http://www.sundaytimes.lk Official website of the Sunday Times Newspaper in Sri Lanka Sat, 25 Jan 2020 20:01:52 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/after-200-mathews-looks-to-10000-runs-389085.html 25 January 2020 @ 10:25 pm When Angelo Mathews arrived at the crease with Sri Lanka on 92 for 2--still 266 runs behind Zimbabwe’s first innings total of 358--he knew he had to play a long hand if they were to take control of the match. Physically, however, it proved demanding as he had just recovered from a terrible diarrhoea. The illness had taken a toll on his fitness, leaving him fatigued. But Mathews defied t... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/cr-snatch-victory-from-jaws-of-defeat-389081.html 25 January 2020 @ 10:09 pm [caption id="attachment_389082" align="alignright" width="550" caption="CR's Janindu Dilshan touches down to score the final try of the game - Pic by Priyantha Wickramaarachchi"][/caption] CR&FC snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to sink Navy 23-19 in a thrilling second round Dialog Club Rugby League Championship clash at Welisara yesterday. Trailing for almost the entire... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/akindu-malinda-steer-bens-389075.html 25 January 2020 @ 10:05 pm [caption id="attachment_389076" align="alignright" width="500" caption="Ananda's Hansaja Jayasinghe cuts"][/caption] Akindu Karunaratne and Malinda Perera shared 14 wickets between them as they guided St. Benedict’s to a convincing innings and 110-run win over St. Aloysius Galle in the Under 19 inter-school cricket encounter concluded at Kotahena yesterday. There were two other o... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/fear-of-failure-haunts-revival-of-domestic-t20-league-389064.html 25 January 2020 @ 9:53 pm Of all changes cricket went through in the 2000s, the introduction of club-based T20 leagues worldwide has been the most phenomenal. Boards around the world understand the power of T20, not just in terms of generating revenue, drawing new fans and ensuring financial security to players but also as a way of reinventing the art of cricket and improving standards. While most boards have cash... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/kandy-roar-in-airmens-den-389060.html 25 January 2020 @ 9:50 pm A powerful second half rally ensured defending Dialog League Rugby champions, Kandy Sports Club, a massive win by 55 points (six goals, two tries, one penalty) to 8 (one try, one penalty) against Air Force Sports Club, in their opening second round game played at Ratmalana yesterday. Though Kandy enjoyed a rampaging win by a margin of 47 points, the Airmen unleashed all armours in their camp d... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/antonians-continue-winning-streak-389057.html 25 January 2020 @ 9:46 pm St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota continued their winning streak in the Under 19 Inter school cricket season when they beat Dharmaraja College by an innings and 85 runs at Katugastota yesterday. Anthonian Nimnaka Jayathilake was the pick of the bowler claiming 6 for 25 in the second innings. Brief scores:   At Katugastota: St. Anthony's beat Dharmaraja by ininings and 85 runs Dhar... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/ranil-to-defend-golf-title-389054.html 25 January 2020 @ 9:44 pm The 85th Nuwara Eliya Golf Club (NEGC) Club Championship 2019 which was originally due to be held on December 7 and 8 will take place on February 1 and 2 at their beautiful course in Nuwara-Eliya. Veteran golfer, Ranil Peiris will defend his title in the club’s annual event which is the blue riband tournament of the year. Tee off is at 7.30 am on both days. The format will be two days of s... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/pakistan-thump-sloppy-bangladesh-for-series-win-389045.html 25 January 2020 @ 9:43 pm Skipper Babar Azam and senior batsman Mohammad Hafeez stroked masterful half-centuries to steer Pakistan to a convincing nine-wicket win over a hapless Bangladesh in the second Twenty20 international in Lahore on Saturday. Babar scored a 44-ball 66 not out for his 13th half-century and Hafeez made an undefeated 49-ball 67 to guide Pakistan to a modest 137-run target in 16.4 overs at Gaddafi sta... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/mas-unichela-hayleys-clash-for-mercantile-cricket-t20-title-389038.html 25 January 2020 @ 9:01 pm Defending champions MAS Unichela will meet HayleysPLC in the finals of the 27th Singer MCA Premier League T20 Cricket Tournament 2020 today at the Mercantile Cricket Association grounds. Play will commence at 10.00am. In the first semi-final match played at the P. Saravanamuttu Oval on Friday between MAS Unichela and Dimo saw MAS Unichela scoring a 5-wicket victory in a thriller with two balls ... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/armys-rajakaruna-stuns-unbeaten-saparamadu-389026.html 25 January 2020 @ 8:58 pm Army’s Rajakaruna scored the biggest upset in the 94th National Boxing Championships organized by the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) at the Royal MAS Arena when he earned a split decision against unbeaten Sri Lanka pugilist Dinidu Saparamadu in the Light Welter (64kg) weight final on Saturday. [caption id="attachment_389027" align="alignleft" width="500" caption="W.K.M.K.G.I. ... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/federers-fans-and-a-knockout-punch-australian-open-briefs-389023.html 25 January 2020 @ 8:53 pm Biggest fans Roger Federer is adored around the globe -- even when he's playing the home favourite. Australia's John Millman, and many observers on social media, said the Swiss star had the lion's share of crowd support in their five-set thriller on Rod Laver Arena. Millman even had to shout down a heckler as he went within two points of shocking the six-time champion in the third round. ... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/cricket-stumped-by-politics-and-dirty-tricks-389015.html 25 January 2020 @ 8:51 pm Even as this essay goes to press, Sri Lanka is basking in the glory of an improbable win against Zimbabwe who has had his fill of controversy and just returned to the ICC fold! On day one the ardent Sri Lankan fan had serious misgivings of our tour party when Zimbabwe went on a leather hurt amassing a formidable total. The impression was that our bowlers were toiling on a batting wicket. Then came... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/havelocks-survive-army-scare-in-try-fest-389173.html 25 January 2020 @ 8:45 pm Havelock Sports Club managed to register a close 45-42 win over Army Sports Club in their Dialog Rugby League 2019/2020 fixture worked off at Havelock Park yesterday. A total of 13 tries were scored by both teams in a game which was played at great speed. However, Havelock SC walked away with the Yenfoo Pakstun Challenge Trophy after holding their nerve in a close finish. In the end Havie... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/popularity-of-baseball-on-the-rise-389010.html 25 January 2020 @ 8:44 pm [caption id="attachment_389011" align="alignright" width="500" caption="Amila Pathiraja donating Baseball equipments to Laggala area"][/caption] Sri Lanka Baseball (SLB) has launched a massive development programme to take the game to the rural youth of Sri Lanka. This game has improved leaps and bounds in the recent past, with Sri Lanka hosting its first-ever international tournament in th... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/dates-finalised-for-76th-bradby-shield-388865.html 25 January 2020 @ 8:42 pm The Organising Committee of Trinity College and Royal College has decided to play the first and second legs of the 76th Bradby Shield rugby encounters in May and June this year. According to the Schools Rugby League draw, Royal will host Trinity in the Schools League on March 20, but this will not be considered as part of the Bradby series. The Bradby first leg encounter will be played on May 3... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/consolation-win-for-sri-lanka-youth-cricketers-389170.html 25 January 2020 @ 8:41 pm After being thrashed earlier in all their group games of the Under-19 World Cup series, the Sri Lanka Youth team recorded a consolation 9-wicket win over Japan Under-19 in the 21st match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup played at Potchefstroom yesterday. Sri Lanka bowlers showed a commendable performance to bundle out the Japanese Under-19 for 43 runs within 18.3 overs in the match which was curta... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/serendib-and-blue-stars-enter-cfl-presidents-cup-2020-389167.html 25 January 2020 @ 8:40 pm The President’s Cup 2020 tournament organized by the City Football League (CFL) for the fourth time will kick-off on February 2 with the participation of six teams. Serendib and Blue Stars are the two new teams taking part in the tournament. The winners will receive Rs. 200,000 and the runners-up Rs. 150,000 while there will be cash awards for the Best Player and Best Goalkeeper.These details... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/a-new-look-brc-wants-change-of-fortunes-388848.html 25 January 2020 @ 6:39 pm [caption id="attachment_388849" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Stand-in captain Hashen Ramanayake"][/caption] Since its inception in 1896 Burgher Recreation Club (BRC) has been a silent contributor to Sri Lanka cricket in various ways. But until into its 124th year as one of the pioneers in domestic cricket, BRC has not contemplated seriously on transforming itself into a fully-pro... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/dilmi-dias-steals-spotlight-with-three-titles-at-badminton-nationals-388840.html 25 January 2020 @ 6:35 pm [caption id="attachment_388844" align="alignright" width="500" caption="Niluka Karunaratne won the Men's title for 16th time"][/caption] Young and aspiring shuttler Dilmi Dias stole the show at the combined 67th Badminton Nationals and 37th Junior Nationals, winning a triple crown while ace shuttler Niluka Karunaratne and Lochana de Silva claimed a double each to end the six-day competition... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/havelocks-declare-war-on-referees-388830.html 25 January 2020 @ 6:23 pm Havelocks have declared war on the Referees Society singling out top referee Aaqil Jamaldeen as being “incompetent” and threatening to pull out of the Knockout Tournament after their League campaign for the 2019/20 season got derailed. Having played their final first round game against Kandy SC under protest, their objections was justified when the Match Review Committee found the you... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/appealing-grand-slam-tennis-388823.html 25 January 2020 @ 6:20 pm This year’s Australian Open is being played in the ever reminding back drop of the fire that swept mercilessly through Australia for months. The Australian Open always had high temperature and players went through a tough time surviving it. Never this, it also strangled players to breathe, in the qualifying rounds. The world has to wake up to this reality and change the way we live. Exhibitio... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/more-questions-after-sri-lankas-under-19-cwc-disaster-388820.html 25 January 2020 @ 6:17 pm When Hashan Tillakaratne took over the Sri Lanka Youth side two years ago, expectations were high by almost many, including the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) management, to revive the fortunes of the National Under-19 National cricket team. But it turned out to be contrast with after an year of fluctuations in 2019. The Sri Lanka Youth side was confident after their victorious campaign in the W... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/tt-legend-lalith-priyantha-battles-mafia-governing-sport-388815.html 25 January 2020 @ 6:15 pm Lalith Priyantha is perhaps the only sportsman who has attained the unique distinction of becoming national champion, being ranked number one, captaining Sri Lanka, coaching the national team, serving as a selector and also president of the governing body of table tennis in the country. He is undeniably an icon in the sport as far as Sri Lanka is concerned just like Jothipala Samaraweera and N... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/st-marys-ginigathhena-ps-and-koddakaddiyakulam-mv-dominate-388493.html 24 January 2020 @ 9:02 pm [caption id="attachment_388494" align="alignright" width="500" caption="Boys champions St Mary's College, Hatton"][/caption] St. Mary's College Hatton, Ginigathhena Primary School and Koddakaddiyakulam Maha Vidyalaya, Thunukkai came on top among 72 schools to win the three categories of the Nestle All-Island Kids Athletics finals of Grade 3 segment held at the Jayathilake Stadium in Nawalap... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/sailing-nationals-2019-successfully-held-at-crow-island-sea-front-388483.html 24 January 2020 @ 8:38 pm The Yachting Associationof Sri Lanka (YASL), the National sports body for the sport of Sailing held the its Nationals 2019 on December 28 and 29 at the Crow Island Sea Front. Vice Admiral Piyal de Silva, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, was the chief guest at this significant annual event.  The Sri Lanka Navy not only participated with great success, winning multiple events, but also facilitat... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/gateway-kandy-celebrate-20-years-with-sports-quadrangular-388297.html 24 January 2020 @ 8:35 pm All plans have been laid out to hold the inaugural Sports Quadrangular 2019/2020 among four schools from Kandy -- Trinity College,  St. Svlvester’s College, Gateway College and Hillwood College. The sporting fiesta will include encounters of basketball, netball and football in which two teams each from the four will face off in a trophy match. Accordingly Gateway and St. Sylvester’s will t... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/thomian-sprinter-tharusha-dilshan-jayasinghe-a-rising-star-in-athletics-388293.html 24 January 2020 @ 6:35 pm [caption id="attachment_388294" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Thomian Jayasinghe and coach Susiripala"][/caption] Kariyakarawanage Don Tharusha Dilshan Jayasinghe, a 17-year-old student of S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia has been selected to represent Sri Lanka at the Asian Junior Athletic Championship to be held in Thailand in May. “He is a promising athlete with a bright futu... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/yesith-and-rusiru-shine-as-lyceum-panadura-clinch-title-388277.html 24 January 2020 @ 6:34 pm [caption id="attachment_388278" align="alignright" width="250" caption="Yesith Kalupahana of Lyceum Panadura"][/caption] Lyceum International School, Panadura commenced their sporting the sporting year on a winning note as they were crowned the International schools Under-15 Cricket Tournament champions as they beat Lyceum Wattala at the Keion grounds in Panadura. In the final Lyceum Panadur... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/maliyadeva-boys-and-girls-dominate-388273.html 24 January 2020 @ 6:26 pm Paddlers of Maliyadeva Boys School and Maliyadeva Girls School from Kurunegala dominated the North Western Province Open Table Tennis Championship which was held at the Kurunegala Municipal Council Indoor Courts. From the total of 12 individual event finals played, eight were won by Maliyadeva boys and girls. Esandi Gamage of Maliyadeva Girls School the Most Outstanding Girls Player while the M... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/slc-distributes-8000-cricket-balls-to-schools-388268.html 24 January 2020 @ 6:22 pm [caption id="attachment_388270" align="alignright" width="500" caption="Mr. Thilak Wattuhewa, Vice President of the School Cricket Association is handing over the cricket balls to a School Cricket Captain"][/caption] Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) last week completed the distribution of 8,000 cricket balls, to cricket playing schools, which takes part in the ongoing Under-19 School Cricket Tournament.... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/two-in-a-row-for-trinity-388261.html 24 January 2020 @ 6:16 pm Trinity College Under-19 cricket outfit under, national youth player, Ruvin Peiris accounted for the Mahela-Sanga Challenge trophy for the second year in tandem. This trophy was initiated in 2019. Nalanda were bowled out for 82 and 130 with spinner Abishiek Anandakumar claiming eight  and Ruvin Peiris accounting for seven wickets respectively. Trinity scored 214 with Abishiek Anandakumar strik... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/sports/shevinda-de-silva-win-sportsman-of-the-year-2019-title-388257.html 24 January 2020 @ 6:12 pm [caption id="attachment_388258" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Shevinda de Silva"][/caption] Seventeen-year-old Shevinda de Silva, of Colombo International School became the Sportsman of the Year 2019, at the Western Province Schools Colours Award Ceremony held at Royal College Auditorium on December 27, 2019. This young swimmer had represented Sri Lanka in many international swimmi...