Cricket - Int News
Sri Lanka Cricket to host ASIA CUP 2022 in UAE
Aamir Ali Janjua
Dubai (UAE):-The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is eagerly looking forward to conducting its much-awaited Asia Cup tournament from August 27th to September 11th, 2022, as scheduled.
However, considering the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka, the ACC after extensive deliberation has unanimously concluded that it would be appropriate to relocate the tournament from Sri Lanka to the UAE.
The ACC is mindful of the passionate Sri Lankan fans, hence the final decision to change the venue has been very difficult, but has been one that was deemed necessary. However, the thoughts of all ACC members remain in solidarity with the cricket-loving nation of Sri Lanka.
The ACC remains committed to supporting the sport and all its fans and is deeply thankful for the unwavering efforts made by SLC in ensuring the tournament continues as scheduled.
Jay Shah, President, ACC said:
“Every effort was made to host the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the decision to shift the venue to the UAE was taken after much deliberation. The UAE will be the new venue while Sri Lanka will continue to retain hosting rights. This edition of the Asia Cup is extremely important as it will help Asian nations prepare for the ICC World Cup, and I thank the SLC and the Emirates Cricket Board for their understanding and cooperation.”
Shammi Silva, President, SLC said:
“We were really looking forward to hosting our Asian neighbours in Sri Lanka for the much-anticipated Asia Cup. While I fully stand by the ACC’s decision to shift the Asia Cup to UAE considering the current context and the magnitude of the event, Sri Lanka Cricket will work closely with the ACC and Emirates Cricket Board to ensure that we still have an exciting edition of the Asia Cup”.
Khalid Al Zarooni, Vice-Chairman, ECB said:
“ The Emirates Cricket Board takes great pride in UAE being named the new venue for the Asia Cup. The ECB is always ready to help fellow Member Boards and the ACC and Sri Lanka Cricket have our full support. He further said; we have the required infrastructure in place and look forward to welcoming the teams to the UAE”.
Pakistan make solid start to 508-run chase as bad light curtails day-four
Sports Bulletin Report
Galle (Sri Lanka):-Pakistan made an impressive start to their 508-run chase on day-four of the second ICC World Test Championship match against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday. Bad light followed by rain curtailed the day as play was called-off with 26 overs left undelivered.
After a promising start, the visitors lost Abdullah Shafique for 16 after a 42-run opening stand. Imam-ul-Haq finished the day at an unbeaten 46 off 80 balls (four fours).
Imam and captain Babar Azam have so far added 47 runs for the second-wicket, Babar was not out on 26 off 38 balls (two fours and one six).
On the fifth and final day, Pakistan need another 419 runs to register a world record chase. If the visitors bat out the remaining overs, the match will end in a draw earning Pakistan a 1-0 series win.
On Wednesday, Dhananjaya de Silva was Sri Lanka’s second innings’ star performer. The right-hander scored the ninth century of his Test career to spearhead his side’s progress to their 500 plus overall lead.
Resuming at 176 for five, de Silva and captain Dimuth Karunaratne took their sixth-wicket partnership to 126. Nauman Ali provided Pakistan their first breakthrough of the day when he had Karunaratne smartly caught by Abdullah at short-leg. Karunaratne scored 61 off 105 balls with the help of three fours.
Sri Lanka continued to progress at a healthy rate as Pakistan bowlers searched for wickets. Debutant Dunith Wellalage fell for 18 to Mohammad Nawaz, Sri Lanka took lunch at 297 for seven – overall lead of 444.
De Silva completed his century off 159 balls, the seasoned batter found an able ally in Ramesh Mendis who followed his first innings all-round exploits (35 and five wickets) with an unbeaten 45 (54 balls, five fours).
The pair added 82 for the eight-wicket before de Silva was run out via a direct hit by Yasir Shah. Sri Lanka declared their innings at 360 for 8. Naseem Shah and Nawaz took two wickets each for Pakistan.
Scores in brief:
Sri Lanka 378 all out, 103 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 80, Niroshan Dickwella 51, Oshada Fernando 50; Naseem Shah 3-58, Yasir Shah 3-83) and 360 for 8, 91.5 overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 109, Dimuth Karunaratne 61, Ramesh Mendis 45 not out; Naseem Shah 2-44, Mohammad Nawaz 2-75)
Pakistan 231 all out, 88.1 overs (Salman Ali Agha 62, Imam-ul-Haq 32; Ramesh Mendis 5-47, Prabath Jayasuriya 3-80) and 89 for 1, 28 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 46 not out, Babar Azam 26 not out; Prabath Jayasuriya 1-46)
Centurion to debutant: presence of family at the ground is no way a distraction
Bipin Dani
Family members of Angelo Mathews and Dunith Wellalage are at the ground during the ongoing second Test match against Pakistan.
It was also confirmed by debutant's dad Suranga Wellalage.
It was Dunith Wellalage's debut Test day on Sunday and Mathews is playing his 100th Test match at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.
Both could not capitalize the big score on the first day.
According to the renowned sports psychologist Jeremy Snape, who has worked with the Sri Lankan players twice, the presence of the family at the ground is not a distraction.
Speaking exclusively over the telephone from overseas, he said, "Having your family present for a major milestone like your debut or 100th game is a great way to celebrate with those who sacrificed so much in the early years of your career".
Echoing the sports psychologist's views, Angelow's brother Trevin Mathews said, "it is no way a distraction. On the contrary, Angelo likes his family to be around when he is playing. He was very happy when we all went there on Sunday".
Angelo's both parents, sister and Trevin have returned to Colombo after watching the first day game. However, Angelo's wife Heshani Silva with kids has stayed back.
There has been strong rumour that Angelo may announce his retirement after this Test. Let us wait till we hear anything from him.
Sri Lanka take charge of second Test as Pakistan batters falter on day-II
Sports Bulletin Report
Galle (Sri Lanka):-Sri Lanka followed their good performance with the bat to restrict Pakistan to 191 for seven in their first innings at close on day-two of the second ICC World Test Championship match at the Galle International Stadium on Monday. Off-spinner Ramesh Mendis scored 35 with the bat and then took three Pakistan first innings’ wickets to give his side the ascendancy in the series decider.
Resuming at the overnight 315 for six, Sri Lanka added 63 runs before they were bowled out. Dunith Wellalage (11) was the first to go on day-two, he was dismissed by a searing bouncer by Naseem Shah. Niroshan Dickwella completed his 22nd half-century before falling to Naseem. Yasir Shah accounted for Prabath Jayasuriya (8) and Mendis to finish off the Sri Lankan first innings. Mendis’ 35 off 52 balls propelled his side past the 375-mark.
Pakistan were dealt a big blow in the first over of their reply with the first Test hero Abdullah Shafique falling on the second ball of the innings. The right-hander was bowled for a duck by Asitha Fernando.
Captain Babar Azam who promoted himself to number three in the batting order in the absence of Azhar Ali scored 16 before falling to Jayasuriya. Imam-ul-Haq looked set for a big score but fell at 32 when Mendis bowled him as the left-hander attempted a defensive shot on the front foot.
Mohammad Rizwan was another batter who failed to make the most of a start as he was sent packing for 24 as Pakistan took tea at 111 for four.
Fawad Alam was the next Pakistan batter to fall in the 20s as the left-hander was pinned lbw on the backfoot by Mendis, Fawad also scored 24. Mohammad Nawaz was the next to go as he continued the trend of the batters getting starts but failing to convert when he was dismissed for 16 off Mendis to leave Pakistan 145 for six.
Salman Ali Agha absorbed the pressure from one end and played some stylish shorts in his maiden half-century that kept Pakistan afloat. The right-hander who made his Test debut in the first Test of the series last week at the same venue, fell on the last ball of the day to Jayasuriya with de Silva taking the catch in the slips.
