Connect with us

News

Chamika to replace Dasun in Sri Lanka’s ODI Squad

Published

on

Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka 2024

All rolunder Chamika Karunaratne is set to replace former skipper Dasun Shanaka in the Sri Lanka ODI squad that will face Afghanistan starting on Friday at Kandy.

Notably former skipper Dasun Shanaka who is running through a bad pitch hasn’t fared well in the recent tournaments where he had just scored 250 odd runs in his last 21 ODI innings.

Shanaka’s recent contributions with the bat in white ball cricket, irrespective of the number of balls or situations faced make interesting reading. Beginning June 2023 he made scores of 17, 23, 1, 5, 0, 5, 1, 14 not out, 5, 24, 9, 2, 0, 68 and 12 that culminated with scores of 26 not out, 9, 7 and 8 at this month’s series against Zimbabwe.

Dasun has been under the scanner for his recent form which also resulted in him to lose his white ball captaincy in Midway of the World Cup in 2023.

It is learnt, though the all rounder was given a chance in Zimbabwe series he once again failed to impress the new selection committee which resulted in him to lose his spot in the white ball squad as well.

However Dasun has been among the runs in the domestic Arena but has contiusly failed to deliver in the international stage which has forced selectors to rethink bringing the 33 year old back to the squad.

Meanwhile, Chmaika Karunaratne, another all rounder who last played an ODI game back in November 2023 is likely to replace Dasun Shanaka in the squad.

Chamika has been in and out of the squad and his stats in the white ball is not that much impressive but the 27 year old no doubt has potential to change a game on his head at any time.

Other notable miss out from the squad that faced Zimbabwe a month ago are Jeffrey Vandersay who is said to be injured and Nuwanindu Fernando.

Sri Lanka however will be boost with the return of Pathum Nissanka for the ODI’s after he missed out the entire ODI series against Zimbabwe after being infected by Dengue.

The Selectos has given another chance for the opening bateer Avishka Fernando who had a miserable series against Zimbabwe with scores of 0,4,0.

However the squad boasts a strong batting line up with the likes of skipper Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage to name a few.

Wanindu Hasaranga will lead the spin department alongside Maheesh Theekshana and Akil Dhanajaya while young pacer Dilshan Madushnka will be tasked with new ball with Dushamntha Chameera and Pramod Madushna being the other fast bolwers in the squad.

Sri Lanka Probable squad (Subject to ministry approval): Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Shevon Daniel, Janith Liyanage, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka and Pramod Madushan

Cricket

LPL Sixth Edition to Be Played Across Four Venues from July 10 to August 5

Published

on

By

The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) is set to take place from July 10 to August 5, 2026, promising another exciting season of top-quality Twenty20 cricket. As Sri Lanka’s premier domestic T20 competition with a strong international presence, the tournament continues to attract both local and overseas talent.

This year’s matches will be held across four venues: Sinhalese Sports Club Ground (SSC), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (PICS), and Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS). These iconic grounds are expected to provide a vibrant atmosphere and excellent playing conditions throughout the competition.

The online registration portal for foreign players will officially open on May 4, 2026, allowing international cricketers to sign up and participate in the league. This step ensures the continuation of LPL’s global appeal, as overseas players add competitiveness and diversity to the tournament.

The event will be organized by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the official owner of the league, in partnership with The IPG Group, which holds the event rights. Their collaboration has been instrumental in maintaining the league’s high standards since its inception.

Launched in 2020, the LPL has rapidly grown in popularity among cricket fans. Mr. Samantha Dodanwela, an Executive Committee Member of SLC, will continue in his role as Tournament Director, ensuring smooth organization and execution.

With thrilling matches and star players expected, LPL 2026 is set to deliver another unforgettable cricketing spectacle.

Continue Reading

Cricket

Dambulla Gears Up for Women’s ‘A’ Cricket Action in May 2026

Published

on

By

Sri Lanka is set to host an exciting bilateral cricket series as the New Zealand Women’s A Team tours the island in May 2026. The series, featuring both One Day and T20 matches, will see the visitors compete against the Sri Lanka Women’s A Team in what promises to be a competitive showcase of emerging talent.

All matches will be held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), with play scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. each day. The New Zealand side is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka on 7 May 2026, giving them several days to acclimatize before the series begins.
The tour will consist of three One Day matches followed by three T20 encounters. The One Day fixtures are scheduled for 12th, 15th, and 18th May, while the T20 series will take place on 21st, 23rd, and 25th May.

This series is seen as an important opportunity for both teams to develop their next generation of international players. With a mix of promising players and those on the cusp of senior national selection, the matches are expected to be closely contested.

Continue Reading

Cricket

Bangladesh beat Chamari-less Sri Lanka despite late drama

Published

on

By

Bangladesh Women edged out Sri Lanka Women in a tense finish during the first ODI of the Sri Lanka Women’s tour of Bangladesh 2026, chasing down 206 with just nine balls to spare in a match that swung dramatically in the final overs.

Put into bat, Sri Lanka Team posted a competitive 205/9 from their 50 overs, built on steady contributions rather than a single dominant innings. Imesha Dulani (52 off 77) and Hansima Karunaratne (54 off 71) anchored the innings with a crucial middle-order stand after early setbacks. Captain Hasini Perera made a brisk 27, but Sri Lanka struggled to accelerate in the final 10 overs, losing wickets at regular intervals.

Bangladesh’s bowling attack kept things tight throughout. Ritu Moni was the standout performer, claiming 3 for 36 and breaking key partnerships, while Nahida Akter and Marufa Akter maintained pressure with disciplined spells.

In reply, Bangladesh got off to a disastrous start, losing two wickets within the first two overs. However, Sharmin Akhter produced a match-defining innings, scoring a composed 86 off 127 balls to anchor the chase. She found support from Sobhana Mostary, who made 41 before retiring hurt, and later Shorna Akter, whose 35 added momentum in the middle overs.

Despite being in control for much of the chase, Bangladesh nearly stumbled at the finish. A late burst from Sri Lanka’s bowlers saw Dewmi Vihanga pick up three crucial wickets, triggering a collapse that left Bangladesh at 200/7 after being comfortably placed at 199/3.
The match briefly tilted back in Sri Lanka’s favor, but Bangladesh held their nerve. Extras proved decisive, with 21 wides significantly easing the chase. Eventually, Bangladesh crossed the target in 48.3 overs, sealing a hard-fought three-wicket victory.

Sri Lanka will rue their inability to capitalize on key moments, particularly in the death overs with both bat and ball. The absence of star player Chamari Athapaththu was evident, as they lacked the firepower to push their total beyond reach.

Continue Reading

Trending