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Dimuth Karunaratne to Retire After 100th Test Against Australia in Galle

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Sri Lanka’s veteran opener Dimuth Karunaratne has announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking his 100th Test match against Australia in Galle as his final appearance in the longest format. The experienced left-hander, who debuted at the same venue in 2012, will step away after an illustrious 12-year career.

Reasons Behind the Decision

Karunaratne’s retirement is influenced by three key factors:

  • Sri Lanka’s limited Test schedule, with only two matches scheduled until May 2026.
  • A dip in form, averaging 27.05 since 2024.
  • The end of the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, making it an ideal time to transition younger players into the squad.

“It felt like the right time to step away, especially with a few young players ready for the next WTC cycle. Finishing in Galle, where I started my career, makes it even more special,”

Karunaratne shared.

A Legacy in Sri Lankan Cricket

Karunaratne will become Sri Lanka’s seventh cricketer to achieve 100 Test appearances, joining legends such as Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, and Angelo Mathews.

With over 7,000 Test runs at an average close to 40, he remains Sri Lanka’s highest-scoring opener in Test history. His career highlights include:

  • 16 Test centuries & 39 half-centuries
  • 244 – Career-best score
  • 30 Tests as captain, leading Sri Lanka to a historic 2-0 Test series win in South Africa (2019)
  • Played 50 ODIs, including leading Sri Lanka in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup

What’s Next for Karunaratne?

Now residing in Melbourne, Karunaratne has expressed interest in coaching after a break from cricket. “I’d love to get involved again in the game,” he stated, hinting at a future role in cricket development.

As Sri Lanka prepares to face Australia in the second Test, Karunaratne’s farewell at Galle International Stadium will be an emotional moment for Sri Lankan cricket fans.

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Battle of the Hindus 2025: Jaffna vs. Colombo Clash Set for February 7-8

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The much-anticipated 14th Battle of the Hindus Inter-School Big Match between Hindu College, Jaffna, and Hindu College, Colombo, is set to take place on February 7-8 at the Hindu College Grounds in Jaffna. This historic encounter, which first began in 1982, continues to celebrate the rich cricketing legacy and camaraderie between these two prestigious institutions.

Sponsors and Legacy

The 2025 edition is proudly sponsored by Janashakthi Group (title sponsor) and SLIIT Northern University (platinum sponsor), further elevating the significance of the event. Over the years, both schools have demonstrated remarkable performances, securing three wins each, while seven matches ended in draws.

A Tradition of Excellence

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, Hindu College, Jaffna Principal, Ratnam Senthilmaran, highlighted the immense contributions of both schools in shaping influential figures in academics, sports, and various professional fields.

Meanwhile, Hindu College, Colombo Principal, K. Nagenthra, emphasized that this annual fixture represents more than just cricket—it is a symbol of brotherhood, sportsmanship, and shared cultural heritage, uniting Hinduites across generations.

Excitement Builds for the 2025 Edition

With the stage set for another thrilling chapter in this historic rivalry, cricket fans can expect a fiercely competitive match filled with passion and pride. Stay tuned for all the latest updates on Sri Lankan Sports TV!

📲 Follow us for more updates: https://srilankansportstv.com

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Australia Crush Sri Lanka in Record-Breaking Test Win at Galle

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GALLE – The Sri Lankan cricket team faced one of its most crushing defeats in Test history as Australia secured victory by an innings and 242 runs at the Galle International Stadium. This defeat marks Sri Lanka’s worst-ever loss in Test cricket, surpassing the innings and 239-run defeat against India in Nagpur (2017).

Dominant Australian Batting Performance

Australia set an imposing total of 654/6 declared in their first innings, thanks to a masterful double century from Usman Khawaja (232 off 352 balls) and a classy 141 from Steven Smith (251 balls). The Sri Lankan bowling attack, led by Prabath Jayasuriya (3/193) and Jeffrey Vandersay (3/182), struggled to contain the Australian batsmen, who dominated for 154 overs.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Collapse

Sri Lanka’s response was far from convincing as they were bundled out for just 165 in their first innings. Dinesh Chandimal showed some resistance with a gritty 72 off 139 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann was the standout performer, picking up 5/63 in 18.2 overs, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon claimed 3/57.

Follow-on Fails to Save Sri Lanka

Forced to follow on, Sri Lanka managed 247 in their second innings, with Jeffrey Vandersay top-scoring with a counterattacking 53 off 47 balls. Angelo Mathews contributed 41, but their efforts were not enough to avoid a humiliating defeat. Nathan Lyon (4/78) and Matthew Kuhnemann (4/86) once again led the charge, dismantling the Sri Lankan batting order with precision.

Record-Breaking Defeat for Sri Lanka

With this victory, Australia registered their biggest-ever Test win against Sri Lanka, surpassing their innings and 201-run triumph in Melbourne (2012). This defeat also ranks as one of Sri Lanka’s worst losses in history:

  • By innings & 242 runs – vs Australia, Galle, 2025
  • By innings & 239 runs – vs India, Nagpur, 2017
  • By innings & 229 runs – vs South Africa, Cape Town, 2001
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Murali-Warner Test Series: Australia Dominates as Sri Lanka Struggles on Rain-Hit Day 2

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Galle, January 30, 2025 – Australia stamped their authority on the opening Test of the Murali-Warner Test Series against Sri Lanka, posting a mammoth 654/6 before declaring on Day 2 at the Galle International Stadium. The hosts found themselves in deep trouble at 44/3, with rain halting play and adding to their woes.

Australia’s Batting Masterclass

Australia’s innings was built on a sensational double century by Usman Khawaja (232 off 290) and a commanding 141 from Steve Smith. The duo stitched together a 250-run stand for the third wicket, exhausting Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.

Josh Inglis (100 off 90 balls) added fireworks with a rapid century, while *Alex Carey (46) and Mitchell Starc (19) provided late contributions to push the total past 650. Sri Lanka’s bowlers toiled hard, using three unsuccessful reviews, but failed to contain the visitors.

Sri Lanka’s Struggles Begin

In response, Sri Lanka’s batting crumbled early, losing three wickets for just 44 runs in 15 overs before rain interrupted play. The Aussies struck early, dismissing BOP Fernando cheaply, while Dinesh Chandimal (9*) and Kamindu Mendis (13*) were left to battle against a relentless Australian attack.

Looking Ahead

With Sri Lanka still 610 runs behind, they will need a monumental effort to avoid an innings defeat. The third day will be crucial as the hosts attempt to rebuild and stay in the contest.

Stay tuned for live updates and analysis on Sri Lankan Sports TV!

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