Sri Lanka's cricket selectors opted to rest Mahela Jayawardene and Lasith Malinga for one-off Twenty20 international, in Pallekele on October 30, against touring New Zealand. Both are currently playing in the ongoing Champions League Twenty20 in South Africa. Off-spinner Ajantha Mendis, meanwhile, was overlooked as he is nursing a side strain he suffered during the World Twenty20.
The Indian men's hockey team suffered a 2-3 defeat at the hands of New Zealand in a hard-fought encounter of the Four-Nations Invitational Tournament here on Saturday. India knew that they would have to do most of the attacking in the opening periods of the game. The first quarter followed that pattern, India dominating the possession statistics, and creating several circle penetrations but unable to offer clear opportunities on goal.