Sri Lankan javelin sensation Rumesh Pathirage produced the performance of a lifetime at the Rome Diamond League, launching the spear an astonishing 92.62 metres to become the second-best javelin thrower in Asian history and move to eighth place on the world all-time rankings.

The 23-year-old delivered the remarkable throw with his second attempt in the men’s javelin competition, sending shockwaves through the athletics world and cementing his place among the sport’s elite.

Pathirage’s record-breaking effort not only shattered his previous personal best but also established a new Sri Lankan national record and the world-leading mark for the 2026 season.
Adding to the significance of the achievement, the Sri Lankan star eclipsed the long-standing Rome Diamond League meet record of 90.34 metres, which had stood for two decades and was set by Olympic champion Andreas Thorkildsen.

The historic throw marks a major milestone for Sri Lankan athletics, with Pathirage becoming the first athlete from the island nation to surpass the coveted 90-metre barrier in international competition.

His performance places him among the greatest javelin throwers of all time and further strengthens his credentials as a leading contender for major global championships in the years ahead.

Sri Lanka produced a clinical display with both bat and ball to defeat West Indies by 41 runs in the first match of the three match ODI series worked off at Kingston on Wednesday.

After being asked to bat, Sri Lanka posted a challenging 303 for 7 from their allotted 50 overs, thanks largely to impressive contributions from Pathum Nissanka and captain Kusal Mendis. Nissanka played the anchor role with a composed 79 off 103 deliveries, striking nine boundaries and a six, while Kusal accelerated the scoring with a fluent 72 from 62 balls, featuring four fours and four sixes.

The pair guided Sri Lanka out of early trouble after Kamindu Mendis fell cheaply. Pavan Rathnayake contributed 24, while Charith Asalanka added a useful 45 to keep the innings on track. Janith Liyanage then provided the finishing touches with a brisk unbeaten 44 from 29 balls as the visitors crossed the 300-run mark. Roston Chase, Matthew Forde and Jayden Seales claimed two wickets each for the hosts.

West Indies made a promising start to their chase, reaching 73 for 2 inside the first 10 overs. Justin Greaves struck 45 and skipper Shai Hope battled for 56, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers repeatedly struck at crucial moments to halt the momentum.

The turning point came through Dushmantha Chameera, whose pace and accuracy troubled the West Indian middle order. The fast bowler claimed four wickets, including the prized scalp of Hope, to finish with 4 for 67. Spinner Maheesh Theekshana played an equally important role, conceding just 26 runs in his ten overs while taking two wickets.

Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed Sherfane Rutherford at a key stage, while Asitha Fernando and Charith Asalanka also entered the wicket column. Despite late resistance from Shamar Joseph, West Indies were bowled out for 262 in 49.2 overs.

Sri Lanka’s National Men’s Cricket Team will undertake a demanding all-format tour of New Zealand in January and February 2027, featuring three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and two Test matches.

The tour will provide Sri Lanka with a valuable opportunity to compete in New Zealand’s challenging conditions against one of the world’s leading cricketing nations. Matches will be played across several renowned venues throughout the country.

The ODI series will open at McLean Park in Napier on January 16 before moving to Wellington for the second match on January 19. The third and final ODI will be played in Dunedin on January 22.

The teams will then contest a three-match T20I series, beginning in Christchurch on January 26. The remaining two matches will be played in Nelson on January 29 and January 31.

The Test series will commence at Bay Oval in Tauranga from February 4 to 8, with the second and final Test scheduled at Seddon Park in Hamilton from February 12 to 16.
Tour Schedule
•⁠ ⁠January 16, 2027 – First ODI at McLean Park, Napier (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 19, 2027 – Second ODI at Basin Reserve, Wellington (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 22, 2027 – Third ODI at University of Otago Oval, Dunedin (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 26, 2027 – First T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch (11:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 29, 2027 – Second T20I at Saxton Oval, Nelson (09:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 31, 2027 – Third T20I at Saxton Oval, Nelson (06:30)
•⁠ ⁠February 4–8, 2027 – First Test at Bay Oval, Tauranga (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠February 12–16, 2027 – Second Test at Seddon Park, Hamilton (04:30)