| South Africa
beat Pakistan by 18 runs By Shirajiv Sirimane and
Dhammika Ratnaweera
Nicky Boje and Lance Klunsener helped South Africa to pull off an almost
impossible 18 run victory against Pakistan in their Singer Triangular day night game at
the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday night.
Pakistan on course of a comfortable victory at 2 for 144 slumped to 223/9 in 50 overs.
Klunsner took three quick wickets including the top scorer Nazir, Mahamood and Haq
while Boje ran through the Pakistan middle order to finish 4 for 25. His figures was the
best ever bowling performance by a South African spinner in One dayers over running 4 for
28 by Pat Symcox against Australia. Pakistan batsman Saeed Anwer and Imran Nazeer went
about steering lustly and scored their 50 in the 10th over maintaining excess of 5 runs
per over. The pair reached 100 in 19.5 overs.
Dashing Anwer, who was rather subdued ended their 101 laison when he was ruled out LBW
by umpire P. Manuel playing across the line to Ntini, for 39. He faced 67 balls and had
three sweetly timed hits to the ropes.
Nazeer, who was in a very aggressive and punishing mood reached his 50 in only 50 balls
with 7 perfectly placed boundaries. M. Heyward who was at the receving end of both Nazeer
and Anwer was very expensive gifting 45 runs in 7 overs. It was Lance Klusener who finally
brought about a tragic end to Nazeer, turning up the trumps of the game. Nazeer on 80 full
of flair dragged on a ball to end his 86 ball innings. He had 7 boundaries and put on 43
runs for the second wicket with Azhar Mohamood.
Earlier South Africa won the toss and elected to bat. Openers Gary Kirsten and Andrew
Hall who made a record partnership of 150 against Sri Lanka once again were in touch
adding 64 runs for the first wicket.
Hall was the first to be trapped leg before off Abdur Razzaq for 27. He scored four
boundaries in his 35 balls innings. Kirsten who reached his second consecutive half
century off 75 balls in 117 minutes finally departed for 52, caught by Abdur Razzaq off
Mushtaq Ahamad. He struck five fours.
Jacques Kallis, the number three batsman started slowly and scored his fifty in 84
balls striking two fours. He finally fell at 83. He faced 114 balls (in 150 minutes)
striking four fours and added 50 runs for the second wicket with Kirsten. He followed
another 61 run third-wicket stand with Darryl Cullinan, who scored 38 with two fours and a
six. Jonty Rhodes who struck 13 with a four added 45 runs for the fourth wicket, with
Kallis who was finally bowled by Abdur Razzaq.
After 40 overs South Africa were 176 for three wickets and they added 65 runs in the
last ten overs to score 241 for six wickets.
Abdur Razzaq was the most successful bowler finishing with 3 for 36 in his ten over
spell.
Pakistan made two changes dropping Shahid Afridi and Mohamad Akram and bring- ing in
Younis Khan and Mushtaq Ahamad. South Africa played an unchanged side.
SCOREBOARD
South Africa
G.Kirsten c Razzaq b Mushtaq 52
A.Hall lbw b Razzaq 27
J.Kallis c sub b Razzaq 83
D.Cullinan run out 38
J.Rhodes b Razzaq 13
L.Klusener c Nazir b Mahmood 14
M.Boucher not out 2
Extras (b-2 lb-2 w-6 nb-2) 12
Total (for six wickets, 50 overs) 241
Fall of wickets: 1-64 2-114 3-175 4-220 5-232 6-241
Did not bat: S.Pollock, N.Boje, M.Hayward, M.Ntini
Bowling: Waqar 10-0-51-0 (2w), Mahmood 10-0-47-1 (1nb, 2w), Razzaq 10-2-36-3 (2w),
Arshad 10-0-44-0 (1nb), Mushtaq 10-0-59-1
Pakistan
Saeed Anwar lbw b Ntini 39
Imran Nazir b Klusener 80
Azhar Mahmood c Boucher b Klusener 19
Inzamam-ul-Haq c Boucher b Klusener 6
Yousuf Youhana b Boje 2
Younis Khan not out 38
Moin Khan lbw b Pollock 7
Abdur Razzaq lbw b Boje 4
Waqar Younis c Klusener b Boje 3
Mushtaq Ahmed c Rhodes b Boje 2
Arshad Khan not out 11
Extras (nb-3 w-5 lb-4) 12
Total (for nine wickets, 50 overs) 223
Fall of wickets: 1-101 2-144 3-149 4-154 5-154 6-170 7-179 8-183 9-192
Bowling: Pollock 9-1-35-1 (2nb), Kallis 8-0-47-0 (1nb, 1w) Hayward 7-0-45-0 (3w), Ntini
6-0-30-1, Klusener 10-0-37-3 (1w), Boje 10-1-25-4
Result: South Africa won by 18 runs.
