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).
Cricket
Sri Lanka U-19 Players Face Charges Over Alleged Hotel Recording Incident
Two players from Sri Lanka’s Under-19 cricket squad have been taken into custody allegations that they covertly recorded individuals inside a hotel in the Narahenpita area, according to police.
The arrests came after multiple complaints were lodged by female medical professionals attending a conference at the hotel. The complainants reported that they had been secretly filmed while bathing in their rooms, allegedly using mobile phones.
Authorities revealed that preliminary investigations suggest the suspects may also have captured footage involving male guests at the same premises. Police are continuing inquiries to determine whether any of the recordings were distributed through online platforms.
The suspects were presented before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court and subsequently released on personal bail set at Rs. 500,000 each. Further investigations are ongoing.
Cricket
SunRisers Hyderabad Sri Lankan Trio Returns Home from IPL
Three Sri Lankan players representing Sunrisers Hyderabad — Kamindu Mendis, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga — have left the Indian Premier League as the tournament approaches its final stages.
The trio returned to Sri Lanka on Thursday morning to complete visa formalities ahead of the national team’s upcoming tour of the West Indies in June, which will feature matches across all formats. According to reports, their brief return is solely to complete biometric requirements for the visa process.
Despite their absence, the players are expected to rejoin the squad in India shortly after completing the necessary procedures. With sufficient time before their next fixture, all three are likely to be available for selection.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are scheduled to play their next match on May 3 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Women too strong for Bangladesh in second T20I
Sri Lanka Women produced a polished all-round performance to defeat Bangladesh Women by 21 runs in the second T20I, sealing the series with a game to spare.
After being put into bat, the visitors posted a competitive 154 for 4 in their 20 overs, built on key contributions from skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama. The innings began cautiously, with Hasini Perera falling early, but Athapaththu steadied the innings with a fluent 42 off 37 balls, striking six boundaries.
The momentum shifted significantly during the latter half as Samarawickrama played an aggressive knock of 49 off just 29 deliveries, including two sixes. She found good support from Imeesha Dulani (27) and Nilakshika Silva, who remained unbeaten on 22, ensuring Sri Lanka finished strongly at a healthy run rate of 7.70. Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Fariha Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Nahida Akter, and Ritu Moni picking up one apiece.
Chasing 155, Bangladesh made a steady start through Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous, who added 46 for the opening wicket. However, regular breakthroughs and sharp fielding dented their progress. Ferdous scored a brisk 29, while Sharmin Akhter anchored the innings with an unbeaten 44, but lacked sufficient support from the middle order.
Sri Lanka’s discipline in the field proved decisive, effecting three crucial run-outs. Kavisha Dilhari was the standout with the ball, claiming 2 for 15 in her four overs, while Sugandika Kumari maintained excellent control, conceding just 14 runs.
Bangladesh eventually finished on 133 for 5, falling short despite a late push.
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