News

Afghanistan edge Sri Lanka despite last over no-ball drama

Published

2 years ago

February 22, 2024

Editor

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).

Cricket

ICC Team to Visit Sri Lanka Amid Cricket Administration Shake-Up

Published

1 hour ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC), including a senior representative linked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka this weekend as attention grows over recent changes to the country’s cricket administration.

According to India’s Press Trust of India (PTI), ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja is expected in Colombo on Friday night, with another top ICC official who also serves in a leading capacity within the BCCI due to arrive on Saturday.

The visit comes in the wake of the Sri Lankan government’s decision to appoint an interim committee to manage the affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) following the resignation of its leadership.

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage confirmed during a televised interview that discussions with ICC representatives are expected to take place in the coming days regarding the future direction of cricket administration in the country.

The newly appointed nine-member interim body was established on April 29 after SLC President Shammi Silva and members of the Executive Committee stepped down from office.
Government officials say the temporary panel will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day cricket operations, introducing administrative reforms, and preparing the groundwork for fresh elections within Sri Lanka Cricket.

The ICC visit is expected to focus on governance issues, the transition process, and the stability of cricket administration during the interim period.

Cricket

LPL 2026 Opening Game between Jaffna and Galle

Published

2 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

The inaugural game of the Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played between the Jaffna and Galle teams, who emerged as the Champions and Runners-up respectively in the 2024 season.

The opening game is scheduled to be played on 17th July at the SSC Grounds, commencing at
7.30 p.m.

Prior to the start of the tournament opener, a spectacular opening ceremony will be held at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.
The Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played from 17th July to 8th August across four venues: SSC, Colombo; RDICS, Dambulla; PICS, Pallekele; and RPICS, Colombo.

The tournament is conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the owner of the LPL, in partnership with The IPG Group, the event rights holder.

Cricket

RCB Bring in Gleeson After Thushara Exit; CSK Add Kuldip as Injury Cover

Published

2 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have roped in experienced England pacer Richard Gleeson as a replacement for Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara ahead of the IPL 2026 Knockouts.

Thushara was unable to join the Bengaluru franchise after failing to secure a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket. The board reportedly withheld approval because the pacer did not meet the required fitness benchmarks set by the national setup.

RCB have signed Gleeson for INR 1.6 crore. The 38-year-old seamer brings previous IPL experience, having represented both Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in recent seasons. Gleeson featured in two matches for Chennai in 2024 and made a single appearance for Mumbai in the 2025 campaign. He has also represented England in nine T20 Internationals.

Thushara, who was bought by RCB for the same amount in 2025, played one game during the franchise’s championship-winning run last season. Despite being retained for IPL 2026, his participation was blocked after the NOC issue emerged.

The Sri Lankan quick had initially taken legal action against the cricket board regarding the matter, but later withdrew the case and issued a written apology. Court documents reportedly indicated that Thushara had considered stepping away from international cricket, although no final decision on his future has yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have announced Indian pacer Kuldip Yadav as a replacement for injured left-arm fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed.

Khaleel’s season was cut short after he suffered a right quadricep injury during Chennai’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. Before the setback, he had claimed two wickets in five appearances while maintaining an economy rate of 8.67.

Kuldip, a right-arm pacer, previously represented Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, making three appearances across the 2021 and 2023 seasons. Chennai have secured his services for INR 30 lakh.

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