is likely to be decided "soon". Considering the prevailing situations in Sri Lanka, there have been concerns over hosting the Asia Cup in the country, however, the SLC officials are still confident of hosting it successfully.
Thank you, medicos: Family all praise for Prabath super-fitness
BIPIN DANI
Sri Lankan bowler Prabath Jayasuriya's mother has given full credit to the physios and trainers, who worked really hard to enable his son achieve "super fitness".
Prabath Jayasuriya would have made his debut last year against Bangladesh if not for his fitness. A failure to pass the fitness tests was going to result in an automatic disqualification and that's what happened with him.
"He failed the skinfold tests then but worked hard with the SLC medical team and got an opportunity to play the Test against Australia", the mother, Sudarshani Perera, said over the telephone from Colombo.
"It was his childhood dream to play the Tests and what a dream debut...Regrettably, we could not be at the ground because of the situation in the country, but yes, we all watched the match at home on TV and we are all proud of him, especially grabbing six wickets in each innings and taking the MoM award".
The mother is not willing to buy the argument that Prabath got a chance to play the Test because of the rise in Covid cases in the camp. "Prabath has done well by taking wickets in the local MSL tournament and sooner or later, we were expecting his debut".
After his splendid performance, the family is still unlikely to be at Galle for the first Test against Pakistan (commencing on July 16). However, they have made a plan to visit the ground and watch the second Test in Colombo. The likely attendees in the Colombo Test are : wife (Ranisha Mirando with 3-year daughter Thyvonne Diana), mother and vehicle businessman father Jayasuriya and younger brother (Ashen).
In the meantime, the Sri Lankan players, who were given a 2-day break after the win over Australia, will begin its first training session on Thursday to prepare for the Tests against Pakistan.
Match referee compares Prabath Jayasuriya with legendary spinner Bishan Bedi
BIPIN DANI
Javagal Srinath, who had been the match-referee for the two Tests against Australia has compared Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya with India's legendary cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi.
This was revealed by Samantha Dodanwela, the official of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board.
The 30-year-old debutant took six wickets in each innings, which enabled his team not only to level the series but his team won by an innings for the first time against Australia.
Speaking exclusively over the telephone, Dodanwela said, "the match referee Jawagal Srinath had a very good word for him and compared him with the Indian spinner Bishan Singh Bedi. Like Bedi, Prabath is also a good slow left arm orthodox bowler".
"Prabath has been performing extremely well for SSC (Sinhalese Sports Club) during the last couple of years and we knew that he would be picked by the national selectors sooner or later".
"I am extremely proud of him with his performance who has brought honor to the country and becoming the only Sri Lankan to take 12 wickets in his debut. I wish him good luck", Dodanwela added.
Incidentally, it was Prabath Jayasuriya, who won the Player of the Match award.
Kenyan Cricketer Aasif Karim arrives on India tour for the award-winning children film Madappally United
BIPIN DANI
Former Kenyan Cricket Captain Aasif Karim is in India for an event being curated by the Indian creative agency Words Rhythms Images (WRI).
The 58-year-old Karim, who was also a Davis Cup Tennis player, is the director of the Kenya Film Commission. To further the cause of sports and cinema, he initiated the Kenya International Sports Film Festival under the aegis of the Safinaz Foundation.
The highlight of the event is the screening of the award-winning film Madappally
United directed by Ajay Govind, which won an award for its social message and most recently won the Golden Statuette at the 51st Roshd International Film Festival in Iran.
In addition to the screening of the film, which was first held in Mumbai on Wednesday, the event will also feature the panel discussions and is set to cover multiple Indian cities including Delhi, Calicut and Ahmedabad.
“Films are a great way to start a dialogue on social issues. I am looking
forward to being a part of this event and in trying to understand how some of the issues raised by the film Madappally United can be tackled. This is also a great initiative which can take Indo-Kenyan relations in a new direction as far as entertainment and sports is concerned”, he said.
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