Sri Lanka News Round-up (20 Dec 1997)

Saturday 20, December 1997

SRI LANKA SPORTS NEWS AT-A-GLANCE

Compiled by Dinesh Weerawansa.

* Sri Lanka's opponents in the first quarter final of the Hero Honda Women's World Cup tournament is likely to be England, unless they lose their 5th and the last league match. When the Group `B' league stage matches were completed, Sri Lanka finished fourth and will now play the Group `A' leaders in the opening quarter final match today be played in Lucknow on December 20.

If Australia loses to England, then they will play in the second quarter final in Mohali on December 21. The final standings of the Group `A' will be known after today's last league matches. England are playing Australia at the VCA grounds in Nagpur today. Current Group `A' table leaders England has 24 points winning all their first four matches while the Australians have 21 points from three victories and one rained-out match in which they shared points with Ireland. But if the Australians get the better of England, the wash-out against Ireland won't matter and will qualify to play Sri Lanka the `quarters'.

The quarter final line-up, according to the organisers, are: Dec 20 Group A 1st v Group B 4th at Lucknow; Dec 21 Group A 2nd v Group B 3rd at Mohali; Dec 22 Group A 3rd v Group B 2nd at Patna; Dec 23 Group A 4th v Group B 1st at Mumbai; The Semi-Finals will be played on December 24 and 26 with the final of the 11-nation tournament at Eden Gardens, Calcutta on December 28.

* An unbeaten century by young Pakistan middle order Test batsman Hassan Raza helped Pakistan to make 266 for 4 at close on day one of their third Under-19 Youth Test at Heritage Oval, Toowoomba.

Taking the first lease, Pakistan Under-19 lost two quick wickets and were in further trouble when they lost the third wicket at 63. But Raza (118 n.o) and Abdul Razzaq (75) added 191 runs for the fourth wicket before the latter was caught by Clingeleffer off Oliver shortly before close. Oliver had 2 for 35 in 19 overs. (Home):

* At a special general meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka held on Thursday, its membership has decided a to terminate their contract with international television firm WorldTel on the worldwide live telecast of the international matches played in Sri Lanka.

However, a top official of the BCCSL said they the BCCSL will be seeking legal advise first, before taking a final decision on ending the agreement with WorldTel.

* Half centuries by S.Pushpakumara (86), G.Bandara (82) and C.Fernando (50) helped Narammala SC beat Dahanekagedera SC by 113 runs in their BCCSL Division three cricket tournament match played at Narammala.

Narammala SC, batting first, 249 in 39.3 overs (S.Pushpakumaara 86, G.Bandara 82, C.Fernando 50, D.Adhikari 3 for 62, P.Kumara 6 for 28). In reply, Dahnekagedera SC, made 137 in 36.1 overs (B.Samarawickrema 23, D.Adhikari 42, G.Dayananda 2 for 24, C.Fernando 3 for 45, C.Amarasuriya 2 for 0).

Hewage leads well balanced squad

Pradeep Hewage will lead a well-balanced team for the under-19 youth World Cup tournament in South Africa beginning on January 14.

The tour will be three weeks duration.

Pradeep Hewage (capt), Upeka Fernando (v capt), Thilina Kandamby, Chamara Silva, Prasanna Jayawardena, Malinda Gajanayake, Chamara Soysa, Sanjaya Rodrigo, Arashad Junaid, N. S. Rupasinghe, Dilhara Fernando, Ranga Dias, Malinda Bandara, Naren Ratwatte.

The three officials have not yet been ratified by the Sports Ministry.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)