Elections in two years?
By Shirajiv Sirimane
The National Sports Council (NSC), the advisory committee to the Sports Minister,
has suggested to refrain from holding elections to sports bodies annually and have
elections in two years. The Ministry is likely to accept this proposal.
The sports law states that all registered sports boards, associations and federations
should elect office-bearers annually before March 31. It also states that a president and
a secretary of such sports association could hold office only for two years unless the
Sports Minister grants special permission.
The Sports Council, headed by Torry Jayawardane, has suggested to the minister to
change this rule and hold elections in every two years. "The Sports Council took to
this decision since we feel that one year is not enough for an elected sports body to
perform their duties," said a member of the council. He said that even in the
International Olympic Committee, elections are held once in four years. "Though there
is a rule in Sri Lanka to say that a president can hold office only for two successive
years in other countries there is no such rule".
The Sports Council has also suggested that annual general meetings of sports bodies
should be held every year mainly to update accounts. It has been also suggested that each
sports body should appoint a Chief Executive (CEO) to be in charge of files and other
equipment. "When presidents change some documents go missing. CEO will be responsible
to stop this," said the NSC member.
According to a top Sports Ministry official, the Ministry is impressed with this
suggestion and the new rule is expected to come to effect from next year. "This means
a president will be in office for two years without an election and if elected again will
continue for two more years," he said.
Saman Navin, Shivanthi make it to the Quarters of the Plate events
Saman Thileke-ratne and Navin Samarasinghe recorded good wins to make it into the
Quarter Finals of the Plate events showing some progress from the earlier encounters, in
Hong Kong.
Saman beat Yan Ka Ho of Hong Kong 9/7, 10/8, 4/9, 9/1 to book himself a berth into the
quarter final round, whilst Navin had to put all he had once again, to get the better of
his opponent in a gruelling five setter when he beat the No. 1 player from Thailand Louis
Boonsinsukh 7/9, 5/9, 10/9, 9/7, 9/5.
Hirantha lost his match with Yan Tse Keung of Hong Kong in straight sets 9/6, 9/2, 9/7,
whilst Janaka Suwaris also lost to Navneet Narain of India 9/1, 9/1, 9/2.
Saman is now due to meet Yan Tse Keung in the qtrs. and Navin will meet Akiro Ito of
Japan in the Qtrs.
In the Ladies plate event Shivanthi Kotage who met her own compatriot Kushani Daluwatte
in the second round got her sweet revenge for the loss she suffered at the trials when she
beat Kushani in straight sets 9/6, 9/5, 9/1.
Dharshika Kempitiya lost to Lee Hae Kyong of Korea - 9/6, 9/0, 9/1.
Sulakshana Dias Abeygoonawardena lost to Tan Chee Wee of Singapore - 9/5, 9/3, 9/2.
Shivanthi now moves into the quarter-finals where she is expected to meet D.V.Anvekar
of India.
SLTFLY uplinks cricket to
the world
Sri Lanka Telecom’s (SLT) new "SLTFLY,’’ the digital satellite news
gathering (GSNG) service, is transmitting the current Singer sponsored one-day
international triangular series between Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Africa to the rest
of the world in nano seconds.
SLT said that this equipment will also similarly beam the test series with South Africa
that will follow the triangular tournament.
A news release from SLT said that the company had been selected by TV New Zealand (TV
NZ) to provide these up-linking services for the matches being played here that are
considered important international events commanding a worldwide audience. TV NZ was
awarded the major contract by SONY Entertainment.
