Lanka in Asian Netball final

Confront Singapore on Sunday:

Sri Lanka entered the final of the 7th Asian Netball Championships in Malaysia when they beat Thailand in the semi finals yesterday.

The high riding Sri Lanka is only one step behind the Asian netball crown, having registered five wins to remain unbeaten. They will take on Singapore in Sunday’s final. Singapore made it to the final, beating the hosts Malaysia 51-39 in a keenly contested second semi final yesterday.

The Lankan women, who have shown great from winning some decisive game, once again maintained their superior run beating Thailand 84-44 in yesterday’s semi final match. The final will be worked off tomorrow.

The Lankan team has remained unbeaten in the tournament so far in the nine-nation championship. Earlier in the championship, Sri Lanka beat Hong Kong 80 points to 72 in their first match and then had the better of the hosts Malaysia 72 points to 52.

On their way to the semis, Sri Lanka team, coached by Thilaka Jinadasa, overcame much fancied Indian team to create history - 103 points to 27.

Sri Lanka wrapped up their Group B fixtures earlier during the week with a 102-12 whitewash of Pakistan. Sri Lanka fielded their top shooter, Tharjini Sivalingam, only in the first quarter against Pakistan and she contributed 25 goals.

It was a totally one-sided match, goal attack Shasika Samarasinghe, who played in all four quarters, netted 36 goals while Iresha Koralagodage, who was fielded in the last three quarters, had 41 to her credit.

Last championship finalists Malaysia and 2001 champions, Sri Lanka - are placed in pool B with Hong Kong, India and Pakistan.

The finals of the 7th Asian Netball Championships 2009 between Sri Lanka and Singapore will be worked off at Juara Stadium, Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur at 3 pm Malaysian time. Singapore team will be led by Captain Jean Ng.