Karachi, Feb 22: Mahela Jayawardene (240) and Thilan Samaraweera (231) rewrote the record book with a massive 437-run stand that put Sri Lanka in the driver’s seat on day two of their first cricket Test against Pakistan here today. The outgoing Lankan skipper Jayawardene and Samaraweera starred in a fourth-wicket partnership of 437 runs from 634 balls that not only smashed a five-decade-old record but also guided Sri Lanka to a massive 644 for seven before the visitors declared.The spectre of follow on looms large on Pakistan, who finished the day at 44 for one, having lost opener Salman Butt (23) to Muttiah Muralitharan.Debutant Khurrum Manzoor (18) and captain Younis Khan (0) were batting at stumps with the hosts needing another 401 to avoid the ignominy of follow on.
Monday, February 23, 2009
NIFE centre in State soon
Sports Minister of Asom Bharat Narah on Sunday said that a branch of the National Institute of Physical Education will very soon open in the State. Plans are afoot to set up the institution in a 100-bigha plot of land in Palashbari. Attending the foundation stone laying function of the Assam Football Association, Narah said that as sporting activities are gradually growing day by day in the State so such type of centre has now become essential. “Though it will take some time to find land and build the infrastructure for the centre, we don’t want to wait too long and have decided to use the sports complex in Tapesia on a temporary basis to start the function of the centre, ” the minister added. Narah also added that the Sports Authority of Assam would very soon start functioning and formalities regarding its formation is almost complete. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi will very soon appoint one former sportsperson as the vice president of the Sports Authority of Assam.
