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Dushan Hemantha and Matheesha Pathirana are in line to debut in the first ODI against Afghanistan
Leg spinner Dushan Hemantha and pacer Matheesha Pathirana are likely to debut in the first one-day International debuts when Sri Lanka takes on Afghanistan in the first ODI in Hambantota tomorrow.
Sri Lanka will head to the opening game without their ace spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been ruled out of the first two ODIs in the three-match series due to an injury in his right knee.
Since Wanindu is out of the first two ODI’s Dushan Hemantha could make his international cricket debut.
“Since Wanindu has an injury concern, Dushan Hemantha has a good chance to debut in the first ODI,” hinted Sri Lanka white ball captain Dasun Shanaka.
Dasun also said the inclusion of two senior pros- Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews to the squad is a huge boost to the balance of the team and if they are looking for a long innings their contribution will play a huge role.
“Dimuth Karunartne and Angelo Mathews’s inclusion to the squad is a huge boost. If we are to play a long innings their contribution will play a major role. Their inclusion has strengthened the squad,” Dasun said.
The white ball skipper also disclosed the young Malinga-like pacer Matheesha Pathirana will make his debut tomorrow. Matheesha is back in Sri Lanka after a successful stint with Chennai Super Kings in the recently concluded Indian Premier League 2023. He will look to continue his fine form, especially in pace-friendly wickets in Hambanthota.
Afghanistan will engage in three ODIs on 2, 4 and 7 June at the MRIC Stadium in Hambantota.
Afghanistan last toured Sri Lanka for an ODI series in November 2022, when the sides engaged in a competitive battle. Afghanistan stunned Sri Lanka in the first ODI, winning the contest by 60 runs. After a no result in the second contest, the Lankans roared back by winning the third ODI by four wickets and levelling the series.
The series will also mark the return of international men’s cricket in Hambantota, with the venue last hosting an ODI match in February 2020.
දුෂාන් හේමන්ත සහ මතීෂ පතිරණ ඇෆ්ගනිස්තානයට එරෙහි පළමු එක්දින තරගයට එක්වීමට නියමිතයි.
ශ්‍රී ලංකාව සහ ඇෆ්ගනිස්තානය අතර හෙට හම්බන්තොටදී පැවැත්වෙන පළමු එක්දින තරගයේදී දඟ පන්දු යවන ක්‍රීඩක දුෂාන් හේමන්ත සහ වේග පන්දු යවන ක්‍රීඩක මතීෂ පතිරණ පළමු එක්දින ජාත්‍යන්තර තරගයට සහභාගි වීමට ඉඩ තිබේ.
දකුණු දණහිසේ ආබාධයකට ලක්වීම හේතුවෙන් තරග තුනකින් සමන්විත එක්දින තරගාවලියේ පළමු එක්දින තරග දෙකෙන් ඉවත් කර ඇති ඔවුන්ගේ දඟ පන්දු යවන ක්‍රීඩක වනිඳු හසරංග නොමැතිව ශ්‍රී ලංකාව ආරම්භක තරගයට පිවිසෙනු ඇත.
වනිඳු පළමු එක්දින තරග දෙකෙන් ඉවත්ව සිටින බැවින් දුෂාන් හේමන්ත ජාත්‍යන්තර ක්‍රිකට් තරගයට පිවිසිය හැකිය.
“වනිඳු ආබාධයකට ලක්ව සිටින නිසා දුෂාන් හේමන්තට පළමු එක්දින තරගයට එක්වීමට හොඳ අවස්ථාවක් තිබෙනවා” යැයි ශ්‍රී ලංකා සුදු පන්දු නායක දසුන් ශානක ඉඟි කළේය.
ජ්‍යෙෂ්ඨ ක්‍රීඩකයින් දෙදෙනෙකු වන දිමුත් කරුණාරත්න සහ ඇන්ජලෝ මැතිව්ස් සංචිතයට ඇතුළත් කිරීම කණ්ඩායමේ සමබරතාවයට විශාල ශක්තියක් බවත් ඔවුන් දිගු ඉනිමක් අපේක්ෂා කරන්නේ නම් ඔවුන්ගේ දායකත්වය විශාල කාර්යභාරයක් ඉටු කරන බවත් දසුන් පැවසීය.
