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
Sri Lanka to Begin Caribbean Tour with ODI Series in June 2026
The Sri Lanka national cricket team is set to embark on a full tour of the West Indies cricket team in June and July 2026, featuring a complete schedule across all three formats of the game.
The tour will open with a three-match One Day International (ODI) series at the renowned Sabina Park. The first ODI is scheduled for June 3, followed by the second on June 6 and the final match on June 8. These opening fixtures are expected to set the tone for the remainder of the tour.
Attention will then shift to the shorter format, with three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) also taking place at Sabina Park. The matches are set for June 11, June 13, and June 14, offering fans a fast-paced contest between the two sides.
Sri Lanka will then travel to Antigua for a four-day warm-up game from June 18 to 21 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. This match will serve as preparation for the longer format of the game.
The two-match Test series will be held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The first Test is scheduled from June 25 to 29, while the second Test will take place from July 3 to 7.
Schedule
- June 3 – First ODI at Sabina Park
- June 6 – Second ODI at Sabina Park
- June 8 – Third ODI at Sabina Park
- June 11 – First T20I at Sabina Park
- June 13 – Second T20I at Sabina Park
- June 14 – Third T20I at Sabina Park
- June 18–21 – Four-day warm-up match at Coolidge Cricket Ground
- June 25–29 – First Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium
- July 3–7 – Second Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium
Athletics
Hero’s Welcome for Golden Girl Wasana
Sri Lanka celebrated in style as its lone gold medalist Nipuni Wasana at the 6th Asian Beach Games returned home to a rousing welcome, marking a proud moment for the nation.
Airwoman Nipuni Wasana stole the spotlight in Sanya, China, where she clinched gold in the Women’s 50kg Beach Wrestling event. In the final, she overcame Vietnam’s Doan Thi Kim Oanh with a composed and commanding performance, securing a historic victory for Sri Lanka.
Her achievement was met with a grand at Bandaranaike International Airport, where Air Force personnel, sports officials, and supporters gathered to honor her success. Wasana was also given the distinction of carrying the national flag at the closing ceremony, highlighting her status as the country’s top performer at the Games.
Sri Lanka wrapped up its campaign with a total of seven medals one gold, two silver, and four bronze demonstrating competitive strength across multiple disciplines.
The Women’s Beach Kabaddi team delivered an impressive performance to secure silver, while the Men’s team contributed with a bronze medal finish. In Athletics, Ishara Samanmali earned silver in the women’s long jump, and Sashikala Lankathilaka claimed bronze. The Men’s 4x60m relay team also added to the tally with a bronze-winning effort.
A contingent of 77 Sri Lankan athletes competed in eight sports at the Games. Although several disciplines did not produce medals, the team achieved a respectable 10th place overall.
Host nation China dominated the medal standings with 24 gold medals, followed by Thailand and Iran.
News
Chathuranga takes charge as Tuskers seek redemption in final showdown
Sri Lanka’s Tuskers head into their final fixture against the touring New Zealand Under-85kg side this evening with a fresh leader and a renewed sense of urgency, following a narrow defeat in the opening encounter.
In a notable pre-match development, Tharindu Chathuranga has been entrusted with the captaincy for the decisive game at Nittawela Stadium, set to kick off at 4.15 p.m. The move sees original skipper Lasindu Karunathilake relegated to the bench, as selectors opt for a different approach in their bid to overturn fortunes.
The Tuskers were competitive in the first leg but ultimately fell 27–16 at the Racecourse Grounds. With the series on the line, the team management has responded with a mix of tactical reshuffling and personnel changes aimed at sharpening both attack and defense.
Among the key adjustments, Omalka Gunarathna steps into the starting role at number eight, while Kavindu de Costa replaces Harsha Maduranga at scrum-half. An injury to winger Janidu Dilshan has forced another change, with Jayathu Rajarathna promoted from the bench to the starting XV.
Further alterations in the back division see Murshid Doray move to fullback, allowing Thenuka Nanayakkara to slot into the fly-half position to steer the attack. The bench too has been reinforced with fresh options, as selectors look to add impact in the latter stages of the contest.
Chathuranga, a seasoned campaigner and former Kingswood College leader, has earned recognition for guiding Kandy SC to a strong league season, finishing as runners-up. Known for his work rate and leadership qualities, he now shoulders the responsibility of rallying the side in a high-stakes encounter.
With pride and parity in the series at stake, the Tuskers will be aiming for a more disciplined and clinical display as they attempt to turn the tables on a resilient New Zealand outfit.
Line-up for the final match
Forwards: Deshan Vimukthi, Pulasthi Dassanayake, Hansitha De Silva, Thilina Bandara, Naveen Marasinghe, Tharindu Chathuranga (captain), Lahiru Thilakarathne, Omalka Gunarathna
Backs: Kavindu de Costa, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Dilulksha Dange, Arkash Maduranga, Manika Ruberu, Jayathu Rajarathna, Murshid Doray
Bench: Venura Kodhagoda, Charith Silva, Nisal, Lasindu Karunathilake, Denuwan Wickramaarachi, Oliver Buckle, Vidhuna Amaneth, Yuwan Pathirana
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