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Ryan Hicks guides Australia to a comprehensive win with a brilliant half-century
Under-19 World Cup 2024
Australia secured a resounding 6-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their final group game of the ongoing Under-19 World Cup at Mangaunh Oval, Bloemfontein on Sunday (28), thanks to an outstanding knock by Ryan Hicks.
Chasing a target of 208 runs, Australia got off to a flying start with Harry Dixon and Sam Konstas forming a solid opening partnership of 71 runs. However, Vishva Lahiru managed to break through and dismiss Dixon for 49, which slowed down Australia’s progress.
Sri Lanka struck again soon after, with left-arm spinner Lahiru sending back the in-form skipper Hugh Weibgen for just three runs in his next over. Malsha Tharupathi added to Australia’s woes by taking the wicket of Konstas for 23 in the following over.
With Australia struggling at 3-80, Harjas Singh and Ryan Hicks steadied the innings with a 49-run partnership. Harjas displayed solid defense, while Hicks played positively and accumulated runs. However, a sharp piece of fielding from wicketkeeper Shanmuganathan caught Harjas short of the crease off Jayawardena, giving Sri Lanka an opening.
With the game hanging in the balance, Ryan Hicks and Tom Cambell took control and put on a crucial 82-run partnership for the fifth wicket, ensuring no further setbacks for Australia.
Ryan Hicks led from the front with an unbeaten knock of 77 runs, which included 7 boundaries. Tom Cambell also played a valuable innings of 33 not out, helping his team cross the finish line with 7 balls to spare.
Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka elected to bat but could only manage a modest total of 208-all out, with Dinura Kalupahana top-scoring with a half-century. The Sri Lankan innings lacked firepower, with none of their batsmen posing a significant threat except for Kalupahana, who played a lone hand with an impressive innings of 64 runs off 78 balls, including 6 boundaries and 3 sixes.
Dinura’s performance was commendable, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Australia from securing a comprehensive victory.
Kalupahana also formed a 46-run partnership with Ravishan de Silva for the 5th wicket. However, the middle order collapsed once again, resulting in Sri Lanka being reduced to 7-172 before being bowled out for 208 runs.
Player of the Match, Ryan Hicks, shared his thoughts on the game, stating, “The plan was to take control of the game and bat positively. We wanted to avoid consecutive dot balls as it becomes difficult to recover from that. Campbell and I decided to keep the runs flowing against the spinners and then take advantage against the pacers.”
With this win, Australia remains unbeaten and advances to the super six stage. They will face England and West Indies at the Kimberley Oval on January 31 and February 2.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, who finished 2nd in the group, also secures their spot in the super six stage. They will face West Indies on Tuesday (30) and South Africa on February 02.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka: 208 all out (49.5 overs) (Dinura Kalupahana 64, Ravishan de Silva 30, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 21, Callum Vidler 3-28, Mahli Beardman 2-30, Tom Campbell 2-47)
Australia: (Ryan Hicks 77, Harry Dixon 49, Tom Campbell 33, Vishwa Lahiru 2-24).
Colombo | Friday, 13 June 2025 | Kickoff: 4:00 PM (IST)
Sri Lanka will kick off their Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025 Pool A campaign this Friday (13th June) at ARMC #1 in Colombo, taking on higher-ranked South Korea in a crucial Round 1 encounter.
This marks South Korea’s first match of the tournament, while Sri Lanka enters the game high on confidence, following a resounding 59-19 win against Malaysia on April 19 at the Racecourse Ground, Colombo.
However, the Lankan Lions face a potential setback, with skipper Nigel Ratwatte possibly missing the match due to illness. Sources close to the team confirm that Nigel is recovering from a fever and remains a game-time decision. His absence could leave a leadership gap as Sri Lanka look to challenge a technically sound South Korean outfit.
World Rugby Rankings Ahead of the Clash:
- South Korea: Ranked 35th, 50.77 points
- Sri Lanka: Ranked 39th, 47.99 points
The upcoming match is not only vital for tournament progression but also crucial for World Rugby ranking points, with Sri Lanka having a golden opportunity to close the gap on their Pool A rivals.