"SLTFLY’’ is a hi-tech mobile satellite earth station, which is the only
one of its kind in Sri Lanka. It has a set-up time of just 30 minutes by two persons. It
can uplink and transmit audiovisual programmes, such as news items or events of
significance, live, as it happens, from one location to another in the world via
satellite.
It provides point to multi-point uplink of digital compressed video material at speeds
of 2 Mega bits per second (Mbps) - 16 Mbps, through this portable state-of-the -art
equipment, SLT explained.
"From a fast breaking news items in the north, to a cyclone in the east, to a
sports event in Galle, from an exposition in Kandy, to a conference in Colombo,
"SLTFLY’’ can uplink and transmit these live coverages of events via
satellite, to anywhere in the world in a split second,’’ it said.
The
skipper and his team are the kings in the middle, not the coach - Javed
Miandad
by Revata S. Silva
Javed Miandad is a household name not only in the sphere of world cricket, but
especially among the cricket fanatics in Pakistan.
Javed who is currently 43 years old has been hailed in the ranks of Pakistan’s
former greats such as Majid Khan, Zaeer Abbas and Imran Khan. He is undoubtedly a batting
dynamo which Pakistan has produced in recent times. Javed represented his country from
1976 to 1996 and during that period of two decades had won many a match for his side while
in the process of scoring 8832 Test runs at an average of 52.57 and 7381 runs in one
dayers at an average of 41.70.
When Imran Khan led the Pakistanis to the famous World Cup victory in Australia in
1992/93, Javed was their ace batsman and thereafter known throughout the cricketing world
for his ability to murder any bowling attack with his savage onslaught and
‘shrewed’ mastery.
Javed was interviewed by ‘The Island’ when rain affected the third day of the
Third Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at Asgiriya International Stadium and he cast
his views on the future of cricket in modern times especially in Asian cricket and the
commercialization which had found its way into the game recently. But the God fearing
Javed said that we beings are all controlled by The Almighty and no one could predict the
future of the game.
Javed then answered a questionnaire.
Q: Having already won the Test series have your boys lacked the enthusiasm in this
match?
A: No. I don’t think so as we have been performing well. We have been out of
Pakistan for six months and our boys have played really well. We have only seen a part of
this match. This pitch was not suitable to our bowlers. But at the same time we
shouldn’t take away any credit from the Sri Lankans. They have got so many runs on
the board. But this match is still not over.
Q: You were earlier a player and you are a coach now. What differences have you noticed
in these two roles?
A: I accept the word ‘Coach’ as a wrong term in cricket as I feel that it
means nothing to this game. Coaches are found in soccer, hockey, basketball etc. and they
plan everything. But in this game of cricket once you name the final eleven it is the
players who must carry the duties. Whoever batting in the middle is the boss.
Q: You say that the coach plays a less important role in cricket.
A: Yes. I don’t think a coach in cricket is an important factor as he could only
help in outside work. As a coach I am only passing on my experience to the players. You
can’t send a message to players after every ball.
Q: But after you tookover as coach your team began to flourish. How do you explain
that?
A: Definitely. I have played cricket for almost 25 years and have so much experience.
But the most important factor is that the team I got is a good one and everyone works very
hard. When you work collectively and work hard you will definitely achieve something.
Q: Under Bob Woolmer as coach the South Africans improved a great deal after he
pioneered new innovations in strategy and training. Didn’t he show that a good coach
was an asset to a team.
A: Of course. A coach must see to the technical points and that’s important. You
can’t occupy the highest peak always. There are ups and downs and the coach should
spot any shortcomings and help to amend them.
Q: Have you spotted any differences in the Sri Lankan team when earlier under Ranatunga
and now under Jayasuriya?
A: Sri Lanka is a talented side. If Ranatunga continues to play he should play as the
captain. He is brimming with experience but everyone is subjected to ups and downs.
Ranatunga and De Silva have been rated as world class players. But I can’t understand
why your team undergoes changes when on a tour. Take your team which won the World Cup on
1996 and after that victory your same team would have been together for several more
years. Eventhough youngsters showed promise you should have persevered with the same side
for a further period. If any youngsters shows extraordinary form give him a chance.