“දිමුත් කරුණාරත්න සහ ඇන්ජලෝ මැතිව්ස් සංචිතයට ඇතුළත් කිරීම විශාල ශක්තියක්. අපි දිගු ඉනිමක් ක්‍රීඩා කරනවා නම් ඔවුන්ගේ දායකත්වය විශාල කාර්යභාරයක් ඉටු කරනවා. ඔවුන් ඇතුළත් කිරීම සංචිතය ශක්තිමත් කර තිබෙනවා” දසුන් පැවසීය.
වේග පන්දු යවන ක්‍රීඩක මතීෂ පතිරණ හෙට සිය මංගල තරගයට ක්‍රීඩා කරන බව ද සුදු පන්දු නායකයා තරුණ මාලිංග හෙළි කළේය. මතීෂ පසුගියදා අවසන් වූ ඉන්දීය ප්‍රිමියර් ලීග් 2023 තරඟාවලියේදී චෙන්නායි සුපර් කිංග්ස් කණ්ඩායම සමඟ සාර්ථක ක්‍රීඩා කිරීමෙන් පසු නැවතත් ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට පැමිණ ඇත.
ඇෆ්ගනිස්තානය ජුනි 2, 4 සහ 7 යන දිනවල හම්බන්තොට MRIC ක්‍රීඩාංගණයේදී එක්දින තරග තුනකට සහභාගි වීමට නියමිතය.
ඇෆ්ගනිස්ථානය අවසන් වරට ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ එක්දින තරඟාවලියක් සඳහා සංචාරය කළේ 2022 නොවැම්බර් මාසයේදී දෙපාර්ශවය තරඟකාරී සටනක නිරත වූ අවස්ථාවේදීය. ශ්‍රී ලංකාව සහ ඇෆ්ගනිස්තානය අතර පැවති පළමු එක්දින තරගය ලකුණු 60කින් ජය ගැනීමට ඇෆ්ගනිස්තානය සමත් විය. දෙවැනි තරගයේ කිසිදු ප්‍රතිඵලයක් නොලැබීමෙන් පසු තුන්වැනි එක්දින තරගය කඩුලු 4කින් ජය ගනිමින් තරගාවලිය සම කිරීමට ශ්‍රී ලංකා ක්‍රිකට් ක්‍රීඩකයෝ සමත් වූහ.
මෙම තරඟාවලිය හම්බන්තොට ජාත්‍යන්තර පිරිමි ක්‍රිකට් ක්‍රීඩාවේ පුනරාගමනය ද සනිටුහන් කරනු ඇත, එම ස්ථානය අවසන් වරට 2020 පෙබරවාරි මස ODI තරඟයක් පවත්වනු ලැබේ.
ஆப்கானிஸ்தானுக்கு எதிரான முதல் ஒருநாள் போட்டியில் துஷான் ஹேமந்த மற்றும் மதீஷ பத்திரன ஆகியோர் களமிறங்க உள்ளனர்.
நாளை ஹம்பாந்தோட்டாவில் நடைபெறும் முதல் ஒருநாள் போட்டியில் இலங்கை ஆப்கானிஸ்தானை எதிர்கொள்ளும் போது, லெக் ஸ்பின்னர் துஷான் ஹேமந்த மற்றும் வேகப்பந்து வீச்சாளர் மதீஷ பத்திரனா ஆகியோர் முதல் ஒரு நாள் சர்வதேச அறிமுகத்தில் களமிறங்குவார்கள்.
வலது முழங்காலில் ஏற்பட்ட காயம் காரணமாக மூன்று போட்டிகள் கொண்ட தொடரில் முதல் இரண்டு ஒருநாள் போட்டிகளில் இருந்து விலகியுள்ள இலங்கையின் அதிவேக சுழற்பந்து வீச்சாளர் வனிந்து ஹசரங்க இல்லாமலேயே இலங்கை தொடக்க ஆட்டத்திற்குச் செல்லும்.
வனிந்து முதல் இரண்டு ஒருநாள் போட்டிகளில் விளையாடாததால் துஷான் ஹேமந்த சர்வதேச கிரிக்கெட்டில் அறிமுகமாகலாம்.
“வனிந்துவுக்கு காயம் இருப்பதால், துஷான் ஹேமந்தவுக்கு முதல் ஒருநாள் போட்டியில் களமிறங்குவதற்கான நல்ல வாய்ப்பு உள்ளது,” என்று இலங்கை வெள்ளை பந்து கேப்டன் தசுன் ஷனக சுட்டிக்காட்டினார்.
