Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium stages inaugural match

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium staged its inaugural match yesterday between a Duleep Mendis XI and Bandula Warnapura XI in front of an estimated 5000 spectators.

Cammie Smith, the ICC Match Referee appointed to rule as to whether the First One Day International between England and Sri Lanka can be played in Dambulla, was also present at the match. He is expected to make a final decision today in Colombo.

The 25 over match produced plenty of runs and is reported to have played well. The greatest problem though is the state of the main pavilion and grand stands, the construction of which has not yet been completed.

The Duleep Mendis XI won the match by 18 runs after scoring 176 for five. Amal Silva and Roshan Mahanama both scored 40 runs. Champika Ramanayake, the ex-test star, bowled the first ever delivery and took two wickets.

In reply the Bandula Warnapura XI scored 158 for eight thanks to a classy 35 from Roy Dias and Champika Ramanayake. Rumesh Ratnayake was the pick of the bowlers and took three wickets.

Scores:

Duleep Mendis XI: 176 for five (Amal Silva 40, Hemantha Devpriya 33, Roshan Mahanama 40* - Champika Ramanayake 5-0-26-2)

Bandula Warnapura XI: 158 for eight (Roy Dias 35, Bandulla Warnapura 22, Champika Ramanayake 35, K. Wijegunawardene 28* - Rumesh Ratnayake 5-0-26-3, Jayanda Warnapura 5-0-38-2)