Cricket
Charith Asalanka Stars in Sri Lanka’s Dramatic ODI Victory Over Australia
Sri Lanka secured a stunning 49-run win over Australia in the first ODI of their series, defending a modest total of 214 runs—the second-lowest total ever defended against Australia in men’s ODIs since 2005. Charith Asalanka played a match-winning role, scoring a brilliant 127 runs off 126 balls, guiding Sri Lanka to an unexpected victory in Colombo.

Asalanka’s Heroic Century Leads Sri Lanka
After Sri Lanka was reduced to 135 for 8, Asalanka took charge, delivering a match-defining knock. He formed a crucial 79-run partnership with Eshan Malinga for the ninth wicket, with Malinga contributing just 1 run off 26 balls. Asalanka’s 127 runs accounted for over 59% of Sri Lanka’s total runs, marking one of the highest individual contributions in Sri Lanka’s ODI history.

Australia’s Struggles in the Chase
Australia, missing key players such as Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Glenn Maxwell, started their chase poorly, losing four wickets in the first ten overs. Matt Short was dismissed for a duck, and Jake Fraser-McGurk fell cheaply. Despite Alex Carey and Marnus Labuschagne attempting to rebuild the innings, Australia collapsed to 85 for 6, giving Sri Lanka a strong grip on the match.
Sri Lanka’s Bowlers Dominate
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Maheesh Theekshana (4/40), were exceptional in dismantling Australia’s top order. Asitha Fernando and Dunith Wellalage provided crucial breakthroughs, ensuring Australia never found their rhythm. Aaron Hardie and Sean Abbott showed resistance, but their efforts weren’t enough to chase down the target.

Asalanka’s Contribution in Context
Asalanka’s 127 runs were not only the second-highest score by a Sri Lankan batter against Australia in ODIs but also marked his fourth career century in the format. His knock was a blend of patience and aggression, with aggressive shots coming at crucial moments to shift the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Australia’s Seam Attack
Australia’s seam-heavy attack, led by Abbott, Hardie, and Spencer Johnson, initially troubled Sri Lanka’s top order, especially in the humid conditions of Colombo. However, Asalanka’s dominance with the bat turned the match in Sri Lanka’s favor, despite strong spells from the Australian bowlers.
Sri Lanka’s Resilience
Sri Lanka’s 214 runs were initially thought to be insufficient, but a disciplined bowling performance ensured they defended the total successfully. Asalanka’s leadership and resilience with the bat, coupled with the bowlers’ sharp performance, guided Sri Lanka to an unexpected ODI win over a weakened Australian side.
Key Highlights:
- Charith Asalanka scores a match-winning 127 runs.
- Sri Lanka defends 214 runs to beat Australia by 49 runs.
- Maheesh Theekshana claims 4 wickets, while Asitha Fernando and Dunith Wellalage also contribute crucial breakthroughs.
- Australia crumbles to 165 all out, with Aaron Hardie and Sean Abbott making late resistance.
Sri Lanka’s 49-run victory over Australia is a significant achievement, continuing their strong ODI form and showing their fighting spirit despite not qualifying for the Champions Trophy. This victory marks Sri Lanka’s 8th win in their last 12 ODIs, showcasing a promising future for the team.
Cricket
Galle Marvels Owner Sentenced in Match-Fixing Case Under Sri Lanka’s Sports Offences Law
In a landmark ruling under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act, Indian businessman Prem Thakkar, the franchise owner of Lanka T10 League side Galle Marvels, has been handed a suspended prison sentence for attempting to fix a match during the 2024 tournament.

