News

Chamari led Sri Lanka creates history in South Africa

Published

2 years ago

April 4, 2024

Editor

Sri Lanka Women’s tour of South Africa 2024 (Third T20I)

Sri Lanka Women’s team made history by defeating South Africa Women’s by four wickets and winning the three-match T20I series 2-1 at Buffalo Park in East London on Wednesday (3).

The win also marked as the the first time that Sri Lanka have beaten South Africa in a limited over series.

The home team batted first and scored 155 for six, but the visitors successfully chased down the target by finishing on 156 for six, marking the highest successful run chase in a T20I at Buffalo Park.

Chamari Athapathtu, the captain of Sri Lanka, was the top-scorer with 73 runs. Her partnership of 97 runs for the second wicket with Harshita Samarawickrama set the stage for the victory.

Earlier Sri Lanka were off to a shaky, following Nonkululeko Mlaba’s early breakthrough in the second over, as Wolvaardt executed a running catch to dismiss inform Vishmi Gunaratne for one (3b).

Following a early set back Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama then stabilized the innings, scoring briskly in an effort to achieve the highest successful run chase in a T20I at Buffalo Park.

Their 50-run partnership (35 balls) was reached in the seventh over. In the process Athapaththu reached her ninth T20I half-century, her third against South Africa, with a massive six in the tenth over.

The second wicket partnership (97 runs) was eventually broken at 102 when Marizanne Kapp bowled Athapathtu for 73 off just 46 deliveries (7×4, 5×6). Sri Lanka suffered their third wicket loss ten runs later as Kavisha Dilhari was dismissed for one, caught by De Klerk off the bowling of Eliz-Mari Marx. With five overs remaining, Sri Lanka needed 35 runs to secure victory.

Hasini Perera (10) was dismissed by Tumi Sekhukhune, claiming the fourth Sri Lankan wicket to reduce the visitors for 136-4.

With 19 runs required in the last two overs, Sri Lanka were struck with another wicket when Nilakshika Silva (12) was bowled by De Klerk. To make things worse for the Lankans De Klerk uprooted the wickets of Anuskhka Sanjeewani in the very next ball to keep the game wide open.

However despite a late drama experienced campaigner Harahitha Samarawickrama stood firm and make sure no further hiccups as she took her team over the line with 5 balls to spare.

Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 54 runs off 43 balls, including 4 boundaries and 1 six.

Earlier batting first, South Africa had a decent start with a partnership of 37 runs for the first wicket between Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits.

Brits was dismissed by Sugandika Kumari after scoring 7 runs off 9 balls with 1 boundary. The Proteas lost their second wicket at a score of 51 when Kapp was caught and bowled by Udeshika Prabodhani, scoring 8 runs off 5 balls with 2 boundaries.

Following the breakthrough South Africa witnessed a middle order collapse as they lost wickets in crucial juncture of the game.

However, a quick fire of 25 ball 44 runs from the bat of Nadine de Klerk steadied South Africa innings as they reached fighting 155-6 in their allotted 20 Overs.

Laura Wolvaardt smashed a blistering 50 runs off 53 deliveries from top of the order to strengthen South Africa Chances to a series win.

Following the conclusion of the T20I series the two sides will move to the ODI’s scheduled to begin on Tuesday 9 April at Buffalo Park.

Cricket

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand in T20 World Cup: Head-to-Head Record, Past Results & Winning Trends

Published

6 hours ago

February 24, 2026

Editor

As Sri Lanka prepare to face New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, history shows a competitive rivalry — but one where the Black Caps hold a slight statistical edge.

Here’s a closer look at the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand head-to-head record, their T20 World Cup results, and recent winning momentum.

Overall T20 Head-to-Head Record

Total Matches: 28
New Zealand Wins: 16
Sri Lanka Wins: 11
No Result: 1

New Zealand have won 57% of the encounters, giving them the overall advantage. However, Sri Lanka have delivered key performances on the World Cup stage.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand – T20 World Cup History

2007 – Sri Lanka’s Dominant Chase

Johannesburg
New Zealand: 164/7
Sri Lanka: 168/3 (18.5 overs)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets

Sanath Jayasuriya’s 61 guided Sri Lanka to a comfortable chase. It remains one of Sri Lanka’s strongest T20 World Cup wins over New Zealand.

2010 – Last-Ball Drama

Providence
Sri Lanka: 135/6
New Zealand: 139/8 (19.5 overs)
Result: New Zealand won by 2 wickets

Sri Lanka defended hard, but New Zealand held their nerve to win with one ball remaining.

2012 – Thriller in Pallekele

Pallekele
New Zealand: 174/7
Sri Lanka: 174/6
Match tied – Sri Lanka won Super Over

One of the most dramatic T20 World Cup games between the two sides. Sri Lanka held their composure in the Super Over on home soil.

2022 – New Zealand’s Big Win

Sydney
New Zealand: 167/7
Sri Lanka: 102 all out
Result: New Zealand won by 65 runs

A heavy defeat for Sri Lanka, marked by a batting collapse while chasing 168.

Recent Form Comparison

New Zealand – Last 5 Matches

W, W, L, W, Abandoned
Strong consistency
Clinical in pressure situations

Sri Lanka – Last 5 Matches

W, W, W, L, L
Positive run earlier
Slight dip in recent matches

New Zealand appear slightly more consistent heading into recent contests, while Sri Lanka’s form has fluctuated.

Key Trends from Past Meetings

Sri Lanka Succeed When Chasing Well

Both their World Cup successes (2007 and 2012 Super Over) came when they handled pressure calmly.

New Zealand Dominate with Bowling Discipline

In 2010 and 2022, New Zealand’s structured bowling attacks made the difference.

