Cricket

We have opportunity of securing spot in WTC final – Sanath

Published

1 year ago

November 22, 2024

Editor

Sri Lanka Test Tour of South Africa 2024

Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya acknowledged the significant challenges awaiting his team as they prepare for a crucial two-match Test series against South Africa, starting 29 November. The first Test will be played at Kingsmead, Durban, starting 29 November, with the second Test at St. George’s Park, Gqeberha.

Jayasuriya, along with selection committee head Upul Tharanga, who was also present at a media briefing at SLC headquarters on Thursday, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and stressed the importance of these Tests in securing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

“The two Tests in South Africa will be a huge challenge. We know what’s in front of us, but we believe we can do well in these games. We are giving our 100% effort, and the players are fully committed to representing their country with pride,” Sanath said, highlighting the upcoming challenge of playing in South Africa.

Following a 2-0 victory over New Zealand in their last Test series at home, Sri Lanka remains in contention for a place in the WTC final at Lord’s. Their remaining matches include Tests against South Africa and Australia, both of whom are also in the race. A clean sweep of these four games would secure Sri Lanka 69.23%, ensuring a spot in the final. Winning three and losing one would still leave them with a chance at 61.54%, depending on other results.

Sanath also noted the challenge of not having a practice match before the South Africa series due to scheduling constraints. “We were playing in Sri Lanka until just two days ago, so we won’t be able to get a practice match in South Africa. However, most of the red-ball cricketers, including the captain, have been in South Africa for two weeks to adjust to the conditions. We’re doing our best to acclimatize, even without a practice game. It would have been ideal, but unfortunately, the calendar didn’t allow it.”

Sanath also praised Pathum Nissanka for his exceptional form across all formats. “The way Pathum works in the nets is unbelievable. His commitment to improving his batting and addressing weak areas is impressive. He has an incredible work ethic, and I’m very happy with him. Not just Pathum, but the entire batting unit has been working hard and giving their best.”

Meanwhile, Tharanga explained the decision to include Lasith Embuldeniya in the squad after a long absence. “Although Embuldeniya wasn’t in recent squads, he has remained part of our system. We’ve looked at how our spinners have performed overseas, and one area of concern is that they’ve struggled to take wickets abroad. Given Embuldeniya’s recent domestic form and his success against South Africa during the historic 2019 series win, we felt it was the right time to bring him back.”

Sanath also responded to a question about his experience as head coach of the national team. “It’s a mix of emotions – stress, happiness, sadness – everything is there. It’s not easy. Sometimes things go our way, sometimes they don’t, so we need to plan accordingly. But I’m enjoying it. My support staff is giving me their full support, which is very important for me to do this job. The players have gone through a difficult period, but now they’ve come out of it. They know how to get themselves up for cricket, and they’re working hard, enjoying the game, and grabbing every opportunity.”

The Test tour to South Africa is part of the World Test Championship cycle for 2023-2025. Both teams will be aiming for a place in the WTC final with a series win.

The team is set to depart on 22 November.

Cricket

Croospulle’s Century Powers Sri Lanka ‘A’ to Comfortable Win

Published

7 minutes ago

April 8, 2026

Editor

A brilliant century from Lasith Croospulle guided Sri Lanka ‘A’ to a convincing 44-run victory over New Zealand ‘A’ in the second unofficial ODI played in Hambantota.

After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka ‘A’ posted a formidable 368/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Croospulle led the charge with a brilliant 103 off 76 balls, striking 13 fours and six sixes in an aggressive display. He was well supported by Sonal Dinusha, who hammered 93 off 77 deliveries, and captain Sahan Arachchige, who contributed a solid 74. The top order maintained a high scoring rate throughout, consistently putting pressure on the visiting bowlers. Despite a few wickets falling at regular intervals, the hosts kept the momentum intact to reach an imposing total.

In response, New Zealand ‘A’ faced a revised target of 203 in 28 overs but managed only 158/3. Curtis Heaphy top-scored with an unbeaten 53, while Dale Phillips added 34. However, the required run rate proved too steep as Sri Lanka ‘A’ bowlers maintained control. Dilshan Madushanka struck early, and Milan Rathnayaka and Ravindu Fernando chipped in with key wickets to restrict the chase.

Cricket

Sri Lanka U19 Women suffer narrow defeat in thrilling encounter

Published

2 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka U19 Women suffered their first defeat of the tri-series after a dramatic one-wicket loss to Australia U19 Women in Match 3 of the Under-19 Women’s Tri-Series in Australia.

Batting first, Sri Lanka U19 Women posted a modest total of 174 in 49.3 overs. The innings was built around a patient 25 off 56 balls by V. Balasuriya and a brisk 20 from U. Peiris, but the side struggled to build lasting partnerships. Australia’s bowling attack kept things tight throughout, with M. Barwick leading the effort with an impressive 3 for 22, well supported by disciplined spells from the rest of the unit.

In response, Australia U19 Women chased down the target in 43.1 overs, finishing at 175 for 9 in a nail-biting finish. A. Dermody anchored the innings with a crucial 59 off 81 deliveries, while I. Panelli added a valuable unbeaten 37 off 43 balls to guide the hosts over the line.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers made a strong effort to defend the total, led by A. Thalagune’s outstanding five-wicket haul (5 for 42), which kept the contest alive until the final moments. N. Upeksha also provided excellent support with 3 for 5, applying pressure during the middle overs.

Cricket

Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi blitz helps Royals continue winning streak

Published

13 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Editor

A breathtaking opening assault from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi powered Rajasthan Royals to their third consecutive victory in the Indian Premier League 2026, as they defeated Mumbai Indians by 27 runs in a high-octane 11-over contest in Guwahati.

After being asked to bat, Rajasthan came out firing on all cylinders. Jaiswal was at his explosive best, smashing 77 off just 32 balls, peppered with 10 fours and four sixes. He found an able partner in Sooryavanshi, who produced a stunning cameo of 39 from only 14 deliveries, including five towering sixes. The duo stitched together a rapid 80-run opening stand in under five overs, setting the tone for a massive total.

Despite a brief slowdown following a couple of wickets from AM Ghazanfar, contributions from skipper Riyan Parag ensured the Royals finished strongly at 150/3.

Chasing 151 in a shortened game, Mumbai never truly recovered from early setbacks. Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma struck crucial blows upfront, removing key batters including Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav cheaply.

A late flourish from Sherfane Rutherford, who hammered 25 off just eight balls, briefly raised hopes, but disciplined bowling from Ravi Bishnoi and Nandre Burger kept things in control.
Mumbai Indians eventually finished at 123/9, falling well short.