Sri Lanka split points for second successive time in WC after match washed out
Bristol: Sri Lanka were forced to split points for the second successive time in the ongoing World Cup after their match against Bangladesh was called off without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain here Tuesday.
Both the teams came into the match with one win from three matches and now each will get a point for the washout. Sri Lanka now have four points from as many games, while Bangladesh have three points from four games.
After two defeats, Bangladesh were looking for resurgence against Sri Lanka and now they will be wary of their semifinal chances.
"For all the teams, coming to the ground and not playing is disappointing and frustrating," said Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza.
"This is how the tournament is going, we got our chances against New Zealand, we couldn't get going in the England match, but it was frustrating today."
The result will leave Sri Lanka frustrated too as it is the second instant of a wash-out for the Island nation.
"The last few games have been washed out, so these kind of tournaments aren't easy. It is a bad time for us," Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne said.
"It isn't easy, we have to switch on and off all the time. These kind of things can happen but we have to get used to it. We can keep practicing and train harder for the Australia game. Definitely in every match we need to play for a win," he added.
This is the third match to be abandoned in the ongoing World Cup, the most in the history of the tournament, exceeding the two games at the 1992 edition in Australia and New Zealand and the 2003 event which was co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya.
The 10-team showpiece event doesn't have any reserve days. Asked if there should be reserve days, Bangladesh coach Steve Rhodes said: "Yes, I would (have them).
"I know logistically it would have caused problems. But we can put a man on the moon, so if we have to travel a day later, so be it."
On Tuesday, both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were left staring at the sky, waiting for some divine intervention after the start of their key match was delayed due to heavy rains.
The inspection was postponed twice even as groundsmen tirelessly worked on draining out the water on the covers with the sucking brooms and mops.
At 13:57 local time, the umpires finally decided to officially abandon the match.
While for Bangladesh, it is there first World Cup match to be washed out, Sri Lanka were forced to split points with Pakistan in their last game after the match was called off due to rains.
On Monday, a struggling South Africa had to share points with the West Indies after their World Cup match was washed out due to persistent rain at Southampton.
Sri Lanka will next take on defending champions Australia at London on June 15, while Bangladesh will face West Indies on June 17 at Taunton.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
