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Avishka, Dasun, and Akila make a comeback as SL names a strong 17-member squad

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Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka 2024 (ODI)

Wanindu Hasaranga is doubtful

Sri Lanka named a strong 17-member squad led by Kusal Mendis to face Zimbabwe in the home series scheduled to begin on November 6 in RPS, Colombo. The experienced Charith Asalanka steps into the role of vice-captain.

The squad consists of some top talents, including Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dushmantha Chameera, to name a few.

Avishka Fernando, Nuwanindu Fernando, Sahan Archchige, Janith Liyanage, Akila Dhanajaya, and Jeffrey Vandersay have made the cut to the final 17 men’s squad, while

Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karaunaratne, Chamika Gunasekara, and Asitha Fernando, who were named in the preliminary squads, have been dropped.

Sri Lanka boasts a decent batting line-up, with Pathum Nissanka set to open along with Avishka Fernando, followed by skipper Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dasun Shanaka.

In the bowling department, Jeffrey Vandersay and Dushmantha Chameera lead the charge, supported by promising bowlers Dunith Wellalage and Pramod Madushan, enhancing the team’s bowling options.

The spin division will rely on the skills of Akila Dhananjaya, pending Wanindu Hasaranga’s fitness, and Maheesh Theekshana. Additionally, the squad introduces Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwanindu Fernando, and Janith Liyanage, offering further depth.

Meanwhile, the availability of the T20I skipper and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is doubtful for the ODI series since he has yet to fully gain his fitness after undergoing surgery earlier. However, Wanindu is currently playing in the SLC limited-over tournament for CCC.

Fixtures:

1st ODI: January 6, 2024, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

2nd ODI: January 8, 2024, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

3rd ODI: January 11, 2024, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (C), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwanindu Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dhananjaya, and Wanindu Hasaranga (subject to fitness)

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Ceylon Masters Badminton Championships 2026 Entry Deadline Extended Until June 3

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The Organizing Committee of the Ceylon Masters International Badminton Championships 2026 has announced an extension of the tournament entry deadline, giving players additional time to register for one of the region’s premier masters badminton events.

According to the organizers, the revised closing date for entries is June 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The extension is expected to provide greater flexibility for players who have yet to complete their registration process.

The championship is set to attract a large number of masters badminton players from around the world, who will converge in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a highly competitive international tournament. The event has steadily grown in stature and is now regarded as a key fixture on the global masters badminton calendar.

Tournament officials have encouraged interested players to take advantage of the extended deadline and secure their participation before entries officially close. They emphasized that the championship offers competitors a valuable opportunity to test their skills against international opponents while experiencing Sri Lanka’s renowned hospitality and sporting culture.

With strong local and overseas interest already evident, organizers expect another successful edition of the tournament and have urged players not to miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting international badminton championship.

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Cricket

Virat Kohli half-century and bowlers help RCB retain IPL title

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their IPL crown with a composed five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final, powered by a masterful unbeaten 75 from Virat Kohli and a disciplined bowling performance.

After being asked to bat first, Gujarat Titans struggled to build momentum against a relentless RCB attack and were restricted to 155 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.

The Titans lost both openers early as Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Sai Sudharsan and skipper Shubman Gill inside the first four overs. Nishant Sindhu briefly resisted with 20, but wickets fell at regular intervals as RCB tightened their grip on the contest.

Washington Sundar stood firm amid the collapse, producing a fighting unbeaten 50 off 37 deliveries that featured five boundaries. However, he received little support from the middle order. Rasikh Salam emerged as the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures of 3 for 27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood claimed two wickets apiece. Krunal Pandya also chipped in with a crucial scalp as Gujarat finished below a par total.

In reply, RCB got off to a flying start through Venkatesh Iyer, who blasted 32 from just 16 balls. Although the defending champions lost a few quick wickets in the middle overs, Kohli anchored the chase with another vintage innings under pressure.

The veteran star struck nine fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, controlling the innings with a blend of aggression and composure. Rajat Patidar contributed 15, while Tim David added a valuable 24 before falling with the target in sight.

Kohli then guided RCB home alongside wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, who remained unbeaten on 11, as Bengaluru reached 161 for 5 in just 18 overs.

The victory secured back-to-back IPL titles for RCB and once again highlighted Kohli’s enduring class on the biggest stage.

Brief Scores:
Gujarat Titans 155/8 in 20 overs (Washington Sundar 50; Rasikh Salam 3/27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/29, Josh Hazlewood 2/37) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 161/5 in 18 overs (Virat Kohli 75, Venkatesh Iyer 32, Tim David 24; Rashid Khan 2/25) by five wickets.

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Athletics

Tarushi Abisheka Wins Gold for Sri Lanka at Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships

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Sri Lankan athlete Tarushi Abisheka secured a gold medal in the girls’ 1500m event at the Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships currently being held in Hong Kong on Thursday (May 28).

Abisheka delivered an impressive performance to finish first with a timing of 4 minutes and 31.41 seconds, bringing glory to Sri Lanka on the international stage.

Iran’s Maryam Baluoutaki claimed the silver medal, while South Korea’s Song Dawson finished in third place to secure the bronze.

The talented Sri Lankan middle-distance runner is also competing in the 800m event at the championship.

The Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships has attracted athletes from 40 countries, competing across 46 events.

Sri Lanka has fielded a 22-member contingent for the tournament, consisting of 15 male athletes and seven female athletes.

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