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Asalanka’s brilliance help Sri Lanka take unassailable 2-0 lead

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Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka 2024

In the second One-Day International on Sunday, Sri Lanka achieved a resounding 155-run victory over Afghanistan, solidifying their unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series worked off at Pallekele international cricket stadium, Kandy.

Despite being set a target of 309 to level the series, Afghanistan faltered and was bowled out for 153 in just 34 overs, with leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga shining with four wickets.

At one stage, Afghanistan seemed well-positioned at 128 for one in their pursuit of the target, thanks to Rahmat Shah’s 54 and Ibrahim Zadran’s 63.

However, once these two batsmen were perished, the rest of the Afghan batters offered little resistance.

The partnership between Rahmat and Ibrahim had added 97 runs for the second wicket, but Asitha Fernando, playing his first ODI in 15 months, got the breakthrough by dismissing Ibrahim caught behind.

Hasaranga then made his magic work as he took two wickets in one over, trapping Rahmat leg-before-wicket and bowling captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.

The seamers also contributed, with impressive Dilshan Madushanka taking two wickets in an over and Fernando ending with two wickets as well.

Sri Lanka’s dominance was evident as Afghanistan collapsed, losing eight wickets for just 10 runs, all under the lights.

Earlier electing to bat first, Sri Lanka had a poor start, losing the openers early on.
However following the early set back, Captain Kusal Mendis (61) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (52) contributed with half-centuries, but both fell to poor strokes.

Following wickets at regular intervals put Sri Lanka on the back foot however vice captain Charith Asalanka along with Janith Liyanage (50) revived Sri Lanka’s innings with a 111 runs partnership for the fifth wicket.

Asalanka also batted until the death overs which in the process he also engaged in a 50 run partnership for the sixth with his school buddy Wanindu Hasaranga (14).

Asalanka’s impressive performance in the last 10 overs saw him score 62 runs in just 35 balls, finishing with a score of unbeaten 97 off 74 balls to make sure Sri Lanka reach a decent total of 308-6 in their alotted 50 overs.

Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai was the standout bowler, taking three wickets.

The two sides will next meet in the third and final ODI on Wednesday at the same venue.

Sri Lanka had previously won the sole Test of the tour by 10 wickets. Following the ODI series, the two sides will travel to Dambulla for three T20 matches.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 309/6 in 50 overs (Charith Asalanka 97*, Kusal Mendis 61, Sadeera Samarawickrama 52; Azmatullah Omarzai 3-56) beat Afghanistan 153 in 33.5 overs (Rahmat Shah 63, Ibrahim Zadran 54; Wanindu Hasaranga 4-27) by 155 runs.

Cricket

Chamudi Praboda to Lead Sri Lanka U19 Women on India Tour

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The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Panel has named a 15-member Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s squad for the upcoming tour of India, where the young cricketers will compete in both T20 and One Day formats.

Chamudi Praboda has been appointed captain of the side, while Sanjana Kavindi will serve as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The tour is expected to provide valuable international exposure and competitive experience for the emerging players.

Sri Lanka will play three T20 matches in Chennai on June 22, 24 and 27, followed by three One Day matches in Pondicherry on June 30 and July 3 and 6.

The series will offer Sri Lanka’s young talents an important opportunity to test their skills against strong opposition and gain experience in challenging Indian conditions as they continue their development at international level.

The squad comprises Chamudi Praboda (Captain), Sanjana Kavindi (WK, Vice-Captain), Nethmi Upeksha, Manudi Nanayakkara, Limansa Thilakarathna, Umayangana Peiris, Danodya Sewmini, Nethagi Isuranjali, Pramudi Methsara, Yesali Jithara, Vimoksha Balasooriya, Sanuki Pathirage, Chamodi Herath, Aseni Thalagune and Daria Dissanayaka.

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Athletics

Rumesh Tharanga Reaches Historic World No. 3 Ranking

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Sri Lankan javelin star Rumesh Tharanga has achieved a remarkable milestone by climbing to World No. 3 in the latest global rankings, bringing pride and recognition to Sri Lankan athletics on the international stage.

Tharanga now holds 1,324 ranking points, placing him among the world’s elite javelin throwers. His rise to third place marks the highest-ever ranking achieved by a Sri Lankan male athlete in world athletics history, highlighting his dedication, hard work, and consistent performances over recent years.

The achievement is even more significant as Tharanga has become Asia’s highest-ranked javelin athlete, surpassing India’s celebrated thrower Neeraj Chopra. This accomplishment reflects the growing strength of Sri Lankan athletics and demonstrates the country’s ability to compete with the best athletes in the world.
Sports officials and fans across the island have welcomed the news with great enthusiasm.

Many view Tharanga’s success as an inspiration for young athletes who aspire to represent Sri Lanka on the global stage. His journey from a promising talent to one of the world’s top-ranked competitors showcases the rewards of perseverance and commitment to excellence.

His achievement stands as a proud moment for Sri Lanka and a significant chapter in the country’s sporting history.

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Dinara and Aahil Reach Finals at SSC ITF J30 Week 2

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Sri Lanka’s Dinara de Silva and Aahil Kaleel advanced to the girls’ and boys’ singles finals respectively at the ITF J30 Week 2 Junior Tennis Tournament being held at the SSC Courts from 2 to 8 June.

Dinara secured a dominant semifinal victory over the Maldives’ Karin Saizan, while Aahil battled through a tough three-set encounter against India’s Vivaan Mirdha to keep Sri Lankan hopes alive in the boys’ competition.

In the girls’ singles semifinals, Dinara produced an impressive display to defeat Karin Saizan 4-1, 4-0. Fellow Sri Lankan Yuhansa Peiris also booked her place in the final after overcoming India’s Aahida Singh 5-4, 4-0. Their victories set up an all-Sri Lankan championship clash.

The boys’ singles semifinals featured a thrilling contest between Aahil and Vivaan Mirdha. After winning the first set 4-2 and dropping the second 2-4, Aahil held his nerve to claim the match tie-break 10-7. In the other semifinal, India’s Shiok Chauhan defeated compatriot Punith Manchira 5-3, 4-2 to reach the final.

The girls’ final will see Dinara face Yuhansa, while Aahil will take on Chauhan in the boys’ title match.

Dinara enters the final in outstanding form, having won the Week 1 singles title. She also teamed up with Yuhansa to capture the Week 1 girls’ doubles championship. The tournament is particularly significant for Dinara as it marks her final ITF Junior tournament appearance on Sri Lankan soil before embarking on the next stage of her international tennis journey.

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