Cricket

Consolation win for Sri Lanka as Ireland seal series 2-1

Published

5 months ago

August 21, 2024

Editor

Sri Lanka tour of Ireland (Third ODI)

Sri Lanka secured an eight-wicket consolation win in the third and final ODI against Ireland in Belfast yesterday, though Ireland sealed the series 2-1.

Having opted to field first, Sri Lanka started brilliantly with the ball as the opening fast bowler Achini Kulasuriya ripped through the Ireland top order, claiming 3 wickets inside first 5 overs.

Inoshi Fernando and Ama Kanchana also struck once each as the hosts were staring down the barrel at 28 for 5 after first 15 overs.

Ireland’s lower order showed some resistance in the second half of the innings to take their side to 122 runs. The Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Achini Kulasuriya starred with the ball for the visitors, scalping 3 wickets each.

During the chase, it was a walk in the park for the Asian Champions as they reached the target in 23.1 overs.

Sri Lanka experienced a tumultuous beginning, losing Vishmi Gunaratne (9) early in the innings. However, Chamari Athapatthu and Harshitha Samarawickrama formed a crucial partnership, accumulating 62 runs for the second wicket, which brought them closer to victory.

The captain played a pivotal role in the run chase, scoring 48 runs off 49 balls before being dismissed just two runs shy of a well-deserved half-century.
Following Chamari’s exit, Harshitha assumed responsibility and remained at the crease throughout the innings, guiding Sri Lanka to a comfortable victory.

Harshitha finished the match unbeaten on 48 runs, while Kavisha Dilhari contributed a valuable 10*.

The Ireland Women’s team has undergone an exceptional nine-day period, commencing with their inaugural triumph against Sri Lanka Women in the second T20I at Pembroke.

This was succeeded by their historic acquisition of ICC Women’s Championship points in the initial matches, culminating in a series victory.

For Sri Lanka, this success will enhance their confidence as they approach the World Cup, and notably, it has allowed them to secure 10 points in the Super League.

Cricket

Sri Lanka U19 Women Secure Dominant Victory Over West Indies in ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2025

Editor

In a commanding performance at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, the Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s cricket team triumphed over the West Indies U19 Women in their Group A encounter of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka posted an imposing total of 166 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

The opening partnership laid a solid foundation, with Sanjana Kavindi scoring 38 off 36 balls and Sumudu Nisansala contributing 19 off 22 deliveries. Captain Manudi Nanayakkara further bolstered the innings with a brisk 37 from 31 balls, while Dahami Sanethma added a valuable 31 off 25 balls. The West Indies bowlers faced a challenging task, with left-arm spinner Selena Ross emerging as the standout performer, claiming 2 wickets for 25 runs in her four overs.

In response, the West Indies U19 Women struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Regular wickets and tight fielding restricted their scoring opportunities, ultimately leading to a comprehensive victory for Sri Lanka. This win propels Sri Lanka to the top of Group A, enhancing their prospects of advancing to the Super Six stage of the tournament.

The Sri Lankan team’s all-round performance underscores their growing prowess in the international arena, particularly in the U19 category. As the tournament progresses, they will aim to maintain this momentum in their upcoming matches. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to more thrilling performances from these young athletes as they continue their campaign in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Cricket

Sri Lanka vs Australia Test Series 2025: A Thrilling Battle Awaits

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2025

Editor

Cricket fans are in for a treat as Sri Lanka hosts Australia for a highly anticipated Test series in January and February 2025. With two Test matches and two ODIs lined up, this tour carries immense significance for both teams as they vie for crucial ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points.

Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting tournament:

Series Schedule

• 1st Test: January 29 – February 2, 2025, Galle International Stadium

• 2nd Test: February 6 – 10, 2025, Galle International Stadium

• 1st ODI: February 12, 2025, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

• 2nd ODI: February 14, 2025, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Key Highlights and Team Updates

Australia’s Preparations

Australia enters the series with a strong squad bolstered by the return of captain Steve Smith, who has recovered from an elbow injury. Smith’s presence is expected to provide much-needed stability and experience to the team.

However, the absence of left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann due to a thumb injury is a setback. This opens the door for young talent Cooper Connolly, a promising 21-year-old who may make his Test debut.

Selectors have also hinted at a key role for Travis Head, who could open the innings. His recent success in India as a fast-scoring opener makes him an exciting prospect for the spin-friendly conditions of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s Formidable Home Advantage

Sri Lanka has been a dominant force on home soil, with impressive Test wins against England and New Zealand in recent years. Galle International Stadium, known for its spin-friendly pitches, will likely play a decisive role in shaping the series.

Cricket

Kumar Sangakkara to Lead Sri Lanka in International Masters League (IML) 2025

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2025

Editor

Sri Lanka’s cricketing legend Kumar Sangakkara is set to lead the Sri Lankan team in the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025, a tournament featuring legendary players from across the world. The tournament, running from February 22 to March 16, 2025, will bring together past cricketing greats in an electrifying T20 format.

Sangakkara Returns to Captaincy

The announcement of Sangakkara as Sri Lanka’s captain has ignited excitement among cricket fans. The former Sri Lanka skipper, who led the national team to the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen in cricket history.

Speaking about his return to competitive cricket, Sangakkara said:
“Cricket has given me so much, and to once again wear the Sri Lankan jersey, alongside some of the best players of our era, is truly special. The IML is a celebration of the sport, and I can’t wait to take the field.”

Tournament Format & Teams

IML 2025 will feature six franchise teams, each captained by a cricketing icon:

Sri Lanka – Kumar Sangakkara
India – Sachin Tendulkar
Australia – Shane Watson
England – Eoin Morgan
West Indies – Brian Lara
South Africa – Jacques Kallis

The competition will take place in India, with matches hosted in Navi Mumbai, Rajkot, and Raipur.

A Tournament for the Fans

IML 2025 promises to be a thrilling experience for cricket lovers, especially Sri Lankan fans who have long admired Sangakkara’s masterful stroke play and leadership skills. His return to the field is expected to draw massive viewership, as fans eagerly anticipate seeing him in action once again.