SLC hits critics for a Six

Sri Lanka Cricket headed by that former leg spinning all rounder and captain D. Somachandra de Silva need to prepare to stuff their critics with an overdose of humble pie! The incessant savage attacks by uncharitable predicting or hoping - that the three stadiums would not be ready for the playing of the World Cup matches have been dealt with squarely.

De Silva and his team did not lose heart. Being sportsmen they had suffered critics during their playing days, although not of the vituperative and damaging type. Realising that their critics had not handled a ball to call themselves cricketers, de Silva and Co went about their work without attempting to dignify the detractors by paying any attention.

On the contrary the criticism was an elixir for them. It made them resilient and spurred them on to prove their critics wrong. By completing the - President Mahinda Rajapaksa, R. Premadasa and Pallekelle Stadiums to international standard the critics have been given a resounding kick up an appropriate part of their anatomy! Now it is up to the Sri Lanka cricketers to show their mettle.

A brilliant record setting century from former captain Mahela Jayawardena 100 and a captain's knock of 92 from Kumar Sangkkara in their a massive stand of 179 for the third wicket saw the Lankans waltz to an easy victory over the hapless Canadians in their World Cup clash at the brand new Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Sooriyawewa on Sunday. Before going on to comment on the game, I must compliment the SLC leadership in D. Somachandra de Silva, ICC Tournament Director Suraj Dandeniya, and all those who put their shoulders to the wheel and pushed for the completion of the magnificent looking Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Sooriyawewa.

Having toured all Test playing countries I can proudly state that this stadium hold its own or even puts to second best some of the stadiums of other Test playing nations.

As the game between Sri Lanka and Canada began to progress cricket crazy fans in the surrounding areas began flocking into the stadium. And when the lights came on did not the stadium look a picture of beauty.

The stadium was packed to capacity and bursting at the seams. It was a pity that tens of hundreds of cricket fans had to be refused entry because the stadium could not take in more, without violating code.

It was an unprecedented turnout and in making their way to the stadium, it was apparent that they were also complementing the President who had also given to the people of the area the Mahinda Rajapaksa Port and very soon an Airport.

I spoke to many of the village folks and they all sang the praises of the President for giving them this fantastic stadium. The majority of them walked miles braving the strong sun to watch a cricket match for the first time. They watched the excellent and high class batting of the two elder statesmen of Sri Lanka Cricket Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara and the spin magic of Muttiah Muralitheran. Speaking to me in Sinhalese they said that they had read and watched these three cricketing greats on TV, but had not the opportunity to watch them in action.

'By building this stadium, it is the President who gave us the opportunity to watch these cricketers perform; and this is the first time that we watched cricket under lights. It is an unforgettable experience and we hope we will have more opportunities to watch the game under lights', a lad from the village Sumith Gunasekera summed up the feelings while his colleagues nodded in unison.

A few comments on the game itself: the Sri Lankan cricketers performed pleasingly to win their first game against Canada. If this convincing win is an indication, then they are on the right lane for more success.

Former Nalanda off spinner Mahinda Athulathmudali who I had the opportunity to play against invited me to accompany him, Dr. Ramesh Nadesan who is a surgeon at the Karaptiya Hospital and two of his friends from Canada Senaka and Vicky Siriwardena to watch the game in Sooriyawewa. I am so glad I did as it was a spectacular event.

Wonderful opening

Bangladesh one of the co-hosts of the 2011 World Cricket Cup showed that they are second to none when it comes to organizing an opening ceremony. They put on breath taking opening show.

The 27,000 spectators at the Bangabandu Stadium and the millions taking in the action on TV, watched spell bound as Bangladesh put on a show that reflected Bangladeshi, Sri Lanka and Indian culture.

'I hope that the games will be memorable and exciting. It gives me great pleasure to declare the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup open', said a smiling Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Associated with the Prime Minister was President of the ICC Sharad Pawar.

While there was a splash of colour with the artists performing magnificently, the fire work display was marvelous. The ICC organizers of the tournament would certainly have been satisfied with the wonderful opening ceremony.

Canadian rocker Bryan Adams, India's singer Sonu Nigam, Runa Laila and Sri Lanka's Santush, Bhatusa and Eraj were eye-catching with their beautiful renditions.

It was lovely to watch the 14 captains of the participating teams led by Australia's Ricky Ponting holders of the trophy being brought into the stadium in rickshaws a common mode of transport in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is one of the teams yet to lay their hands on the World Cup. They have a team capable of performing the elusive act and if the all important LUCK plays for them, then their dream could be reality.

Bangladesh who won the toss and asked India to bat were demolished by a batting tsunami which struck in the form of Virender Sehwag 175 which is now the highest score in World Cup cricket. He beat Adam Gilchrist's squash ball in the hand 149 made against Sri Lanka in the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.