Afghan cricketers here for two games

(By S. M. Jiffrey ABDEEN - Kandy Sports Corr)

Afghanistan National Cricket team which won the ICC Associate Trophy last year will play two 2 day matches against Kandy District teams at the Pallekelle cricket stadium at Pallekelle.

This is the first time that a National Cricket team from Afghanistan will be playing in the hill capital. They practised yesterday and were thrilled to play cricket in the hill capital of which they had heard so much.

Further they said that the experience gained by playing in a country which is one of the strongest forces in the region. Perhaps in the world will give them the much needed exposure which will in turn help them along way.

Kandy District selectors named a strong squad of 16 for the two matches the first match will be played on January 11 and 12 and second match on January 14 and 15. Both matches will be played at the Pallekelle Cricket Stadium.

Present at the team selections were Provincial Coach Sunil Fernando, Kandy District coach Bernard Perera, Chinthaka Girihagama, and Anton Perera representing Kandy CC and Kandy youths CC. No officials from Kandy District Cricket Association were present.

The Kandy District team will be selected from: Prasad Ranawaka (Captain), Suresh Peiris, Muditha Wijekoon, Mahesh Rajaratne, Ranga Lihindipita, Ruchiranga Dandeniya, Kasun Ekanayake, Kasun de Alvis, Chamila Ambagaspitiya, Madhushan Bototage Dhanushka Mitipolarachchi, Nadun Basnayake, Tharanga Bandara, Madawa Maduranga, Dilshan Kumara and Prasad Amarakoon.