Thrash Course

The disparity in pedigree between Rao and Muralitharan,however,was probably an overall reflection of the difference in class between the Canadian and Sri Lankan sides that took the field for the first-ever ODI to be played at the Mahinda Rajapakse International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota on Sunday. And in the end,the hosts ensured that the vast gulf was not only showcased but exemplified in their opening encounter with a crushing 210-run victory to get their World Cup campaign off to a dominant start.

With the issue concerning the future of the associate countries with regards to the sports marquee event looking bleak already,the Canadians just like the Kenyans earlier in the day didnt manage to make a very strong case for themselves or others of their ilk. But to their credit,their bowlers did manage to put the brakes on the Sri Lankan openers,after skipper Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and elected to bat.

The hosts were in fact scoring at less than five-an-over when the explosive Tillakaratane Dilshan was dismissed by Rizwan Cheema for a 59-ball 50 in the 19th over. And they even managed to keep a check on Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene as the experienced duo set about steadying the ship for the Lankans.

Playing for the first time in a match with the UDRS system in place,Ashish Bagai amp; Co were never expected to be comfortable with utilising it. And eventually it was a couple of unsuccessful referrals against Jayawardene for caught-behind appeals off the bowling of Jimmy Hansra that really got the former Sri Lankan captain going. The elegant right-hander soon hit Hansra for a huge six over long-on before taking command of the innings en route to scoring the fastest century by a Sri Lankan in the World Cupbringing it up in 80 balls. Sangakkara too warmed up for the tougher challenges ahead with a fluent 87-ball 92,before both batsmen were dismissed by John Davison following a formidable 179-run partnership in front of a partisan and animated crowd.

With the former World Cup winners having posted 332 on the board,the only question that remained was how long the Canadians who are yet to beat a Test-playing nation apart from Bangladesh in a World Cup so fawould last against the Lankan attack sans Lasith Malinga. The response was both intimidating and rapid from Nuwan Kulasekara amp; Co,as they routed the visitors top-order,leaving them tottering at 74/7.

A few lusty hits from Cheema only delayed the inevitable ignominy. Rao,incidentally,fell to Muralitharan. And eventually,not only the former Tamil Nadu leg-spinner,but his entire team was left completely and truly overawed.

Malinga for next game
Strike bowler Lasith Malinga should be fit for their next World Cup Group A match against Pakistan after missing their opening win over Canada on Sunday with a back strain. We didnt want to risk him, Jayawardene said. Given the fact that we have got couple of crucial games coming up,we thought that he should get a break. I think he should be okay for the Pakistan game, he said. The teams play on Saturday in Colombo. Malinga was one of the top performers in the last World Cup taking four wickets in four balls in a Super Six match against South Africa.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 332/7 in 50 overs M Jayawardene 100,K Sangakkara 92; J Davison 2/56,HS Baidwan 2/59; Canada 122 R Cheema 37,N Kulasekara 3/16,T Perera 3/24