Tillakaratne Dishan struck his second century of the series and Angelo Mathews hit his second Test fifty to power Sri Lanka to 366 for eight at the close on the opening day of the final Test against India yesterday.
Opener Dilshan slammed 109 and shared in three crucial partnerships to lead Sri Lanka’s charge for a series-leveling victory after opting to bat first.
Harbhajan Singh took four wickets and his spin partner Pragyan Ojha claimed two scalps to stall the visitors’ progress after Dilshan provided Sri Lanka with a confident 93-run start with Tharanga Paranavitana (53).
At the close, Mathews was unbeaten on 86 and Muttiah Muralitharan yet to get off the mark.
Left-handed Paranavitana was fluent in his strokeplay as he recorded his first fifty on the tour before falling to Harbhajan.
India hit back after lunch by dismissing skipper Kumar Sangakkara (18), Mahela Jayawardene (29) and Thilan Samaraweera (1) to leave Sri Lanka on 213 for four at tea.
Explosive Dilshan, who struck 10 fours and two sixes in his 11th Test hundred, and Mathews shared in a 74-run stand before the opener was unlucky to be given out to Harbhajan.
Television replays showed the ball had not hit the bat before popping to short-leg.
Dilshan, who scored 112 in the drawn first Test in Ahmedabad, was merciless on anything short as he lashed fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth for a six and a four and Harbhajan for successive boundaries.
Mathews hit 13 fours and shared in a 67-run stand with Prasanna Jayawardene, who made a fighting 43 before driving uppishly at Ojha to be caught at mid-on.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely