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Dimuth Karunaratne to Retire After 100th Test Against Australia in Galle

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Sri Lanka’s veteran opener Dimuth Karunaratne has announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking his 100th Test match against Australia in Galle as his final appearance in the longest format. The experienced left-hander, who debuted at the same venue in 2012, will step away after an illustrious 12-year career.

Reasons Behind the Decision

Karunaratne’s retirement is influenced by three key factors:

  • Sri Lanka’s limited Test schedule, with only two matches scheduled until May 2026.
  • A dip in form, averaging 27.05 since 2024.
  • The end of the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, making it an ideal time to transition younger players into the squad.

“It felt like the right time to step away, especially with a few young players ready for the next WTC cycle. Finishing in Galle, where I started my career, makes it even more special,”

Karunaratne shared.

A Legacy in Sri Lankan Cricket

Karunaratne will become Sri Lanka’s seventh cricketer to achieve 100 Test appearances, joining legends such as Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, and Angelo Mathews.

With over 7,000 Test runs at an average close to 40, he remains Sri Lanka’s highest-scoring opener in Test history. His career highlights include:

  • 16 Test centuries & 39 half-centuries
  • 244 – Career-best score
  • 30 Tests as captain, leading Sri Lanka to a historic 2-0 Test series win in South Africa (2019)
  • Played 50 ODIs, including leading Sri Lanka in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup

What’s Next for Karunaratne?

Now residing in Melbourne, Karunaratne has expressed interest in coaching after a break from cricket. “I’d love to get involved again in the game,” he stated, hinting at a future role in cricket development.

As Sri Lanka prepares to face Australia in the second Test, Karunaratne’s farewell at Galle International Stadium will be an emotional moment for Sri Lankan cricket fans.

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Sri Lanka Masters Set for International Masters League T20 2025 Challenge

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Sri Lanka Masters, led by legendary wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara, are all set to compete in the much-anticipated International Masters League T20 2025. The tournament, featuring cricketing greats from six nations, will kick off on February 22 and conclude with the final on March 16 in Raipur, India.

Sri Lanka Masters’ Fixtures

The team will begin their campaign against India Masters on February 22 at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. They will then take on South Africa Masters on February 26, followed by a high-voltage clash against Australia Masters on February 28. Their group stage will continue with matches against West Indies Masters on March 6 and England Masters on March 10 before the semi-finals on March 13 and 14.

Squad Overview

The Sri Lanka Masters squad boasts a mix of experience and all-round talent. With Sangakkara leading from the front, the team includes seasoned campaigners such as Romesh Kaluwitharana, Upul Tharanga, and Lahiru Thirimanne. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, and Isuru Udana, while all-rounders like Seekkuge Prasanna, Jeevan Mendis, and Chaturanga de Silva provide balance to the squad.

Expectations & Key Players to Watch

With a strong batting unit led by Sangakkara and Tharanga, Sri Lanka Masters will look to dominate in the powerplay and set up big totals. The bowling attack, featuring Pradeep and Lakmal, will be crucial in restricting opposition teams. All-rounders like Prasanna and Mendis could play a pivotal role in tight situations.

As the tournament unfolds, Sri Lanka Masters will aim to make a strong statement and challenge for the coveted title. With cricketing legends returning to the field, fans can expect thrilling encounters and moments of brilliance from the island nation’s seasoned stars.

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for exclusive updates and match analysis from the International Masters League T20 2025!

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Sri Lanka Crush Australia by 174 Runs, Seal 2-0 ODI Series

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Sri Lanka completed a lopsided 2-0 ODI series victory over Australia by winning the second match at Colombo by a commanding 174 runs. Driven by Mendis’ century (101 off 115) and a disciplined bowling display, the hosts made quick work of a weakened Australian outfit, limiting them to just 107 runs in reply to Sri Lanka’s 281/4.

Sri Lanka Finish Off Well, Led By Kusal and Asalanka

Sri Lanka were on the frontfoot for most of the innings after opting to bat first, with Kusal Mendis playing a pivotal knock at the top of the order. He was well supported by captain Charith Asalanka (78 off 66)*, who opened the batting with Nishan Madushka (51 off 62), laying a solid platform.

Missing the trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s bowling attack could not rein in the batters. Only Sean Abbott (1/41) and Ben Dwarshuis (1/47) stood out from the Australian line-but none of them could prevent Sri Lanka from putting a competitive total on the board.

Australian Batting Collapses Against Spinn

Chasing 282, Australia’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure, being bowled out for a meager 107 in 24.2 overs. Asitha Fernando (3/23) struck early dismissing the key batters before the Sri Lankan spinners took complete control. The middle order was then sent into a tailspin by Dunith Wellalage (4/35) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3/23).

Stand-in skipper Steven Smith (29 off 34) and Josh Inglis (22 off 27) put forth an effort to build the innings, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Sri Lanka sealed a comfortable victory as the lower order offered little resistance.

Australia’s Precarious Position on Eve of Champions Trophy

That was Australia’s sixth loss in their last eight ODIs, which is raising questions as the Champions Trophy approaches. Their bowling unit is still under pressure and the inconsistency of the top order is a major cause of concern. Meanwhile Sri Lanka won nine in their last 13 ODIs, but will not participate in the Champions Trophy owing to their performance that was part of the qualification process for the 2023 World Cup.

This series win is a great signal for Sri Lankan cricket as they are rebuilding their team through a combination of experienced and young players, despite that setback.

Match Summary

Sri Lanka – 281/4 (50 overs)
Kusal Mendis – 101 (115)
Charith Asalanka – 78* (66)
Nishan Madushka – 51 (62)
Sean Abbott – 1/41 (10)
Ben Dwarshuis – 1/47 (10)

Australia – 107/10 (24.2 overs)
Steven Smith – 29 (34)
Josh Inglis – 22 (27)
Dunith Wellalage – 4/35 (7.2)
Wanindu Hasaranga – 3/23 (7)
Asitha Fernando – 3/23 (5)

Sri Lanka’s emphatic victory will boost their confidence going into upcoming series, while Australia will need to regroup for a rethink ahead of major tournaments.

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Charith Asalanka Stars in Sri Lanka’s Dramatic ODI Victory Over Australia

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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.

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