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Asalanka’s brilliance help Sri Lanka take unassailable 2-0 lead

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Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka 2024

In the second One-Day International on Sunday, Sri Lanka achieved a resounding 155-run victory over Afghanistan, solidifying their unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series worked off at Pallekele international cricket stadium, Kandy.

Despite being set a target of 309 to level the series, Afghanistan faltered and was bowled out for 153 in just 34 overs, with leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga shining with four wickets.

At one stage, Afghanistan seemed well-positioned at 128 for one in their pursuit of the target, thanks to Rahmat Shah’s 54 and Ibrahim Zadran’s 63.

However, once these two batsmen were perished, the rest of the Afghan batters offered little resistance.

The partnership between Rahmat and Ibrahim had added 97 runs for the second wicket, but Asitha Fernando, playing his first ODI in 15 months, got the breakthrough by dismissing Ibrahim caught behind.

Hasaranga then made his magic work as he took two wickets in one over, trapping Rahmat leg-before-wicket and bowling captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.

The seamers also contributed, with impressive Dilshan Madushanka taking two wickets in an over and Fernando ending with two wickets as well.

Sri Lanka’s dominance was evident as Afghanistan collapsed, losing eight wickets for just 10 runs, all under the lights.

Earlier electing to bat first, Sri Lanka had a poor start, losing the openers early on.
However following the early set back, Captain Kusal Mendis (61) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (52) contributed with half-centuries, but both fell to poor strokes.

Following wickets at regular intervals put Sri Lanka on the back foot however vice captain Charith Asalanka along with Janith Liyanage (50) revived Sri Lanka’s innings with a 111 runs partnership for the fifth wicket.

Asalanka also batted until the death overs which in the process he also engaged in a 50 run partnership for the sixth with his school buddy Wanindu Hasaranga (14).

Asalanka’s impressive performance in the last 10 overs saw him score 62 runs in just 35 balls, finishing with a score of unbeaten 97 off 74 balls to make sure Sri Lanka reach a decent total of 308-6 in their alotted 50 overs.

Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai was the standout bowler, taking three wickets.

The two sides will next meet in the third and final ODI on Wednesday at the same venue.

Sri Lanka had previously won the sole Test of the tour by 10 wickets. Following the ODI series, the two sides will travel to Dambulla for three T20 matches.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 309/6 in 50 overs (Charith Asalanka 97*, Kusal Mendis 61, Sadeera Samarawickrama 52; Azmatullah Omarzai 3-56) beat Afghanistan 153 in 33.5 overs (Rahmat Shah 63, Ibrahim Zadran 54; Wanindu Hasaranga 4-27) by 155 runs.

Cricket

Sri Lanka U19 Women Shine with Third Straight Win in Tri-Series

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Sri Lanka Under-19 Women continued their impressive run in the Tri-Series in Australia, securing their third consecutive victory with a commanding 35-run win over England in Match 8.

Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a modest total of 104 for 8 in their 20 overs. Despite early pressure, valuable contributions from V. Balasuriya, who scored a steady 34 off 40 balls, and S. Kavindi with 26 off 33 deliveries helped stabilize the innings. England’s bowling attack was led by E. Bristowe, who delivered an excellent spell, claiming 3 wickets for just 15 runs.

In response, England struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling unit. The innings was wrapped up in 16.3 overs, falling well short of the target. A. Oliver top-scored with 16 runs, while S. Patil added 12, but the rest of the lineup failed to make significant contributions.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers were outstanding, with V. Weerappuli taking 2 for 6, supported by strong performances from L. Thilakarathne and P. Methsara, who picked up key wickets to dismantle the opposition.

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Sri Lanka Name Strong Squad for Bangladesh Tour 2026

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Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a strong women’s squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, with Chamari Athapaththu appointed as captain for both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is). The tour will feature three ODIs and three T20Is, providing valuable international exposure ahead of a busy season.

Women’s team

The ODI series is scheduled to be played in Rajshahi on April 20, 22, and 25, while the T20I matches will take place in Sylhet on April 28 and 30, and May 2.

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The squad includes experienced players such as Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Nilakshika Silva, alongside promising talents like Kaveesha Dilhari and Sugandika Kumari. The selectors have also included emerging players such as Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunaratne, and Kaushini Nuthyangana to strengthen the lineup.

Notably, the ODI and T20I squads remain largely consistent, with a few changes including the inclusion of Rashmika Sewwandi, Mithali Ayodhya, and Nimesha Madushani for the shorter format.

ODI Squad:

Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Hasini Perera, Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Piumi Wathsala, Kaveesha Dilhari, Dewmi Vihanga, Malki Madara, Kawya Kavindi, Chethana Vimukthi, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari

T20I Squad:
Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Hasini Perera, Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kaveesha Dilhari, Dewmi Vihanga, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, Nimesha Madushani

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Dinesh Chandimal Joins Quetta Gladiators as Replacement for Bevon Jacobs in PSL Boost

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Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Chandimal is set to join the Quetta Gladiators, stepping in as a replacement for Bevon Jacobs, who has departed the squad to fulfill national team commitments. The experienced cricketer brings valuable international exposure and stability to the Gladiators as they prepare for the next phase of the Pakistan Super League.

Chandimal is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan shortly, with expectations high that he will integrate quickly into the team environment. His inclusion comes at a crucial time in the tournament, where consistency and depth in the batting lineup can make a significant difference.

Known for his composure under pressure and ability to anchor innings, Chandimal is likely to strengthen both the batting order and the wicketkeeping department. The Gladiators will be hoping his presence adds balance to the squad as they aim to improve their standing in the competition and push for a strong finish in the league.

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