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Sri Lanka shine in Hong Kong Sixes
Sri Lanka were considered outsiders coming into the Hong Kong Sixes at Kowloon Cricket Club. But the end of the first game it was clear they could spring a surprise. Indika de Saram smacked the first three balls for the game for six , clumping 30 from the opening over bowled by Collins Obuya, before retiring after a whirlwind 34 from only 7 balls.

Kenya's slow bowlers were flogged for 109 - one run away from a tournament record. But Kenya still made a good fist of the chase, with Kenndy Otieno (33) and Maurice Odumbe (35) both scoring freely, before a tight final over left them 12 runs short.

Scorecard
Sri Lanka 109 for 2 (Indika de Saram 34*, S.Jayantha 32*RSA Palliyaguruge 21, Shah 1/20) v Kenya 97 for 1 (K. Otieno 33*, M. Odumbe 35.Jayasinghe 1/11).

Dermot Reeve's return for the Hong Kong side, two decades after his last match for his home city, with a waistline to match his 40 years, failed to inspire the hosts to an opening win, a victory they desperately needed to achieve their ambition of securing a place in the cup stages for the first time.

Their batting failed to click, with Reeve struggling at number three, meaning New Zealand required just 65 for victory. Hong Kong 64 for 3 (R. Sharma 29*) v New Zealand 67 for 1 (M. Sinclair 33*)

India's first game for the tournament had an easy win against the hosts, who dropped Dermot Reeve. Nevertheless, the batting was far from impressive. Ritender Sodhi (5) fell cheaply and Vinod Kambli (28) dawdled during the early part of the innings. HH Kanitkar though provided some impetus with 35 from 10 balls.

But Hong Kong were never in the hunt after tight opening overs from Akash Chopra and Rohan Gavaskar. India 82 for 2 (Kanitkar 35*, V. Kambli 28*) v Hong Kong 45 for 3Sri Lanka's odds shortened further with a surprise win against South Africa, the second seeds after Pakistan.

This time it was their bowlers who starred, restricting South Africa to 60 for 4 - a below-par score in this form of the game. Loots Bosman prevented a rout with a powerful 37.

Sri Lanka then waltzed to victory within 3 overs. Once again Indika de Saram produced some fireworks, cracking 35 before having to retire. Justin Ontong had a nightmare, conceding 35 from his over. South Africa 64 for 4 (L. Bosman 37*) v Sri Lanka 65 for 0 (Indika de Saram 31, Saman Jayantha 29*) - Wisden Cricinfo Ltd

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