Thakkar pleaded guilty to a match-fixing charge and was sentenced by the Kandy High Court to two years of rigorous imprisonment, suspended for 10 years. He was also ordered to pay a Rs. 6 million fine and Rs. 1 million in compensation.
The charges stem from an incident in December 2024, when Thakkar allegedly approached West Indies cricketer Andre Fletcher with an offer to influence the outcome of a Lanka T10 League match involving the Galle Marvels. The case was investigated by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Special Investigation Unit for Sports-Related Offences.
The court further permitted the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit to access and analyze data from Thakkar’s mobile device to support ongoing investigations into wider corruption networks.
This conviction marks one of the first high-profile applications of Sri Lanka’s sports-related anti-corruption laws and sends a strong signal about the country’s commitment to upholding integrity in sports. The Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act, enacted in 2019, criminalizes corruption in sport and provides legal mechanisms to penalize offenders—including jail time and financial penalties.
From a sports governance standpoint, this case underscores the growing necessity for franchise owners and stakeholders to be held accountable under national laws, especially as the popularity of short-format leagues like the Lanka T10 continues to rise.
Thakkar, who has now been granted permission to leave Sri Lanka after settling the financial penalties, becomes the first franchise owner in Lanka T10 history to be convicted under the country’s sports integrity laws.
As Sri Lanka continues to grow as a regional hub for franchise-based cricket, this incident also raises pressing questions for tournament organizers, including Sri Lanka Cricket, on the due diligence applied when awarding team ownerships and the oversight mechanisms in places.
Cricket
IPL Temporarily Suspended, PSL Relocated Amid Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan
In a major development impacting global cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been temporarily suspended for a week, while the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been moved to the UAE due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
The decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to pause the IPL was announced on Friday, following heightened military activity along the border in the Kashmir region. The situation has raised significant safety concerns, leading to a precautionary suspension of one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.
“The well-being of players, officials, and fans is paramount. The resumption schedule will be shared after reviewing the evolving situation,” the BCCI said, emphasizing national security as the overriding concern.
This year’s IPL season, which began in March, still had 12 group-stage fixtures remaining before the playoffs. The final, initially scheduled for May 25 in Kolkata, may now face delays or venue changes.
The recent blackout during the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala, along with the closure of several airports in northern India, further complicated logistics. Punjab’s upcoming match against Mumbai Indians has already been shifted from Dharamshala to Mumbai as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the relocation of the remainder of the PSL season to Dubai. This move follows increased concerns from foreign players and support staff about their safety.
An incident involving a drone crash near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium just hours before a scheduled PSL match has heightened security concerns. The match was to feature several international stars from countries including Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies.
The ongoing crisis has put the cricketing world on alert, with both cricket boards closely monitoring the geopolitical situation. While cricket holds a significant place in both nations’ cultures, current developments have shifted priorities toward safety and stability.
Cricket
Bangladesh to Tour Sri Lanka for Full-Fledged Series in June-July 2025
Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that the Bangladesh National Men’s Team will tour the island from June 13 to July 16, 2025, for a multi-format bilateral series featuring 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is.
The tour kicks off with the Test series, which begins on June 17 at Galle International Stadium, followed by the second Test from June 25 to 29 at the SSC in Colombo. This red-ball series will offer crucial preparation and exposure for both sides ahead of the upcoming ICC events.
Sri Lanka holds a dominant record in Test encounters, having won 20 out of 26 matches against Bangladesh. Bangladesh has managed just one win, with five Tests ending in draws. Their last Test series in April 2024 saw Sri Lanka claim a clean sweep in Bangladesh, 2-0.
The limited-overs leg begins with ODIs on July 2 and 5 at R. Premadasa Stadium, before the third match takes place on July 8 at Pallekele — all day-night games starting at 2:30 PM.
The action continues with the T20I series, starting July 10 in Pallekele, followed by matches in Dambulla (July 13) and a final showdown at R. Premadasa Stadium on July 16.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Tour Fixtures – 2025:
- June 17–21: 1st Test – Galle
- June 25–29: 2nd Test – SSC, Colombo
- July 2: 1st ODI – R. Premadasa Stadium
- July 5: 2nd ODI – R. Premadasa Stadium
- July 8: 3rd ODI – Pallekele
- July 10: 1st T20I – Pallekele
- July 13: 2nd T20I – Dambulla
- July 16: 3rd T20I – R. Premadasa Stadium
This tour promises exciting cricket as both teams aim to fine-tune their squads across formats.
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