Sri Lanka off to make maiden appearance
The Sri Lanka National Baseball team left for the Asian Baseball Championship (ABC), starting tomorrow in New Taipei City, Taiwan. According to Sri Lanka Amateur Baseball/Softball Association (SLABSA) Gen.Sec. Rajith Ratnayake, this is the first time Sri Lanka has qualified for the ABC, where the top region’s teams will be competing.
“Only 8 nations were selected out of 27 from the Asian region, for this tournament. Sri Lanka qualified for this competition, first time ever, by winning Gold at the West Asia Baseball Cup in Pakistan recently,” Ratnayake stated.
Sri Lanka squad of 24 is led by Akalanka Ranasinghe (Captain) and Sameera Ratnayake (Vice Captain).
Sanjeewa Jayaratne, Tharindu Madumal, Sampath Ruwan Kumara, Shasika Dulshan, Chirath Karunaratne, Chanika Yasas (Pitchers), Naveen Anuradha (Pitcher-Infielder), Saliya Wijesinghe, Asanka Lakmal (Pitchers/Outfielders), Sanjeewa Manna Uthum, Sandun Madushanka, Krishna Hapuarachchi, Ashan Weerasekara, Aruna Shantha, Sahan Avishka and Dhilina Nissanka (Infielders). Skipper Ranasinghe, Dy. Skipper Ratnayake, Supun Abeysooriya, Kaushala Prabuddha, Amila Pushpakumara (Outfielders).
Sri Lanka is with South Korea, Chinese Taipei and the Philippines in Group ‘A’, while Japan, China, Hong Kong and Pakistan form Group ‘B’. The games are to be played at the Hsing Chuang and Tien Mou playing fields.
Sri Lanka has been picked for the curtain raiser against South Korea, at Tien Mou tomorrow at 9.30 am, with the 2nd game between Japan and Hong Kong at Hsing Chuang at 12 noon, and the 3rd game prior to the official Opening Ceremony at 5.40 pm, between China and Pakistan at 1.30 pm at Hsing Chuang. After the Opening Ceremony, hosts Chinese Taipei meet the Philippines at 6.30pm.
Sri Lanka’s other 2 fixtures are against the Philippines on Tuesday at 6.30 pm at Tien Mou, and against hosts Chinese Taipei on Wednesday at 6.30 pm at Hsing Chuang.
The tournament will reach the Super Round on Friday and Saturday with 4 games scheduled on each day. The 3rd place playoff and the final will be next Sunday at Hsing Chuang, followed by the Closing Ceremony.
Malindu Hewage is the Head Coach, assisted by a Japanese and local coach. Head of Delegate Manoj Fernando, Manager Dinesh Perera, and SLABSA Selection Committee Chairman Subash Gunasinghe will make up the Official delegation. The ABC will also serve as a qualifier for the 2018 Asian Games, and likely for the 2020 Summer Olympics.