Sports
Mihini and Nimesh win best judoka titles
Sri Lanka Schools Judo Championships
Mihini Dassanayake of Girls’ High School Kandy and Nimesh Abeykoon of Kingswood College Kandy emerged as the best players in the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively at the 24th Sri Lanka Schools Judo Championship held on July 26 and 27at the Jayathillake Indoor Stadium, Nawalapitiya. Mihini is trained by veteran coach and former international, Namal Rajasinghe, while former Navy stalwart Chandana Vipulaweera coaches Nimesh.
Jinaraja Balika Vidyalaya, Gampola, won the girls’ overall first place with a massive aggregate of 23 points, with Kandy Girls High School coming second, with 13.5 points. Pushpadana Girls’ College Kandy and Panvilathenna MV were tied for girls’ third place.
Wickramabahu National School won the boys’ title with a narrow 1.5 margin, beating Anuruddha Kumara National School Nawalapitya. Royal College, Colombo were placed third. Over 80 schools from all parts of the country participated in this competition, organized by the Sri Lanka Schools Judo Association.
The competition had a senior division for Under 20 school players, and a junior category for under 16 players. Some fast-paced and high-quality Judo was seen in both categories, raising future hopes for the sport in this country. Judo has been developing rapidly in the country, with the number of participating schools increasing yearly. Sri Lanka has been represented in Judo at the last two Olympic games.
The winners are as follows.
Under 16 Boys
-35kg –
1st place A. W. Hasitha Pabasara (Anuruddha Kumara National School), 2nd place A. A. K. N. Bandara Aragoda (St. Andrews’ College Gampola), 3rd place W. M. P. S Wanasinghe (Ulapane MV), W. W. M. T. D. S. Wanigasekara (Wickramabahu National School)
-40kg –
1st place W. M. K. A. Wijekoon (Anuruddha Kumara National School), 2nd place T. D. Gamage (Anuruddha Kumara National School), 3rd place W. G. I. H. Jayasena (Wickramabahu National School), M. M. S. H. B. Marasinghe (Gangasiripura KV)
-45kg –
1st place I. H. Umesh Nimsara (Buddhist College Gampola) 2nd place L. W. V. N. Weerasekara (Wickramabahu National School) 3rd place K. G. L. Sandaruwan (Panvilathenna MV), G. A. Gamage (Wickramabahu National School)
-50kg –
1st place S. S. Rajasinghe (Wickramabahu National School), 2nd place M. K. N. Fernando (Prince of Wales College), 3rd place T. D. Gihan Keshara (Godapola MV), S. S. de Silva (Anuruddha Kumara National School)
-55kg –
1st place W. W. G. I. Fernando (Prince of Wales College), 2nd place S. A. Nethmika (D. S. Senanayake College), 3rd place N. M. C. G. Jayawardena (Wickramabahu National School), W. R. T. Jayawardena (Prince of Wales College)
-60kg –
1st place W. H. S. T. Fernando (Kurunduwaththa Royal College), 2nd place K. B. G. T. D. Weerathunga (Anuruddha Kumara National School), 3rd place A. W. G. Matheesha Iroshan (Wickramabahu National School), W. P. H. G. C. R. Dissanayake (St. Sylvester’s College)
-66kg –
1st place W. A. A. C. Wijesinghe (Kurunduwaththa Royal College), 2nd place J. M. S. T. Jayasekara (Anuruddha Kumara National School), 3rd place W. G. Senarathne (Lyceum International School), M. G. Theekshana Shalana (St. Andrews College Gampola)
+66kg – 1st place B. W. H. N. Karunathilake (Kingswood College), 2nd place C. A. Kuruwita (St. Peter’s College), 3rd place S. M. I. C. Weerasinghe (Vidyartha College), K. K. Weerasinghe (Anuruddha Kumara National School)
Under 16 Girls
-36kg
1st place T. G. Hiruni Sansala Gunarathne (Nillamba MV), 2nd place D. K. Thamasha Sanjali Avindya (Doluwa MV), 3rd place R. M. Amasha Thathsarani (Gamini Dissanayake National School), K. W. Dharshani Wasana (Panvilathenna MV)
-40kg
1st place H. I. G. Hathurusinghe (Jinaraja BMV), 2nd place M. D. N. Mahanayake (Jinaraja BMV), 3rd place R. U. G. Methmi Mahisha (Vijayapura MV), P. A. Pavani Avishka Jayarathne (Mederigama MV)