Q: You say that talent is only found in the Asian sphere. Then what happens to
countries like Australia, South Africa and England.
A: These countries are also organised and they accept cricket as an industry. They work
day and night and keep everyone busy. But we only cling to one thing. If our team is
performing well, we forget other things. In Pakistan we don’t have much facilities.
We don’t have so many nurseries. We also don’t have any academies. Cricket at
school level and university level is nil. But our boys are talented. If they thrive in
first class cricket they are selected for the Test sphere. We lack the facilities found in
Sri Lanka. Your boys are technically sound.
Q: Is Asia following the footsteps of South Africa and Australia?
A: I think that capable people are entering our cricket sphere. The chairman of the
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has an idea of forming an Asian Foundation which is a good
sign for the Asian regions. We need finances to develop. Once we form the foundation we
could get the required finances. I strongly support the cause as I am a member of the
Advisory Board of Pakistan Cricket. The foundation will be formed very shortly and it will
not only help Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but also other associate countries
like UAE, Nepal and Singapore.
Q: What differences have you noted when you played cricket then and now?
A: Today’s class of cricket has dropped. From 1973 to 1987 the standard of cricket
was very high. Earlier, every team did not depend on a couple of players. Normally, there
were eight or nine world class players in every team. Rodney Marsh batted at No. 7 or 8 in
the Australian line-up while Clive Lloyd batted at No. 6 or 7 in the West Indies line-up.
Similarly in the Pakistan team Zaeer Abbas, Mushtaq Mohammed and Majid Khan were there
with Imran Khan batting at No. 7. Even in the bowling department Australia, West Indies
and Pakistan and even India had world class performers. Now there are only three or four
great players and ten countries are playing Test cricket.
Q: So, do you see a deterioration in standard in the present day?
A: Yes. There is a lack of top class cricketers and no one has tried to develop that
area.
Q: Is the deterioration you mentioned earlier a result of extensive commercialization?
A: It may be the reason as these days there is too much money and too much cricket.
During our time we played to score runs. My ambition was to become the No. 1 batsman in
the world. But now the game is heavily commercialised. In a way it’s in order as
every cricketer has a limited time. If one could play good cricket and earn good money why
bother about it?
Q: Some were of view that Sri Lanka’s poor performance during the last World Cup
was mainly due to the team lacking in unity and the will to win. Does too much money spoil
your killer instinct?
A: I don’t think so. Once you are a classy cricketer your earnings as a cricketer
will come naturally.
Q: What will the game of cricket be like in the future?
A: It is silly to predict the future or even the next minute. As a Muslim I believe
that as it is written in the Holy Quran that "God" can predict a future and not
us.
Q: What role does psychology play in modern sport, especially in coaching?
A: I hold regular discussions with psychologists. But they don’t pin point
anything wrong to me, because this is the way I have played cricket. You have to think a
lot when you’re out in the ground. If you can work your mind properly no special
guidance is needed.
Q: What changes have you seen in Sri Lanka’s cricket infrastructure since your
last visit as a player?
A: I see a remarkable change. The people seem to be very nice and your venues too have
improved. It’s very important because these days the media is very strong.
Q: What are your views on the forthcoming ODI triangular series?
A: I presume that all the teams are well balanced. Sri Lanka is specialised in one day
cricket. But in this form of cricket anything could happen. One bad decision, one good
catch, one good over or a run out can change the complexion of the game and also decide
the series.
CEAT, AMW prop Kalutara cricket
The inter club League tournament, conducted by the Kalutara District Cricket
Association, for the Sir Cyril de Zoysa Memorial Trophy has attaracted 21 clubs this year.
One of the oldest cricket tournaments, in the country, got off to a flying start with
two major companies, Associated Motorways Limited and CEAT Kelani Associated Holdings
Private Limited coming together to co-sponsors it .
The 21 teams will play in four groups. A total of 45 matches will be played on a league
basis (50 overs) before reaching the semi finals and final. The organisers expect to
conclude the tournament by mid August, before the commencement of the under 24 tournament.
