News
Afghanistan edge Sri Lanka despite last over no-ball drama
Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka (Third T20I)
Afghanistan edge Sri Lanka by 3 runs, securing a consolation win in the 3rd T20I held in Dambulla on Wednesday (21).
Unfortunately for the hosts, they were unable to achieve a clean sweep, which must have been disappointing for them.
Despite already losing the series, the Afghan team entered the match with a fearless attitude. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai provided a brilliant start for the visitors, forming a partnership of 88 runs for the opening wicket in just 7.2 overs.
Zazai departed after scoring a quickfire 45 off 22 deliveries, but Gurbaz continued his impressive performance, contributing 70 runs off 43 balls, including 7 fours and 1 six. Thanks to their strong opening stand, Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 209 for 5 on the scoreboard.
Azmatullah Omarzai added 31 runs off 23 balls, while Mohammad Ishaq played a crucial unbeaten cameo of 16 runs. Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana and Akila Dananjaya managed to take 2 wickets each, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Afghanistan’s victory.
Sri Lanka had a strong start to their run-chase with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis forming a solid opening partnership of 64 runs. Nissanka was the main contributor, scoring 60 runs off 30 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes.
However, after Nissanka had to retire hurt, Sri Lanka faced some difficulties. Sadeera Samarawickrama and skipper Wanindu Hasaranga scored 23 and 13 runs respectively before being dismissed.
Despite Kamindu Mendis’ valiant effort to bring the target down to 10 off the last 2 balls, Sri Lanka fell short of victory. Mendis remained not out on 65 runs off 39 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes.
The most disputed moment of the match unfolded on the fourth delivery of the last over. Wafadar Momand bowled a full toss, prompting Mendis to move out of the crease as the ball sailed past his shoulders. Despite Mendis’ plea for a no-ball, the umpire did not acknowledge it, leading to Sri Lanka not adding any runs. While the no-ball controversy influenced Sri Lanka’s loss, the subpar showings from the middle order were equally instrumental in their downfall.
Mohammad Nabi stood out among the Afghan bowlers, finishing with figures of 4-0-35-2. Gurbaz was awarded the Player of the Match for his impressive performance at the top of the order.
Brief Score: Afghanistan 209/5 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 70, Hazratullah Zazai 45; Hazratullah Zazai 2-37) vs Sri Lanka 206/6 (Pathum Nissanka retired hurt 60, Kamindu Mendis 65*; Mohammad Nabi 2-35).
The Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s Cricket Team is set to tour Australia in April 2026 for an exciting tri-nation series that will also feature England. This tour represents an important opportunity for the young Sri Lankan players to gain international exposure and compete against strong opposition in both limited-overs formats. The team is scheduled to depart on 3rd April 2026 and will play a total of six matches during the tour, including two 50-over games and four T20 matches.
The series will begin on 7th April 2026 with a 50-over match against England at Ian Healy Oval in Brisbane, starting at 9:30 AM. Sri Lanka will then face Australia in another 50-over encounter on 8th April 2026 at the same venue and time. The action will shift to the Gold Coast for the T20 leg of the tour, where Sri Lanka will meet England on 12th April 2026 at Bill Pippen Oval at 9:00 AM, followed by a match against Australia on 13th April 2026 at the same ground and time. The final phase of the tour returns to Brisbane, with Sri Lanka playing England on 17th April 2026 and Australia on 18th April 2026 in two early morning T20 matches at Ian Healy Oval, both starting at 5:30 AM.
Match Schedule
• 7th April 2026 – Sri Lanka vs England (50-over)
Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane – 09:30 AM
• 8th April 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Australia (50-over)
Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane – 09:30 AM
• 12th April 2026 – Sri Lanka vs England (T20)
Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast – 09:00 AM
• 13th April 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Australia (T20)
Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast – 09:00 AM
• 17th April 2026 – Sri Lanka vs England (T20)
Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane – 05:30 AM
• 18th April 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Australia (T20)
Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane – 05:30 AM
The Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) has announced the appointment of Mahela Jayawardena as its Captain for the 2026–2027 term. The decision was formally confirmed at the Club’s Annual General Meeting held yesterday (March 26).
Jayawardena, widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s greatest sporting icons, brings a wealth of leadership experience to the prestigious role. A former captain of the Sri Lanka national cricket team, he earned global recognition for his sharp tactical insight, calm demeanor under pressure, and exemplary sportsmanship throughout his career.
During an international career spanning nearly two decades, Jayawardena featured in more than 650 matches and amassed over 25,000 runs across all formats of the game. Since retiring from international cricket, he has remained an influential figure in the sport, contributing through coaching, mentorship, and leadership roles at both domestic and international levels.
Founded in 1879, the Royal Colombo Golf Club stands among the oldest golf institutions in Asia and has played a central role in fostering the growth of golf in Sri Lanka.
In the ongoing Junior Davis Cup Tennis Qualifying Tournament currently being held in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka had a great weekend by defeating Saudi Arabia 3-0.
The team showed their dominance by winning both singles matches and then winning both doubles matches with comfortable margins.
Sri Lanka won the first singles match when Ashlin de Silva beat Mahdi Al Ibrahim 6-2, 7-5.
In the second singles match, Mayuran Kubern came back after losing the first set to defeat Ahmed Baha Sarouji 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Sri Lanka then continued their momentum into the doubles matches where Mayuran Kubern and Ashlin de Silva defeated the Saudi pair 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.
In the other doubles match, the Sri Lankan duo was ahead in the second set 4-6 when the Saudi pair of Mahdi Al Ibrahim and Souhail ElFarouki retired from the match.
With this comprehensive win, Sri Lanka is now in a very strong position within the tournament.
The team will have a day off on Monday and is scheduled to play in the Championship on Thursday.
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