-44kg
1st place Kalashi Nimsara Banjanawaththa (Jinaraja BMV), 2nd G. G. H. V. Bandara (Mayurapada Central College), 3rd M. N. Dilshara (Delta Gemunupura Vidyalaya), S. G. Hansi Randika (Lakshapana Central College)
–48kg 1st place B. M. Chamodi Vihangi (Welimada Ambagasduwa Royal College), 2nd U. G. K. Sewmini (Waththegama BMV), 3rd T. G. D. M. Dharmasena (Ogodapola MV), T. G. H. S. K. Piyathissa (Waththegama BV)
-52kg
1st place N. G. K. G. Nagoda (Manikkawa KV), 2nd place H. N. L. Ellewaththa (Giraulla MV), 3rd place W. H. A. Dewlini Prarthana (Pavilathenna MV), E. M. P. T. B. Ekanayake (Pushpapada BMV)
-57kg
1st place R. M. Kavisha Nethmini (Welimada Ambagasduwa Royal College), 2nd place S. H. S. T. D. Dias (Waththegama BV), 3rd S. R. Dinithi Vihanga (Mederigama MV), T. M. C. S. Jayasinghe (Waththegama BV)
-63kg
1st place U. D. G. Dilsara Nethmini (Viharagala National School), 2nd L. A. V. Vidunima (Doluwa KV), 3rd Y. M. K. G. S. Sithara (Viharagala National School), D. M. N. S. Dissanayake (Panvilathenna MV)
+63kg
1st place U. G. K. O. Perera (Jinaraja BMV), 2nd place J. M. A. S. Jayasinghe (Pushpadana BMV), 3rd R. P. S. U. Randunuge (Mayurapada Central College), P. Vishalani (Saraswathi National School)
Under 20 Boys
-45kg
1st place H. G. D. S. Jayasiri (Wickramabahu National School), 2nd place S. T. I. D. Karunarathne (Giraulla MV), 3rd place K. G. P. Sathsara (Mahanama MV), Steve Mitchell Xavier (St. Peter’s College)
-50kg
1st place G. P. Hashan Umayanga (Wickramabahu National School), 2nd place K. T. S. S. Bandara (Panvilathenna MV), 3rd place K. M. S. A. Bandara (Kurunduwaththa Royal College), E. G. Y. B. Karunathilake (Kurunduwaththa Royal College)
-55kg
1st place K. B. N. I. Abeykoon (Kingswood College), 2nd place W. M. K. M. Weerasinghe (Wickramabahu National School), 3rd place T. K. K. G. Gihan Priyadarshana (Kahawaththa MV), S. A. T. Sandaruwan Chandheera (Wickramabahu National School)
-60kg
1st place S. L. M. Pushpakumara (Wickramabahu National School), 2nd S. M. S. M. Bandara (Kingswood College), 3rd G. P. H. C. C. de Silva (Kurunduwaththa Royal College), K. G. T. M. Keerthirathne (St. Anthony’s College)
-66kg
1st place M. A. A. Kalith (D. S. Senanayake), 2nd place Y. N. S. de Silva (Jinaraja Vidyalaya), 3rd place G. G. H. S. Samaraweera (Udaaludeniya Vidyalaya), J. M. Vimukthi Nuwan (Wickramabahu National School)
-73kg
1st place M. S Arfath (Gampola Muslim College), 2nd place B. G. C. M. Bogahadeniya (Kurunduwaththa Royal College), 3rd place P. D. V. Rangadiv (Kingswood College Kandy), D. M. G. D. D. Wijekumara (Anuruddha Kumara National School)
-81kg
1st place K. A. P. Sandaruwan (Kahawaththa MV), 2nd place P. H. S. R. D. de Silva (Anuruddha Kumara National School), 3rd place P. G. I. Reshan (Gampola Buddhist College), W. D. B. S. Dissanayake (Kurunduwaththa Royal College)
+81kg
1st place S. T. B. Nishshanka (Anuruddha Kumara National School), 2nd place D. Y. S. B. Dharmasiri (Sumangala MV), 3rd place A. M. B. B. Aththanayake (Wickramabahu National School), R. A. Chanul Sithmika (D. S. Senanayake College)
Under 20 Girls
-44kg
1st place B. G. U. S. Bandara (Wickramabahu National School), 2nd place H. M. I. A. Sathsarani (Panvilathenna MV), 3rd place B. A. S. H. Hansamali (Somadevi MV), Kinuri Savindya (Gangasiripura MV)
-48kg
1st place K. S. K. Hansamali (Wickramabahu National School), 2nd place A. M. P. D. Dissanayake (Waththegama BV), 3rd place H. P. T. Devindi (Viharagama MV), Y. G. G. Rasangika (Wickramabahu National School)
-52kg
1st place I. G. Roshini Nivarthana (Panvilathenna MV), 2nd G. M. S. D. Gunarathne St. Joseph BV), 3rd place R. A. M. S. Y. K. Ranasinghe (Kurunduwaththa Royal College), T. D. G. S. Navarathne (Giraulla MV)
-57kg