CEAT set up their business venture in 1993 and has a close relationship with world
cricket. They run the famous CEAT ratings, once won by the present Sri Lankan skipper
Sanath Jayasuriya.
AMW, another great sports promoters, has assisted to develop the game in the Kalutara
district. They are in deed very happy with the performance of the district association and
hope to support them in the future too.
Kalutara Town Club won the tournament last year with Old Sri Palians SC as the runners
up.
Meanwhile, the KDCA has so far produced nine national players and two under 15 players
who represented the country. The national players are Don Anurasiri, Jayantha Silva, Dulip
Liyanage, Ravindra Pushpakumara, T.M.Dilshan, Chamara Silva, Gamini Wickremasinghe,
Malinga Bandara, Sajeewa de Siva. (AN)
How Sobers went
missing from Lord’s Test
With the stage all set for MCC’s televised ceremony honouring 10 great players to
mark the 100th Test at Lord’s’ Sir Garfield Sobers was nowhere to be seen,
Charles de Lish writes about the event, the missing Sir Garry and England cricket
team’s celebrations after beating the West Indies in the second Test.
You wouldn’t have guessed it from MCC’s smooth televised ceremony honouring
10 great players for their "outstanding" contributions to the 99 previous
Lord’s Tests, but the star turn almost didn’t make it.
As Bob Massie, Gordon Greenidge, Derek Underwood, Ian Botham, Graham Gooch, Allan Lamb
and Dilip Vengsarkar began to assemble for the presentations during last Friday’s
lunch interval, Sir Garry Sobers was nowhere to be seen.
Chris Rea, MCC’s spokesman, explains: "Sir Garry had said he’d come, but
he’s quite an elusive character and, as the day dawned, we were still very unsure
whether he’d be there."
With no sign of Sobers, Rea conducted a frantic search of the ground during the morning
session; mindful of Sobers’ fondness for a bet, Rea even checked out the Ladbrokes
tent. But, as he puts it, "no one at the ground knew where Sobers was".
So Rea gave up the search and returned, breathless, to the MCC Committee Room in the
pavilion to find that Sobers had finally shown up. He duly hobbled onto the field, in his
allotted position of eighth (and last) in the order, to receive his Waterford Crystal
trophy - and a rapturous reception from a large lunchtime crowd.
There were still two absentees: Glenn McGrath was playing for Worcestershire and Sir
Donald Bradman, at 91, was far too frail to take up MCC’s offer of a BA
business-class ticket from Australia.
The 10 players were chosen for their statistical achievements at Lord’s - their
tally of centuries and "five-fors", as recorded on the honours boards in the
dressing rooms. New Zealand’s greatest player Sir Richard Hadlee, watching part of
the match in the Committee Room alongside some of those honoured, may have felt a twinge
of envy: even "five-fors" in three of his four Lord’s Tests weren’t
enough to propel him into such exalted company.
(C) - Hindustan Times’
Kandy MC in final
By Hafiz Marikar
Kandy Municipal Council Sports Club footballers entered the final of the
Government Services Knockout tournament by beating Kotte Municipal Council by 3 goals to
nil at the M. H. Mohamed Grounds at Borella on Thursday. Now the Kandy side will meet the
winners of the Ratnapura/Kurunegala Municipal Council game.
It was a splendid performance by the Kandy lads, they got the much needed ball to play
a good run-and-pass game, which helped them to net three goals in the first half through
Jayantha, Ansar and Wijewardene. It was three nil, first half.
In the second half the Kotte boys changed their pattern of play and gave a superb
display and did not allow the Kandy footballers to score.
According to the Manager of the Kandy team H. Tikiri Banda, the side is packed with
some top class players and he was thankful to the Municipal Commissioner, a former
Mahamaya College and University sportswomen Jayantha C. Bulumulle for giving the fullest
backing to promote the sport.
M. Noordeen refereed.
Sri Lanka will host
5th Asian Rugby tourney
Ten countries have confirmed their participation for the fifth Asian under 19 Rugby
tournament from 16 to 23 December in Colombo.
South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Singapore, Kazakastan, HongKong
and host Sri Lanka will lock horns for honours.
