News
Charith Asalanka ton in vain after first ODI washed out
Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka 2024
Charith Asalanka smashed a lone innings to rescue Sri Lanka from what meant to be another horrible batting performance before rain interrupted and later called off in the first ODI between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Saturday.
A new year-new hopes but for Sri Lanka batters it was the same old story where there poor batting display were once again witnessed with half of the top order batters departing cheaply.
Earlier after winning the toss and opting to bat first Sri Lanka were off to a horrible start when there opener Avishka Fernando who marked his return to international cricket after almost 1 year departed for a duck to put some early pressure.
Despite the early breakthrough skipper Kusal and Sadeera Samarawickrama added 63 runs for the second wicket to keep Sri Lanka ahead in the game. But the settled duo were dismissed after scoring 40-plus each as Sri Lanka failed to find stability in the middle overs.
A steady partnership between Mendis and debutant Janith Liyanage also strengthened Sri Lanka’s batting card but from there onwards it was the old ugly story for Sri Lanka batters as they were reduced from 4-125 to 6-208.
The likes of former skipper Dasun Shanaka (8), Sahan Arachige (10) struggled to make an impact which cost Sri Lanka to go big in the death overs.
However when the chips were down, the lone warrior Charith Asalanka’s performance, featuring nine boundaries, served as the backbone of the team’s innings. His third ODI hundred played a pivotal role in enabling Sri Lanka to post a formidable total by the end of their allotted overs.
Asalanka top-scored with 101 runs off 95 balls while Medis was the second-highest run-getter with 46 runs.
In reply, Sri Lanka were off to a flyer when Dilshan Madushanka ripped through Zimbabwe top order reduceing them to 2-12 in first 3 overs.
However unfortunately the match was halted after the fourth over of the Zimbabwe innings due to rain and subsequently called off with the vistors at 12 for 2.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 273/9 in 50 overs (Charith Asalanka 101, Kusal Mendis 46; Richard Ngarava 2-39) vs Zimbabwe 12/2 in 4 overs (Dilshan Madushanka 2-0) – Match abandoned.
Cricket
Hasini’s Half-Century Powers Sri Lanka Women to Historic Series Win in the Caribbean
Sri Lanka women’s national cricket team scripted history on Tuesday night by clinching their first-ever T20 series win in the Caribbean, sealing the three-match series 2-0 with a commanding nine-wicket victory over West Indies women’s national cricket team at St. George’s.
After the opening match was washed out, Sri Lanka seized control by winning the second T20. Their emphatic performance in the decider capped off a memorable tour, having already secured the ODI series 2-1.
Disciplined Bowling Effort
Batting first, West Indies Women posted 119/5 in their 20 overs. A fluent 32 off 15 balls from Chinelle Henry provided early momentum, while Deandra Dottin (28) and Stafanie Taylor (24) attempted to stabilise the innings.
However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained tight control. Inoka Ranaweera was outstanding with figures of 2/16, while Sugandika Kumari supported with two wickets. Kavisha Dilhari also chipped in with a tidy spell.
Composed Chase Seals the Series
Chasing 120, Sri Lanka’s batting unit delivered with confidence and composure. Captain Chamari Athapaththu set the tone with a brisk 32 off 22 balls, striking five boundaries to put the visitors ahead of the required rate.
Following her dismissal, Hasini Perera anchored the innings superbly, crafting an unbeaten 52 from 59 deliveries. She was well supported by Imesha Dulani, who struck an aggressive 34 off 25 balls, guiding Sri Lanka to 121/1 in 17.4 overs.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka Women, underlining their growing confidence and consistency on the international stage.
Brief Scores
West Indies Women – 119/5 (20 overs)
Chinelle Henry 32* (15), Deandra Dottin 28 (39), Stafanie Taylor 24 (39)
Inoka Ranaweera 2/16, Sugandika Kumari 2/32, Kavisha Dilhari 1/13
Sri Lanka Women – 121/1 (17.4 overs)
Hasini Perera 52* (59), Imesha Dulani 34* (25), Chamari Athapaththu 32 (22)
Afy Fletcher 1/14
Cricket
Rising Middle East Tensions Cast Doubt on Sri Lanka–Afghanistan Series in UAE
Sri Lanka’s upcoming white-ball series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates is facing uncertainty amid escalating tensions in parts of the Middle East.
The tour, scheduled from March 13 to 25, includes three T20 Internationals in Sharjah and three One Day Internationals in Dubai. However, growing regional instability has raised concerns over security, travel logistics, and overall feasibility.
Recent developments in the region have prompted several airlines to suspend or adjust services near key transport corridors, creating additional challenges for team travel and operational planning.
Sri Lanka Cricket is understood to be closely monitoring the evolving situation, with player and staff safety remaining the top priority. Should conditions fail to stabilize, the board may be compelled to reconsider or postpone the tour. Afghanistan could also encounter logistical difficulties under the current circumstances.
The series was viewed as important preparation for both teams ahead of a demanding international schedule. Sri Lanka were expected to assess emerging talent in white-ball formats, while Afghanistan aimed to consolidate momentum from recent performances.
With regional tensions continuing to unfold, a final decision regarding the series is anticipated in the coming days. Until then, the tour remains uncertain, highlighting how external factors can impact the international cricket calendar.
Cricket
Jonathan Trott to replace Sanath Jayasuriya as Sri Lanka Head Coach?
Jonathan Trott, the former England batter who recently concluded his tenure as Afghanistan’s head coach, has emerged as the leading contender to succeed Sanath Jayasuriya as Sri Lanka’s national head coach, it is learnt.
Jayasuriya had earlier indicated his intention to step down, prompting Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to initiate the process of identifying a successor. However, an official announcement regarding the transition has yet to be made.
Trott’s name has quickly moved to the forefront of discussions, with his recent international coaching experience viewed as a valuable asset during what is expected to be a rebuilding phase for Sri Lanka. In the interim, SLC is considering appointing a temporary coach to oversee the upcoming Afghanistan series while deliberations continue.
The push for change follows Sri Lanka’s disappointing campaign at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted with India, where the team failed to secure a win in the Super 8 stage. The result has intensified calls for structural and strategic adjustments within both the playing group and support staff.
Despite the anticipated changes in the coaching setup, selectors are expected to retain Dasun Shanaka as T20 captain, indicating continued confidence in his leadership moving forward.
While no formal decision has been confirmed, Trott’s emergence as the frontrunner signals that Sri Lanka Cricket may be preparing for a new direction as the national team looks to regroup and rebuild.
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