Friday 7th August, 2009 15

Sri Lanka skipper Series. He also said that this Kumar Sangakkara (L) All Island Dennis tournament is being held to and Pakistan honour the late Dennis Fonseka, a distinguished past pose with pupil from The School for the the winner’s trophy, Fonseka Memorial Deaf, Ratmalana, who was prior to the com- the Secretary for 32 years mencement of the President for one year and three match Test Deaf Softball Cricket Treasurer for one year, as series, which Sri well as a Life Member of the Lanka won 2-0. Sixes on Aug. 16 association. (Photo AP) He thanked Ryle de Mel for donating the valuable tro- The All Island Dennis Diamond Jubilee Organizing phies, the late Dennis Fonseka Memorial Deaf Six- Committee, Deaf School Past Fonseka’s children and a-Side Softball Cricket Pupil’s Association, Rohan Widanapathirana for Tournament for the Ryle de Ratmalana. Many teams from donating the cash awards, Mel trophies, will be played the Deaf Associations in Sri Mrs. Marie Wijeyaratne at the Shalika grounds, Lanka will participate on a (Principal and Patron Deaf Narahenpita, Colombo 5 on knock out basis in this tour- School Past Pupils’ Sunday 16 August commenc- nament. Association, Ratmalana) for ing 9.00 a.m. President Shivantha her valuable support and It is organized by the Deaf Vivekanandan stated that the encouragement given to School Past Pupil’s champions and runners-up them, the members of the Association, The School for will receive the Ryle de Mel Deaf School Past Pupil’s the Deaf, Ratmalana under trophies and cash awards. Association and the Parent- the leadership of former Special trophies and cash Teachers’ Association, The sports star Shivantha awards are also on offer for School for the Deaf, Vevekanandan, who is the the Best Batsman, Best Ratmalana, for their assis- President and Chairman, Bowler and Man of the tance.

by M. A. cyril

ho said that is dying? The Test series Wbetween Pakistan and Sri Lanka just concluded, demonstrated Who said that Test cricket can be enjoyable and thrilling. Sri Lanka won the series 2-0, but the margin of victory is in no way a true reflection of the performances of both teams. Pakistan had its opportunities and it was really Test Pakistan which was expected to win all three Tests when play com- menced on the final day of the Lillian Perera, who won the Nearest to the Pin for matches. Suren Waas, who won the Men’s Nett Ladies, receives her award from Kanchana When the fourth day’s play in the Championship, receives his award from Chris Ratwatte, Chairman, National Enterprise first Test at Galle commenced, Holloway, Chairman, Rajawella Holdings. Development Authority. Pakistan were in total command cricket is needing just 97 runs for victory with eight remaining. Two full The Victoria Golf and Country Resort organized its maiden Lexmark Stableford Golf days of play were left. Sri Lanka’s only hope was rain. Championship, sponsored by East West Information Systems (EWIS), at the Victoria Golf There was no hint of the drama course at Rajawella off Kandy. Here are some highlights of the awards ceremony. that was to follow as the two Pakistani batsmen Mohammad Yousuf and Salman Butt walked to dying? Mangala Niyarapola, the . The pair had already who won the Men’s ‘A’ added 32 runs to the total on the pre- Division title, receives vious day and were fresh after a The two young Pakistani openers, his award from the one playing in his first Test match, night’s sleep. They must have been chief guest, Minister of hoping to reach the target by them- took complete control as the Sri selves before lunch. Lankan bowlers appeared to have Livestock But Rangana Herath had other lost momentum. Development, C. B. things in mind. Without any addi- Test debutant , play- Ratnayake. tion to the score, the left-arm spin- ing as a makeshift opener, became ner trapped the world’s highest the first Pakistani batsman to make (Pix by Rukshan Razak a debut century outside Pakistan. ranking batsman leg before. Then, Sri Lanka won the – Kandy Sports in the same over, Salman Butt who On the third day, skipper Younis was on 28, played a shot unbecoming series 2-0, but the mar- Khan and Alam looked in complete Correspondent) of such an experienced player to gin of victory is in no control as the Sri Lankan bowlers give an easy catch to Paranavithana. failed to make a breakthrough. In From then on it was Herath and way a true reflection of desperation, with a few minutes left Thilina Thushara who controlled for lunch, skipper Sangakkara the proceedings as eight wickets fell the performances of threw the ball to part-time spinner Watson believes the boo-boys for just 46 runs. Sri Lanka, who at Tharanga Paranavithana. Younis the commencement of the day’s play both teams. Pakistan Khan was on 82 and nearing another looked dead and buried won by 50 had its opportunities Test century. He tried a reverse runs! sweep and only managed to get a top will spur Australia on Rangana Herath, who bowled and it was really edge for Dilshan to take a comfort- able catch. With this shot the magnificently to take 4 for 15 in 11.3 by Derek Pringle innings in the last Test at trumpet, played with such Pakistan skipper had triggered overs was the Man of the Match. Pakistan which was Edgbaston, is not one of those verve by Billy Cooper. This has another collapse. So far this series, Ponting’s In the second Test at the who finds the boos and brick- nothing to do with recent expected to win all After the break, skipper Saravanamuttu Stadium, Younus arrival at the crease has been bats from the crowd intimidat- events, it is just that Sangakkara gambled by giving the Khan won the toss and elected to bat met by a chorus of boos, even at ing and distasteful. Headingley has long banned three Tests when play new ball to Rangana Herath. The first. Pakistan were bundled out in Lord’s, a greeting some have In Australia, people tend to musical instruments. left-arm spinner took up the chal- present highly forthright opin- 36 overs for 90 runs – their lowest commenced on the seen as disrespectful of As profit seems to be the lenge and with the second ball of his ions unbidden, which may be total against Sri Lanka. Then Sri Australia’s captain, who is one only thing driving cricket Lanka finished the day on 164 for 3, final day of the match- first over removed Mohammad why offence is rarely taken by of the best batsmen of this or these days perhaps the ban a lead of 74 runs with seven wickets Yousuf. Herath and Kulasekera then their cricketers when they any other era. come under fire from a boister- works on the basis that when in hand. It was expected that Sri es. combined to trigger another sensa- Giles Clarke, the chairman ous crowd. Lanka would take a commanding tional collapse as nine wickets fell you’re blowing you can’t be of the England and Wales “I think it’s great, knowing lead when play commenced on the for the addition of 35 runs. From 285 drinking. respectability as seven wickets fell Cricket Board, has even called that when you go out to bat the second day. However, Pakistan for 1, Pakistan crashed to be all out for it to stop, not that the When Cooper played the for 63 runs. intensity is not only there from fought back to have the home side for 320. Western Terrace at Headingley Last Post at Edgbaston, it could Sri Lanka still enjoyed a first the guys you are going to face restricted to 240. Only skipper Sri Lanka needed 171 runs for will pay much heed to a man have been for Brad Haddin. innings lead of 150 but by the end of but from the crowd as well,” Kumar Sangakkara with a fighting victory and they made it in 31.5 who idled his way through Australia’s wicket-keeper the day Pakistan had not only wiped said Watson, who made two knock of 87 was able to guide Sri overs for the loss of 3 wickets. Oxford playing backgammon half-centuries in the last Test. broke the ring finger on his left out the lead but were leading by 28 Lanka to a score of some in silk pyjamas. “I came away from hand after the teams had been runs for the loss of only one wicket. (To be continued tomorrow) “If there’s more booing Edgbaston just enjoying my here it’ll keep Ricky charging announced and special permis- time in the field. forward because I’m sure he’s sion had to be given by copped a lot worse in his time,” “I think the banter has England’s captain to replace Shane Watson, the Australian been excellent throughout the him. all-rounder, said on Wednesday. series. I’ve had a lot of laughs It looked to be the end of and giggles especially in the “There was some booing at his series but like Andrew Aguirre warns against over confidence vs. US last Test, just with the banter Edgbaston, but he’s the Flintoff he has had the jab and Australian captain so you’d the Barmy Army have.“ by Carlos Rodriguez Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez, Central America and Caribbean expect there to be a bit more “It’s what you expect when is now waiting to see if he can who is to arrive Monday.He’s coming region with 12 points, followed by the banter towards him to try to you come over here, some good hold a bat. If he can, expect MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexico coach off left knee surgery and is not expect- U.S. with 10. Honduras has 7, Mexico unsettle him,” added Watson. fun with the crowds.” him to play on Friday. Javier Aguirre is warning his players ed to play. 6, El Salvador 5 and Trinidad and “It’s a great part of being here “We have to find a happy bal- Tobago with 2. The top three advance One thing Watson won’t against overconfidence in next week’s in England.” (C) The Telegraph group, critical World Cup qualifying game ance,” Aguirre added. “It’s not easy. automatically to South Africa. The hear at Headingley is the Watson, picked to open the London, 2009 against the United States at 105,000- It’s a temptation to be very up - or No. 4 teams faces the No. 5 from South sound of the Barmy Army’s seat Azteca Stadium. very down.” America for another berth. Though Mexico is struggling to Mexico will be the favorite in the Aguirre warned that none of the reach next year’s World Cup in South Aug. 12 match because of the home Americans who played in the 5-0 loss Africa, it is coming off a dominating field advantage. The Americans have in the Gold Cup final would be start- Colombo C’ship tennis 5-0 victory over the U.S. in the Gold never won a match at Azteca Stadium, ing against Mexico. Cup final - the regional championship. and the altitude of 2,250 meters (7,400 “Perhaps we’ll have a similar However, both teams were without feet) is sure to bother the away team. team,” added Aguirre, who has named over this weekend many of its top players in that match, The Americans have only two 12 members of the Gold Cup squad for by Revata S. Silva Men’s Singles final and Godamanna will partner so Aguirre is telling his squad to for- days of training - Monday and the game with the United States. Rajeev Rajapakse tomorrow to meet the veteran get the result. Tuesday in Miami - and then arrive Much is expected from Aguirre, The plum events of this year’s Colombo Davis Cup pair, Rohan de Silva and Jayendra “In Mexico we’re prone to throw late Tuesday for Wednesday’s kickoff who took over Mexico in April after Championship tennis will culminate this week- Wijeysekera in Doubles final. ourselves on the floor after a loss and at 3 p.m. local time. Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson was end with the three main events, Men’s Singles Before the prize-giving to be held Sunday later feel very good after victories,” Mexico needs the victory more fired. Aguirre led Mexico to the 2002 and Doubles and Mixed Doubles finals, to be evening at 5 p.m., the Mixed Doubles final is to be said Aguirre, who opened training than the United States if it expects to World Cup in Japan and South Korea, worked off today, tomorrow and the final day, worked off between Rajapakse - Amritha Muttiah camp in Mexico City on Wednesday reach next year’s World Cup in South but left fans with a sour taste after Sunday, respectively at the SLTA Playing Section and Godamanna – Shalini de Silva combinations. with 12 players. He will have 20 by Africa. Mexico was upset 2-0 by the United clay courts at Green Path. Shalini earlier beat Muttiah to clinch the Monday.The major doubt is Midway through qualifying, States and failed to reach the quarter- Top seed Harshana Godamanna will meet Women’s Singles title. The Referee of the Thangarajah Dineshkanthan in this evening’s Costa Rica leads the North and finals. Tournament is Avantha Suranimala.