1st place K. M. J. S. Karunanayake (Pushpadana BV), 2nd place J. M. P. A. Jayasundara (Kandy Girls’ High School), 3rd place P. F. Subhani Harshini (Welimada Ambagasduwa Royal College), E. M. T. Ekanayake (Pushpadana BV)
-63kg
1st place Mihini Dassanayake (Kandy Girls’ High School), 2nd place J. M. Malsha Heshani (Somadevi MV), 3rd place I. A. Udayangani Subodha (Lakshapana Central College), M. P. I. N. Dilhani (Somadevi MV)
–70kg 1st place D. G. G. Tharushika Deniyage (Jinaraja BMV), 2nd place W. G. Navodya Sathsarani (Panvilathenna MV), 3rd place P. G. K. Madhuwanthi Jayarathne (Panvilathenna MV), H. G. A. P. Dissanayake (Pushpadana BV)
-78kg
1st place Thanumi Jayarathne (Kandy Girls’ High School), 2nd place T. M. V. K. Abeyrathne (Pushpada BV), 3rd place A. M. H. D. Aththanayake (Swarnamali BV), S. G. Chathushi Janodhya (Gamini Dissanayake National School)
+78kg
1st place L. H. D. N. de Silva (Kurunduwaththa Royal College), 2nd place P. R. K. Mudunduwa (St. Josephs BV), 3d place S. Gadhafi (Kandy Girls’ High School), M. G. B. S. Abeykoon (Pushpadana BV)
The first truly heavyweight clash of this expanded T20 World Cup format comes freighted with both history and subplots. A rematch of the 2010 World T20 final at Kensington Oval, the match pits Jos Buttler’s defending champions – who are aiming to become the first team to retain the trophy – against the Australian winning machine, victors at the 2021 edition and current world title-holders in Test and ODI cricket. And that’s before you throw in the Ashes for afters.
Already there is added pressure on England, after the rain in Bridgetown led to a share of the points in their opener against Scotland (and that having conceded 90 runs from 10 overs without taking a wicket in a tepid bowling display). Lose to their oldest rivals and it will leave their Super 8 prospects open to being waylaid by the perils of net run-rate calculations, or worse.
The Scotland match was the third abandonment in five suffered by England, after a rain-affected home series against Pakistan, which has clearly hampered their readiness for this campaign after almost six months without playing T20 together. It does not take much for a side to click in this format – and England looked in decent shape when they did get on the field against Pakistan – but Buttler will be anxious for things to go their way on Saturday, if only to avoid further questions referencing the team’s disastrous ODI World Cup defence last year.
Australia, under the laidback leadership of Mitchell Marsh would love nothing more than to add to the English sense of jeopardy – having helped bundle them out of the tournament in India on the way to taking the crown. Their head to head record is less impressive in T20 however, with England having won six of the last seven completed encounters, as well as that 2010 final.
Despite a wobble with the bat, Australia avoided mishap against Oman earlier in the week, the experience of David Warner and Marcus Stoinis shining through in difficult batting conditions. Surfaces in the Caribbean – not to mention those games staged in the USA – have already had teams scratching their heads; rather than the “slug-fest” England had prepared for, following a high-scoring tour of the Caribbean in December, it looks as if boxing smart may be the way to go.
Speaking of Warner, this could be the last time he faces up against England in national colours – and another match-winning contribution would likely reduce the chances of them meeting again in the knockouts. On the other side of the card is Jofra Archer, fresh from an emotional maiden outing at Kensington Oval and ready to take on Australia for the first time in any format since 2020. Can Mark Wood fire up England’s campaign, as he did during last summer’s Ashes? Will Pat Cummins be back to harass the old enemy once again? Seconds out, it’s almost time to rumble.