இரண்டு மூத்த சாதகர்களான திமுத் கருணாரத்ன மற்றும் ஏஞ்சலோ மேத்யூஸ் அணியில் சேர்க்கப்பட்டிருப்பது அணியின் சமநிலைக்கு ஒரு பெரிய ஊக்கமளிப்பதாகவும், அவர்கள் நீண்ட இன்னிங்ஸை எதிர்பார்க்கும் பட்சத்தில் அவர்களின் பங்களிப்பு பெரும் பங்கை வகிக்கும் என்றும் தசுன் கூறினார்.
திமுத் கருணார்த்னே மற்றும் ஏஞ்சலோ மேத்யூஸ் அணியில் சேர்க்கப்பட்டிருப்பது மிகப்பெரிய ஊக்கம். நாம் நீண்ட இன்னிங்ஸ் விளையாட வேண்டும் என்றால் அவர்களின் பங்களிப்பு முக்கிய பங்கு வகிக்கும். அவர்கள் சேர்க்கப்பட்டிருப்பது அணியை பலப்படுத்தியுள்ளது,” என்று தசுன் கூறினார்.
வேகப்பந்து வீச்சாளர் மதீஷா பத்திரனா நாளை தனது முதல் ஆட்டத்தில் களமிறங்குவார் என வெள்ளை பந்து கேப்டன் இளம் மலிங்காவையும் வெளிப்படுத்தினார். சமீபத்தில் முடிவடைந்த இந்தியன் பிரீமியர் லீக் 2023ல் சென்னை சூப்பர் கிங்ஸ் அணியுடன் வெற்றிகரமான ஆட்டத்திற்குப் பிறகு மதீஷா மீண்டும் இலங்கைக்கு திரும்பியுள்ளார். குறிப்பாக ஹம்பாந்தோட்டாவில் வேகப்பந்து வீச்சுக்கு ஏற்ற விக்கெட்டுகளில் அவர் தனது சிறப்பான ஆட்டத்தை தொடர விரும்புவார்.
ஜூன் 2, 4 மற்றும் 7 ஆகிய தேதிகளில் ஹம்பாந்தோட்டாவில் உள்ள எம்ஆர்ஐசி மைதானத்தில் ஆப்கானிஸ்தான் அணி மூன்று ஒருநாள் போட்டிகளில் பங்கேற்கிறது.
ஆப்கானிஸ்தான் கடைசியாக நவம்பர் 2022 இல் ஒருநாள் தொடருக்காக இலங்கைக்கு சுற்றுப்பயணம் செய்தது, அப்போது இரு அணிகளும் போட்டி போரில் ஈடுபட்டன. இலங்கைக்கு எதிரான முதல் ஒருநாள் போட்டியில் ஆப்கானிஸ்தான் அணி 60 ரன்கள் வித்தியாசத்தில் வெற்றி பெற்றது. இரண்டாவது போட்டியில் எந்த முடிவும் எட்டப்படாத நிலையில், மூன்றாவது ஒருநாள் போட்டியில் 4 விக்கெட்டுகள் வித்தியாசத்தில் வெற்றி பெற்று தொடரை சமன் செய்தது இலங்கை அணி.
இந்தத் தொடர் அம்பாந்தோட்டையில் சர்வதேச ஆண்கள் கிரிக்கெட் மீண்டும் தொடங்குவதைக் குறிக்கும், அந்த மைதானம் பிப்ரவரி 2020 இல் கடைசியாக ODI போட்டியை நடத்துகிறது.
As Sri Lanka prepares to take on Australia in the second Test in Galle, all eyes are on the pitch conditions, which appear significantly drier than in the opening match. With intense heat baking the surface over the past few days, expectations are high for a spin-friendly track that could heavily influence the outcome of the game.
Sri Lanka Aiming to Maximize Spin Advantage
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva has expressed confidence in his team’s spinners, emphasizing that Galle has historically been a venue where spin bowlers thrive. After suffering a crushing defeat in the first Test, where Australia posted 654/6 declared and Sri Lanka managed only 165 and 247, the home team is looking to bounce back by capitalizing on the turning track.
“Our strength has always been spin bowling, and history shows that spinners have been among the top wicket-takers at this venue,” said de Silva. “We hope our bowlers can use these conditions to their advantage.”
Australia Prepared for Spinning Conditions
Despite Sri Lanka’s reliance on spin, Australia has adapted remarkably well to turning pitches. In the first Test, they fielded a three-man spin attack with Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Todd Murphy—who collectively claimed 17 wickets. Their ability to exploit subcontinent conditions has been shaped by extensive preparations, including training camps in Dubai and studying India’s successful spin strategies.