Salman’s 62 came off 126 balls (four fours, one six). Before his dismissal which left Pakistan in a real spot of bother, the middle-order batter added 46 runs for the seventh-wicket with Yasir (13 not out). This partnership is so far the best in Pakistan’s first innings.
The visitors finished the day 187 runs behind Sri Lanka’s first innings score. Pakistan would need meaningful contributions from the tail enders tomorrow if they are to avoid conceding a big first innings lead.
Scores in brief:
Sri Lanka 378 all out, 103 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 80, Niroshan Dickwella 51, Oshada Fernando 50; Naseem Shah 3-58, Yasir Shah 3-83)
Pakistan 191 for 7, 69.4 overs (Salman Ali Agha 62, Imam-ul-Haq 32; Ramesh Mendis 3-42, Prabath Jayasuriya 2-59)
Pubudu Dassanayake takes up coaching role in Canada
Bipin Dani
Sri Lanka's former cricketer Pubudu Dassanayake returns to Canada to take up the fresh coaching role.
In December last year, the former wicket-keepr and batter took up the assingment in Nepal but before fulfilling his 2-year-contract term, he is returning to Canada.
"I am returning to Canada on Sunday. During this Covid pandemic, it has become exteremely difficult to work here, where my family is not there", speaking exclusively over the telephone, he said.
Incidentally, the 52-year-old Pubudu has shuffled his coaching career between Canada and Nepal on two different occasions. In between the two, he had also coached the USA team.
Pubudu played 11 Tests and 16 ODIs' before he migarated to Canada in 2001.
"I submitted my resignation to Nepal a month ago and it is only a coincidence that I got Canada coaching job suddenly".
"Canada has no regular head coach. They have been appoining the local man on series by series basis. Now they have odffered my a two-year-contract and I could not resist the temptation so as I can devote time with my family in Canada", he added.
He has not recommended any coach name for the Nepal team. "They will begin the process of appointing a new man within a month period", he added.
Zaheer Abbas turns 75
Bipin Dani
Former Pakistani batsman Zaheer Abbas turned 75 on Sunday. The news of his 75th Birthday was conveyed to him by his India-born wife Rita Luthra (known as Samina Abbas after marriage in 1988), in Hammersmith Hospital on Sunday.
The Asian Bradman, as he is being called, was hospitalized for his heart-related and covid issues, but now being treated for kidney related complications.
"Zaheer is still in the hospital and recovering. Yes, he is recovering but recovery is longer than expected but is much better now", she said over the telephone.
"He is not in the ICU but has been shifted to the ward. Visitors are not allowed. I usually stay with him during the day", she added.
"He is very humbled and touched".
Later, speaking to this Reporter, his Dubai-based daughter Roshana said, "With everybody's prayers, dad is on the road to recovery. However, it will take time for his full recovery".
"We will celebrate his 75 years properly once he is discharged from the hospital. We thank for the support and prayers from his fans and well-wishers".
Hosts Sri Lanka post 315 for six on day-one of the second Test against Pakistan
Sports Bulletin Report
Galle (Sri Lanka):-Sri Lanka made solid progress on day-one of the second ICC World Test Championship match against Pakistan as they scored 315 for six at close of play on Sunday at the Galle International Stadium. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first. Captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Oshada Fernando provided the side a flying start of 92 runs. Fernando carried his form from the first Test where he scored a fifty in the second innings with an enterprising 50 (70 balls, four fours, three sixes).
The right-hander’s dominant innings was brought to an end by an excellent spinning delivery from Mohammad Nawaz that took the outside edge, Mohammad Rizwan took a sharp catch behind the stumps to end the partnership.
On the eve of the lunch break, Salman Ali Agha ran out Kusal Mendis when he intercepted a straight drive from Karunaratne in his follow through and deflected it on the stumps catching Mendis millimetres short of the crease at the non-striker’s end. Sri Lanka took lunch at 96 for two.