Cummins is set to return after being rested for the Oman game, which saw Mitchell Starc leave the field with cramp. Starc is understood to be fine and could keep his place – which would likely see Nathan Ellis miss out. Marsh is still not fit to bowl, with Australia likely to continue with the allrounder combination of Stoinis and Maxwell to give them cover.
Australia (probable XI): David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (capt), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis/Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
The one change England may consider is Reece Topley coming in for Wood, with the expectation that there will be some rotation among the seamers through the course of the tournament.
England (probable XI): Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (capt & wk), Will Jacks, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley/Mark Wood
[Cricinfo]
Once is coincidence, twice is a clue, and three times is proof.
To paraphrase Agatha Christie, that is the narrative around South Africa’s meeting with Netherlands at this T20 World Cup.
The Dutch beat South Africa at the 2022 tournament and ended their semi-final hopes in a match where South Africa appeared to be sleep walking, and then beat them again at the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they exposed South Africa’s vulnerability in the chase. If they to do the treble, not only will Netherlands take the lead in Group D, but they will offer conclusive evidence of the threat they pose to Full Members, especially South Africa.
Of course, it will take some doing after South Africa’s opening performance against Sri Lanka, where they reduced their opposition to their lowest T20I total and chased it down in fairly straightforward fashion thanks to the most stable middle-order of their white-ball era. In Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, South Africa have bankers and big-hitters and, for this match, they also have the advantage of experience. They’ve already played at Eisenhower Park, and have first-hand knowledge that run-scoring doesn’t come easily;Klassen said they are prepared to use their “cricket brains” and play “smarter cricket”.
But the conditions could be good news for Netherlands, who are not naturally a line-up of big hitters and build their innings on a foundation of turning ones into twos. In other words, they tend to take a slightly more conservative approach to batting, which may work well here, but they’ll be wary of the uneven bounce of the surface and will have to come up with plans to counterattack especially against South Africa’s seamers. Their own bowlers were exemplary in Dallas and will look to build on that performance against a line-up that will likely be more proactive than Nepal’s, but who they have managed to keep quiet not once, but twice in the past. Third time’s the charm, they say.
Anrich Nortje’s stunning return to form against Sri Lanka means South Africa may not have to tinker with the bowling combination, and Gerald Coetzee and Tabraiz Shamsi may have to wait their turns to get a game. The batting line-up should be unchanged, with no space for Ryan Rickelton yet.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markam, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, Anrich Nortje
Conditions in New York may tempt Netherlands to include an extra seamer and they have Kyle Klein in their squad. But it could come at the expense of a shortened batting line-up and they may not want to risk that.
Netherlands: Michael Levitt, Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Scott Edwards (capt, wk), Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Logan van Beek, Tim Pringle, Paul van Meekeren, Vivian Kingma
[Cricinfo]
Nuwan Thushara’s last over brought Sri Lanka screaming back into the match,as he first bowled Rishad Hossain, and then nailed Taskin Ahmed in front of the stumps with a pinpoint swinging yorker. This left Bangladesh eight wickets down, with 12 runs still to get.
However, the experienced Mahmudullah was at the crease for Bangladesh, and despite some further nervy moments, pushed Bangladesh across the line off the last ball of the 19th over.
But this was a match chiefly decided by Bangladesh’s own outstanding bowling. Mustafizur Rahman was the best among them, using shorter lengths and his cutters efficiently, to claim figures of 3 for 17. Rishad Hossain’s three-for through the middle overs also kept Sri Lanka quiet.
Mustafizur was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s downward spiral through the middle overs, which culminated in a crash-and-burn end. Ultimately, their inability to find boundaries, or even rotate strike against good Bangladesh bowling resulted in their downfall. A score of 125 for 9 always seemed poor on a decent pitch, even if their bowlers made a match of it in the end.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh 125 for 8 in 19 overs (Towhid Hridoy 40, Litton Das 36; Dhanajaya de Silva 1-11, Nuwan Thushara 4-18, Wanidu Hasaranga 2-32, Matheesha Pathirana 1-27) beat Sri Lanka124 for 9 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 47, Dhananjaya de Silva 21; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 1-24, Taskin Ahmed 2-25, Mustafizur Rahman 3-17, Rishad Hossain 3-22) by two wickets
[Cricinfo]
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