With the home crowd behind them and recent form in their favour, Sri Lanka will be hoping for a strong start—even without their inspirational skipper.
June 11, Lord’s – ICC World Test Championship Final
The much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 kicked off at Lord’s with South Africa taking early control by reducing Australia to 67/4 at lunch on Day 1.
After winning the toss and electing to field first under overcast conditions, South Africa’s pace attack made immediate inroads into Australia’s top order. Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers in the opening session, claiming 2 wickets for 27 runs in 7.2 overs. Wiaan Mulder offered excellent support, keeping things tight with 3 maidens in his 6-over spell.
Australia Struggle Under Pressure
Veteran batter Steve Smith remained at the crease with a fighting 26 off 51 balls, trying to anchor the innings after early setbacks. He will be joined by Travis Head (11*) as Australia looks to rebuild post-lunch.
Current Score: Australia 67/4 (23.2 overs)
Fall of Wickets: 67/4
Session: Day 1 – Lunch
World Test Championship 2023–25 Standings (Before Final)
| Pos | Team | Pld | Pts | PCT (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 12 | 100 | 69.44 |
| 2 | Australia | 19 | 154 | 67.54 |
| 3 | India | 19 | 114 | 50.00 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 14 | 81 | 48.21 |
| 5 | England | 22 | 114 | 43.18 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 13 | 60 | 38.46 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 12 | 45 | 31.25 |
| 8 | West Indies | 13 | 44 | 28.21 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 14 | 47 | 27.98 |
Top 2 teams qualify for the final. Teams are ranked by percentage of points won. Points deductions apply for slow over rates.
Top Performers This Cycle
Batting Leaders:
- Joe Root (ENG) – 1,968 runs | Avg: 54.66 (40 innings)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND) – 1,798 runs | Avg: 52.88 (36 innings)
- Ben Duckett (ENG) – [Stats not fully available]
Bowling Leaders:
- Jasprit Bumrah (IND) – 77 wickets | Avg: 15.09 (28 innings)
- Pat Cummins (AUS) – 73 wickets | Avg: 24.54 (33 innings)
- Mitchell Starc (AUS) – 72 wickets | Avg: 27.27 (35 innings)
Sri Lanka’s Position
Sri Lanka sits at 6th on the table with 60 points from 13 matches and a 38.46% win rate. With one more cycle ahead before the next WTC final in 2027, the Lions have plenty to play for as they look to rise up the rankings.
Colombo, June 11 – Sri Lanka bounced back in style in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with a commanding 3–1 victory over Chinese Taipei in their Group D clash held in Colombo. The win comes as a crucial lifeline for the Lions, who are now level on points with Thailand and firmly in the race for qualification.
After a narrow defeat in their opening match against Thailand, Sri Lanka showcased character, discipline, and attacking flair against a struggling Chinese Taipei side.
De Silva Shines Bright for Sri Lanka
The star of the night was undoubtedly Dillon De Silva, who delivered a match-winning performance. He provided an early assist for Wazeem Razeek before scoring a stunning goal to put Sri Lanka ahead 2–0. De Silva continued to dictate the game and capped off his night with a second assist in the final stages, wrapping up a well-deserved victory for the home side.
“This win is a turning point for us. We showed heart and belief. Our fans deserved this,” said De Silva after the match.
Group D Standings After Matchday 2
Position Team Played W–D–L Goals (F–A) GD Points
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turkmenistan | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 6 |
| 2 | Thailand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 3 |
| 4 | Chinese Taipei | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 |
The group remains wide open, with Sri Lanka now needing strong results against both Thailand and Turkmenistan to keep their hopes alive for a historic qualification to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
What’s Next?
Sri Lanka will next face group leaders Turkmenistan in a crucial encounter. With momentum back on their side and home support growing, the national team will look to carry this energy forward and push for qualification glory.
Sri Lanka Set to Face South Korea in Asia Rugby Men’s Championship – Skipper Nigel in Doubt
AUS 67/4 at Lunch as South Africa Dominate Early on Day 1 of WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s
Sri Lanka Roars Back in AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with 3–1 Victory Over Chinese Taipei
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