After lunch, Karunaratne was dismissed for 40 when his attempted cut shot was caught by a diving Naseem Shah in the point region off Yasir Shah.
Seasoned middle-order batter Angelo Mathews who is appearing in his 100th Test consolidated his side’s position with a 75-run fourth-wicket stand with the in-form Dinesh Chandimal. Mathews who was dropped by Babar Azam shortly before the tea interval fell to Nauman Ali soon after tea with Rizwan taking another sharp catch. Mathews scored 42 off 106 balls (five fours).
Chandimal registered his third consecutive half-century following contributions of 76 and 94 not out in the first Test. The right-hander once again missed out on a century when he skied a catch to Fawad Alam off Nawaz. Chandimal scored 80 off 137 balls with the help of nine fours and two sixes, he added 63 for the fifth-wicket with Dhananjaya de Silva.
Naseem dismissed de Silva (33) with a pacy inswinger (fifth ball with the new-ball) that removed the middle-stump, Sri Lanka were 290 for six at this stage.
The hosts did not lose any further wicket as play stopped due to bad light with four overs of the 90-over quota remaining. At stumps, wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella was unbeaten on 42 while debutant Dunith Wellalage was six not out.
Scores in brief:
Sri Lanka 315 for 6, 86 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 80, Oshada Fernando 50, Niroshan Dickwella 42 not out; Mohammad Nawaz 2-71)
Chamari Athapaththu pleasantly surprised with a special gift
Bipin Dani
Sri Lankan women's team captain Chamari Athapaththu, who was practising with the other team members at the stadium got a very special gift from one of her fans.
She was presented with a special art work picture in a photo frame. It was prepared by an artist Hasanka Fernando.
Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, the 26-year-old artist, who is also a banker by profession said, "As my hobbies I like to draw, create various artworks, sing songs and play cricket".
"I also play cricket for my bank team".
"This is the art of woodwork. I made this computer artwork of Chamari holding the bat in her two hands. I spent more than an hour for the initial drawing but then giving a final touch and framing needed to be made in a presentable form".
In return, Chamari gave her 58 number limited over game jersey to the artist.
"I have also done similar art work for our men's team all-rounder Wanindu Hasarange".
"Chamari and Wanindu are my favourite players and when I met one of my idols at the R. Pramada Stadium, she was pleasantly surprised. I wished her good luck as the team is preparing for the Commonwealth Games to be played in England later this month", the artist, who went in as a Sri Lankan player jersey further added.
Prabath's recent achievements is my best Wedding Anniversary gift, says his wife
Bipin Dani
Apparently Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has allowed the wives of the married players to join the team hotel during the ongoing Tests series against Pakistan. Of course, the players having small kids have not joined.
It is in contrast to the Pakistan players, none of them or their support staff have brought family on this tour.
Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya and his wife missed each other most on their wedding anniversary on Thursday.
"Thursday marks our 4th wedding Anniversary and the 2nd time we are not celebrating it together. Last year also, because of the Covid at its peak, I was not with him", his wife, Rsmisha Mirando, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo said.
"I really miss him on this day and wish he could be here at least for few hours. But unfortunately due to the current situation here in SL we cannot do that. But anyway I am truly happy and honored to be his wife and really proud on his recent achievements. That’s the best gift we got for our anniversary", she, the housewife and a mother of a 3-year-old daughter added.
Prabath has grabbed 21 wickets in his first four Test innings. "I am looking forward to the best in coming years from him", she signed off.
Shaheen Afridi to miss second Test against Sri Lanka
Sports Bulletin Report
Galle (Sri Lanka):-Due to a knee injury sustained on the fourth day of the first Test, Shaheen Afridi will miss the second Test, which will be played in Galle from 24 July.
According to an official of Pakistan team, He (Afridi) will stay with the Test side in Sri Lanka, where his initial rehabilitation and management will continue under the supervision of the team’s medical staff.
Most Popular
