SRI LANKAN IN NEW ZEALAND’S WORLD CUP SQUAD – By Clifford Lazarus
Sri Lankan veteran, Sunitha Goonetilleke, has been included in New Zealand’s World Cup squad for the forthcoming Over 70s cricket World Cup tournament to be played in England in late July this year.
An old boy of St Joseph’s College, Colombo, Sunitha represented Air Ceylon in the Nationalised Services, skippered the Sri Lankan team “Sinha” in Oman’s first division and played in the New Zealand domestic scene. The right arm medium pacer excelled in the recently concluded Barwon VCA Over 60s National Championships played at Geelong in Victoria. Playing throughout the four-match 40-over tournament, Sunitha was declared “Man of the match” for an outstanding performance against Queensland bowling his to victory. Featuring in all matches of the tournament, Sunitha delivered 27 overs conceding 78 runs for a haul of six wickets: the best analysis for any bowler throughout the tournament.
“As the sole player of Sri Lankan descent in the team, I am truly honoured and privileged to represent New Zealand, my adopted country at the over 70’s World cup. I am only one of many over 70 players, and I am humbled at the opportunity to play with many talented over 70 players from other countries.
Previously Sunitha represented Auckland in the Over 60s and played against former test players Phil Horne and Ewen Chatfield who turned out for Wellington.
“The players selected in the squad are: Bevin Guthrie (Captain), Allan Pond, Carl Wright, Evan Watkin, Jeremy Wilson, John Cushen, John Renshaw, Lance Ryan, Morris Dawson, Paul Facoory, Peter Nixon, Rob Craig, Rod Smith, Stan Woolliscroft, Sunitha Goonetilleke and Tony Penny. (Are there any ‘big’ names in the squad)?
The tournament starts with the meet and greet on the evening of the 27th, first games on the 28th and the final on the 11th August.
Matches will be played at senior club grounds to the west of London in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Middlesex. The final will be played at Wormsley estate home to the Getty family.
