Opener Dimuth Karunaratne frustrated West Indies with a patient unbeaten century to help Sri Lanka reach 250-2 on the opening day and stay on course for a big first-innings total in the first Test at Galle yesterday.
With the pitch offering little assistance to the bowlers, and West Indies making it worse for themselves by spilling a couple of catches, the 27-year-old southpaw showed immaculate discipline and application to reach the close not out on 135.
Karunaratne hit 10 boundaries and a six in his sedate knock and was ably supported by Dinesh Chandimal (72), the duo accumulating 149 runs for the unbroken third wicket.
West Indies stuck to their plans to use their pacers in short bursts, but Karunaratne and Kaushal Silva (17) still gave Sri Lanka their first 50-plus opening stand this year after home skipper Angelo Mathews opted to bat first.
The West Indies bowlers harassed the openers with short-pitched bowling, but it was a fuller-length delivery from Kemar Roach that earned them the breakthrough when Silva edged to wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin.
Lahiru Thirimanne (16) had a reprieve after lunch when Darren Bravo dropped him at slip off Jerome Taylor, but the batsman could not capitalize on it.
Thirimanne stepped out against leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, but the shot had neither the power nor the elevation and the left-hander was caught at short-midwicket.
Batting on 11, Chandimal also benefited from the visitors’ lax fielding when Taylor spilled a skier after the batsman had fluffed his pull-shot off Bishoo.
It proved a costly mistake as Chandimal registered his third successive 50-plus score at the venue and consolidated Sri Lanka’s position in the match.
Asked whether operating in short spells worked his for his team, the 27-year-old Roach said: “I understand what the skipper is doing. It is a very hot place to play cricket and I think he wanted to keep the boys fresh all the time.”
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