Sri Lankans were given the green light to host this tournament after the Asian Rugby
Football Union (ARFU) meeting held in Amori, Japan.
Out of the participants, HongKong has requested an assurance from the local Rugby Union
that the necessary security arrangements are made.
Anton Benedict, President of the Rugby Union speaking to the "The Island"
said that so far in the past there were no problems with the security. They will continue
the same to provide the adiquate security.(AN)
L. E. Blaze Trophy
Kingswood had it easy against Wesley
By Hafiz Marikar in Kandy
Schools Knockout champions Kingswood College scored an easy victory over Wesley
College on Saturday in their 2nd leg of the L. E. Blaze Trophy game played at the
Bogambara Stadium in semi darkness. The match got off to a late start due to other matches
being played. There were under 13,16 and 17 and this game took off at 5.50 p.m.
Kingswoodians who won the first leg 22-11 had no problem in winning. Wesley side was no
match for the Kingswoodians, but the rugby presented by both schools was not up to
expected standards.
Kingswoodians made 23 points off two goals and three penalty kicks at goal to
Wesley’s 9 which came off three penalties.
This match was a big problem for the referee B. Nimal, who had to start the game late
and the players just were dragging play and during the lemons the Kingswoodians led, 16-3.
Both teams went to the dressing rooms and got late to come out.
The Kingswoodians led by Jayamal Vithanage, played hard and had the better of the
exchanges. Wesley XV defended stoutly, the scrums were equally shared, but in the
line-outs Kingswoodians had the edge.
Wesley’s backs played well but their forwards were most disappointing in the loose
play and many scoring attempts were lost.
Second half
In the second half the visiting team gave a better account of themselves now and then
by putting up a stout defence against the repeated attacks of the Kingswoodians.
Malith Hettiarachchi, Chamara Vitharanage, M. Shiraz scored the tries, a try each was
gaoled by M. Shiraz and Harshan Wijaweera, the three penalties was put over by M. Shiraz
for the Wesley side, M. Shankir put the first penalty kick at goal and the other two were
put over by Prasad Perera.
B. Nimal refereed
Under 17
The under 17 game went in favour of the Kingswoodians, 36-3. Wesley won the under 16
and the 13 games, 12-7 and 15-0.
One of the top notch sportsmen of Kingswood College Saeed Suliman who has given the
school a push in sports activities by donating Sports goods, was the chief guest and
distributed the trophies for the winners.
PCB pulls up Pak
manager for comments on India
By Shahid Khan
Karachi, luly 7: Brigadier Mohammad Nasir was pulled up by the chairman of the
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) General Tauqir Zia over his comments that India was the
"hub of bookies".
"The general called the team manager in Colombo and conveyed to him his
unhappiness, anger and frustration," sources close to PCB said. The PCB chairman is
currently in Kuala Lumpur watching the Under-15 Asia Cup proceedings. He will arrive in
Colombo on Saturday.
"I am also waiting for his decision," admitted PCB director Yawar Saeed while
restraining from comments over Nasir’s statement. "The matter is being handled
on priority basis by the PCB chairman."
However, sources said Zia called Yawar Saeed on Thursday and briefed him about his
telephonic conversation with Nasir. The two senior PCB officials also discussed the
options available to them after Nasir entered the out-of- bound area. One of the most
likely option is to throw Nasir in the towel.
However, the decision will be taken in Colombo when the general meets Javed Miandad and
Rameez Raja, members of his advisory panel. "It seems that Nasir’s days are
numbered because the general has received numerous complaints about him from the players
and specially Javed Miandad," sources said.
Miandad and Nasir had a verbal confrontation in the West Indies when the manager
objected to coach’s style of training. The matter was resolved only after Tauqir Zia
intervened.
"In harsh words, Nasir is a pain in the neck for the PCB chairman. But he (Tauqir
Zia) wants to get through the season before he can make changes in the team
management," sources said.
Former Test players also expressed their disappointment over the manager’s
statement claiming that his remarks are out of context and ill-timed. "His statement
can only ruin the hardwork of the two boards to stabalize the cricketing relations between
the two countries," said Rashid Khan, former Test fast bowler.
(C) - Hindustan Times’ |
