Connect with us

News

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

Published

on

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.

News

Negombo Gears Up for “Run for Hope” as Community Spirit Takes Center Stage

Published

on

By

Negombo is preparing to host a vibrant and purpose-driven community event later this month, as Run for Hope arrives on May 23rd with a message that reaches far beyond the track.

Scheduled to begin at 6:00 AM at Kotuwa Grounds, the event is expected to draw participants from across the region, blending athletic enthusiasm with a shared commitment to social impact. Organizers say the run is designed to be inclusive, welcoming everyone from competitive runners to casual walkers and families looking to support a meaningful cause.

The initiative is led by the Voice Foundation, a group focused on empowering vulnerable communities. Through Run for Hope, the foundation aims to shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by single mothers while promoting supportive alternatives and long-term solutions through awareness and outreach programs.

This upcoming event follows a successful run earlier this year in Kandy, where strong participation and community backing highlighted the growing momentum behind the campaign. Organizers believe the Negombo edition will further expand that reach, bringing new voices and supporters into the movement.

In addition to the run itself, careful planning has gone into ensuring participant safety and comfort. Hydration points, volunteer assistance, and medical support will be available throughout the course, creating a well-organized and welcoming environment.


Local businesses, media partners, and volunteers have also joined hands to support theinitiative, reinforcing the idea that collective action can lead to meaningful change. The event is not only about physical endurance but also about raising awareness and encouraging compassion within society.

Registrations remain open, and organizers encourage early sign-ups as interest continues to grow. Participants and supporters can obtain more information via WhatsApp by contacting 077 251 2374 or 077 861 2374.

Continue Reading

Cricket

Sri Lanka to Begin Caribbean Tour with ODI Series in June 2026

Published

on

By

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
Continue Reading

Athletics

Hero’s Welcome for Golden Girl Wasana

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Trending