Australian stand-in captain Steven Smith noted that their strategy has been influenced by India’s success in such conditions. “We’ve taken a page out of India’s playbook by using multiple spinners who can create pressure and take wickets. Having three frontline spinners allows us to rotate bowlers and keep the attack fresh, which is crucial in these conditions.”
Sri Lanka’s Batting Needs to Step Up
Sri Lanka’s batting lineup struggled against Australia’s spinners in the first Test, with many batters getting starts but failing to convert them into significant scores. De Silva stressed the importance of building big innings, similar to how Australia did in the first game.
“In the first Test, several batters got starts but didn’t go on to score centuries. This time, we need someone to anchor the innings with a 150 or 200, allowing others to bat around them and post a competitive total,” he added.
A Classic Galle Thriller on the Cards?
With both teams armed with quality spinners and a dry surface expected to break up early, the second Test could turn into a low-scoring battle of attrition. While Sri Lanka looks to bounce back and leverage home conditions, Australia is determined to continue its dominant run with a well-rounded spin strategy.
The action kicks off on Thursday, with cricket fans expecting another enthralling chapter in this exciting Test series.
Sri Lanka’s veteran opener Dimuth Karunaratne has announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking his 100th Test match against Australia in Galle as his final appearance in the longest format. The experienced left-hander, who debuted at the same venue in 2012, will step away after an illustrious 12-year career.
Reasons Behind the Decision
Karunaratne’s retirement is influenced by three key factors:
- Sri Lanka’s limited Test schedule, with only two matches scheduled until May 2026.
- A dip in form, averaging 27.05 since 2024.
- The end of the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, making it an ideal time to transition younger players into the squad.
“It felt like the right time to step away, especially with a few young players ready for the next WTC cycle. Finishing in Galle, where I started my career, makes it even more special,”
Karunaratne shared.
A Legacy in Sri Lankan Cricket
Karunaratne will become Sri Lanka’s seventh cricketer to achieve 100 Test appearances, joining legends such as Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, and Angelo Mathews.
With over 7,000 Test runs at an average close to 40, he remains Sri Lanka’s highest-scoring opener in Test history. His career highlights include:
- 16 Test centuries & 39 half-centuries
- 244 – Career-best score
- 30 Tests as captain, leading Sri Lanka to a historic 2-0 Test series win in South Africa (2019)
- Played 50 ODIs, including leading Sri Lanka in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup
What’s Next for Karunaratne?
Now residing in Melbourne, Karunaratne has expressed interest in coaching after a break from cricket. “I’d love to get involved again in the game,” he stated, hinting at a future role in cricket development.
As Sri Lanka prepares to face Australia in the second Test, Karunaratne’s farewell at Galle International Stadium will be an emotional moment for Sri Lankan cricket fans.
The much-anticipated 14th Battle of the Hindus Inter-School Big Match between Hindu College, Jaffna, and Hindu College, Colombo, is set to take place on February 7-8 at the Hindu College Grounds in Jaffna. This historic encounter, which first began in 1982, continues to celebrate the rich cricketing legacy and camaraderie between these two prestigious institutions.
Sponsors and Legacy
The 2025 edition is proudly sponsored by Janashakthi Group (title sponsor) and SLIIT Northern University (platinum sponsor), further elevating the significance of the event. Over the years, both schools have demonstrated remarkable performances, securing three wins each, while seven matches ended in draws.
A Tradition of Excellence
Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, Hindu College, Jaffna Principal, Ratnam Senthilmaran, highlighted the immense contributions of both schools in shaping influential figures in academics, sports, and various professional fields.
Meanwhile, Hindu College, Colombo Principal, K. Nagenthra, emphasized that this annual fixture represents more than just cricket—it is a symbol of brotherhood, sportsmanship, and shared cultural heritage, uniting Hinduites across generations.
Excitement Builds for the 2025 Edition
With the stage set for another thrilling chapter in this historic rivalry, cricket fans can expect a fiercely competitive match filled with passion and pride. Stay tuned for all the latest updates on Sri Lankan Sports TV!
📲 Follow us for more updates: https://srilankansportstv.com
Sri Lanka vs Australia 2nd Test: Spin to Dominate as Galle Pitch Set to Turn
Dimuth Karunaratne to Retire After 100th Test Against Australia in Galle
Battle of the Hindus 2025: Jaffna vs. Colombo Clash Set for February 7-8
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