Big Margins Favour New Zealand

Sri Lanka’s wins tend to be controlled or tight.
New Zealand’s wins often come through dominant bowling or strong finishing.

Winning Edge: Who Holds It

New Zealand Advantage: Overall record, recent dominant World Cup win (2022), balanced bowling attack.
Sri Lanka Advantage: Ability to thrive in pressure moments, strong spin resources, better familiarity with subcontinental conditions.

Final Analysis

New Zealand hold the statistical upper hand in T20 internationals and recent World Cup meetings. However, Sri Lanka have proven they can rise in high-pressure tournament moments — particularly when chasing or playing at home.

For Sri Lanka to shift the balance, they must:

Avoid middle-order collapses
Strike early in the Powerplay
Control New Zealand’s middle overs
Execute death bowling with precision

With history showing close contests and dramatic finishes, the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand rivalry remains one of the more balanced matchups in T20 World Cup cricket.

Cricket

England Begin Super Eights with Statement Win as Sri Lanka Falter in Chase

Published

2 days ago

February 22, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka’s Super Eight campaign at the T20 World Cup 2026 suffered a major blow in Kandy on Sunday, as co-hosts fell to a comprehensive 51-run defeat against England cricket team, leaving their semi-final prospects under pressure.

Electing to field first on a slow pitch at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka’s bowlers made early inroads and restricted England to 146/9, defending a modest total with a disciplined effort that saw several tight overs in the middle phase.

Phil Salt was the standout performer with the bat for England, anchoring their innings with a crucial 62 off 36 balls, while other batters struggled to accelerate.

However, it was England’s bowling and fielding — led by an impressive all-round showing from Will Jacks — that ultimately decided the contest. Jacks’ left-arm spin delivered a match-turning spell of 3/22 in four overs, and he also chipped in with vital lower-order runs that helped tilt the momentum fully in England’s favour.

“I thought we executed our plans really well with the ball,” Jacks said after being named Player of the Match. “We knew the conditions would be tough, and credit to our bowlers for sticking to their lengths and building pressure.”

Sri Lanka’s Chase Falls Apart

Chasing a target of 147, Sri Lanka never recovered from a top-order collapse. After losing early wickets in the Powerplay, the home side slumped to 34/5, leaving the middle and lower order with an uphill task.

Captain Dasun Shanaka was among the few who offered resistance, scoring a gritty 30, but there was little support around him as the innings deteriorated rapidly. Sri Lanka were eventually bundled out for 95 in 16.4 overs, failing to adapt to England’s bowling pressure on a slow surface.

“It’s disappointing,” Shanaka said post-match. “We knew runs wouldn’t come easy, but we didn’t build partnerships. We let ourselves down in crucial moments.”

What It Means for Sri Lanka

England’s victory gives them a valuable boost in Super Eight Group 2, strengthening their bid for a semi-final spot. For Sri Lanka, the loss raises questions about their batting depth and ability to chase under pressure, especially after entering the Super Eights with solid momentum from the group stage.

With their next match looming, Sri Lanka must regroup quickly if they are to keep their World Cup ambitions alive on home soil.

Cricket

Sri Lanka Stunned by Zimbabwe Despite 178 as Bowling Falters in Colombo

Published

5 days ago

February 19, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup campaign suffered a major setback as they went down to Zimbabwe by six wickets at the R. Premadasa Stadium — a result few predicted before the first ball was bowled.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Sri Lanka posted what appeared to be a competitive 178/7. But defensive bowling and a lack of control in key moments allowed Zimbabwe to chase down 179 with three balls to spare, finishing on 182/4 in 19.3 overs.

Where Sri Lanka Lost the Game

Strong Start, Poor Finish with the Bat

Sri Lanka flew out of the blocks, scoring 61 runs in the Powerplay.

Pathum Nissanka led the charge with a fluent 62 off 41 balls.
The opening stand raced to 54 inside five overs.

However, momentum dipped sharply in the middle overs:

Kusal Mendis struggled (14 off 20).
The run rate slowed between overs 7–14.
Despite a late push from Pavan Rathnayake (44 off 25), Sri Lanka managed only 28 runs in the final three overs.

From a position of dominance at 108/2, they could not push beyond the 185–190 mark — a total that, in hindsight, proved costly.

Failure to Strike Early with the Ball

Zimbabwe’s chase was built on a solid foundation:

55 runs in the Powerplay without losing a wicket.
69-run opening stand removed early pressure.

Sri Lanka never truly regained control.

The Raza–Bennett Counterattack

The turning point came when captain Sikandar Raza launched a brutal counterattack:

45 off 26 balls
4 sixes
50-run partnership in just 27 balls

Brian Bennett anchored the chase superbly with an unbeaten 63 off 48.

Raza’s assault in overs 15–18 shifted the momentum completely, taking the game away from Sri Lanka just when it seemed evenly poised.

Bowling Concerns Under Lights

Sri Lanka’s bowling lacked penetration:

Maheesh Theekshana conceded 47 in 3.3 overs (13.42 economy).
No early breakthroughs from the seamers.
Only one Powerplay wicket across both innings combined.

On a Colombo surface that slowed slightly, Zimbabwe adapted better, rotating strike efficiently before accelerating at the death.

Key Numbers That Hurt Sri Lanka

Zimbabwe Powerplay: 55/0
Sri Lanka Powerplay wickets: 0
Zimbabwe scored 150 in just 16.1 overs
Sri Lanka conceded 9.33 runs per over in the chase

What This Means

Sri Lanka entered as favourites, especially batting first at home. But tactical lapses, middle-over stagnation, and expensive spells under pressure proved decisive.

Zimbabwe, disciplined with the ball and fearless in the chase, fully deserved their two points.

For Sri Lanka, questions now emerge: