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Ireland defeat Sri Lanka by 15 runs despite Harshitha’s ton

Published

2 years ago

August 19, 2024

Editor

Sri Lanka Women’s tour of Ireland (Second ODI)

Ireland Women’s secured a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series after narrowly defeating Sri Lanka Women’s by 15 runs in the second ODI held at Civil Service Cricket club, Belfast.

Put to bat first, Ireland accumulated a total of 255 runs in their allotted 50 overs, bolstered by half-centuries from Leah Paul, Amy Hunter, and Rebecca Stokell. In response, Sri Lanka experienced a middle-order collapse, ultimately finishing 15 runs short of the target, despite a remarkable century from Harshitha Samarawickarama.

The host experienced an early set back when they loss Sarah Forbes in the 6th over.

Following the early break through Amy Hunter and ODI debutant Christina Coulter Reilly stabilized the innings with a 45-run partnership. Hunter showcased her skills with 8 boundaries before being dismissed by Chamari Athapaththu for 66 runs.

The breakthrough put host in some pressure where they lost thier third wicket of the skipper Orla Prendergast (9) to slow things around.

After the quick dismissals of Coulter Reilly and Prendergast, Ireland needed to regroup, which was achieved through the efforts of Leah Paul and Rebecca Stokell.

The duo provided a solid foundation, entertaining the audience with a blend of cautious batting and aggressive boundary hitting, establishing a record-breaking fifth-wicket partnership for Ireland Women.

Leah Paul contributed largely with a match defining 81 runs while Rebecca Stokell continued to build on the innings, finishing with an unbeaten 53 to help Ireland reach 255-5 at the end of their allotted 50 overs.

In reply, although the visitors experienced a difficult beginning with the loss of both openers, Chamari Athapatthu (22) and Vishmi Gunaratne (2), the Asian Women’s champions were well on their way to securing a victory. They established a significant partnership of 126 runs between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari, raising their total to 172 for 2 after 30.2 overs.

In the process, Harshitha also achieved her first century, joining the ranks of Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne (who had previously scored a century in an ODI) making her the third Sri Lankan batter to accomplish this feat in women’s ODIs.

Despite a promising position for Sri Lanka, they encountered a brief collapse when the well-set Dilhari was dismissed for 53 by spinner Freya Sargent, followed by Anushka Sanjeewani, who was dismissed without scoring, placing Sri Lanka in a precarious situation.

However, Sri Lanka managed to stabilize their innings, reaching 210-4 before Harshitha Samarawickrama was run out for 105 by Sarah Forbes, marking a crucial turning point in the match.

As the visiting team began to struggle, they lost four additional wickets for a mere four runs, extinguishing their hopes of victory.

Although Nilakshi de Silva and Udeshika Prabodhani contributed 26 runs for the final wicket, it proved insufficient for the islanders to secure a win, allowing Ireland to claim the series victory.

Kelly concluded the match with commendable bowling figures of 3-41.

The two teams are set to face each other one final time in the third and concluding ODI on Tuesday at the same venue.

Cricket

Sri Lanka–Afghanistan Series Postponed Amid Regional Tensions

Published

12 hours ago

March 7, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka Cricket has decided to postpone the upcoming limited-overs series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates due to the current situation in the Middle East, sources confirmed.

The series, which was scheduled to run from March 13 to 25, included three T20 internationals in Sharjah and three ODIs in Dubai. However, growing security concerns following reports of Iranian strikes across parts of the region have forced officials to reconsider travel and hosting arrangements.

Both cricket boards are understood to be in discussions to reschedule the fixtures once conditions improve. The decision comes at a time when Sri Lanka is also focusing on strengthening its domestic fitness programme, with selectors emphasizing that physical readiness will be a key factor in future squad selections.

Cricket

Jayasuriya Hands Over Resignation as Sri Lanka Head Coach

Published

2 days ago

March 6, 2026

Editor

Cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya has formally handed over his resignation as Head Coach of the Sri Lanka national team, following the side’s disappointing World Cup campaign.

It is learnt, the resignation was submitted on Thursday after discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva. Jayasuriya, who took charge with hopes of reviving the team’s fortunes, decided to step aside after the tournament’s poor showing.

Despite stepping down, Jayasuriya will remain involved in Sri Lankan cricket. In a significant transition, he has been assigned to lead the High Performance Centre, where he will oversee player development and the broader cricketing structure.

Sri Lanka Cricket has yet to announce a replacement for the head coach role, but officials confirmed that talks are underway to identify a candidate capable of steering the national side forward.

Cricket

Afghanistan Names New Captains for Sri Lanka Series as Rashid Khan Steps Down

Published

3 days ago

March 5, 2026

Editor

Afghanistan cricket has entered a new phase of leadership as selectors announced sweeping changes ahead of their upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Following the team’s early exit from the ICC T20 World Cup, star all-rounder Rashid Khan has been relieved of his captaincy duties. Ibrahim Zadran will now lead the T20 side, while Hashmatullah Shahidi has been entrusted with the ODI captaincy.

Despite losing the armband, Rashid remains a key figure in Afghanistan’s plans, with his name included in both squads. The selectors have opted for a balanced mix of seasoned performers and promising youngsters, signaling a strategy to rebuild while maintaining stability.

The T20 squad features explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, alongside Ibrahim Zadran, who will captain the side. Veteran Mohammad Nabi adds experience, while spin remains Afghanistan’s strongest weapon with Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Sharafuddin Ashraf forming a formidable attack. Young talents like Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli have also been given opportunities, reflecting the selectors’ intent to groom the next generation.

On the other hand, Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the ODI side, supported by experienced campaigners such as Rahmat Shah and Mohammad Nabi. The batting unit includes Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, while wicketkeeping duties will be shared between Gurbaz and Ikram Alikhil. The bowling attack is spearheaded by Rashid Khan, with support from Zia ur Rahman Sharifi, Farid Ahmad Malik, and Nangyal Kharotai. Reserves include Qais Ahmad, M. Saleem Safi, and Bashir Ahmad, ensuring depth across departments.

Security Concerns Cloud Series
The series, scheduled from March 13 to 25, was to feature three T20Is in Sharjah and three ODIs in Dubai. However, escalating regional tensions—sparked by reports of Iranian strikes and claims surrounding the death of Iran’s supreme leader in alleged U.S.–Israeli attacks—have raised serious doubts about security and travel. Cricket authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with contingency plans under discussion.

ODI Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Rashid Khan, A.M. Ghazanfar, Zia ur Rahman Sharifi, Farid Ahmad Malik, Nangyal Kharotai, Bila Saim.
Reserves: Qais Ahmad, M. Saleem Safi, Bashir Ahmad.

T20I Squad: Ibrahim Zadran (Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Rahman (WK), Shahidullah Kamal, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zia ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai.