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

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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.

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‘Super Fighters’ Chess Big Match Set to Bring Three Schools Together

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The annual ‘Super Fighters’ Chess Big Match, a unique triangular chess tournament featuring
C.W.W. Kannangara Central College – Matugama,
Taxila Central College – Horana, and
Ananda Sastralaya National School – Matugama,
is set to take place in the coming days.

The official media briefing for the tournament was held under the patronage of the Matugama Zonal Deputy Director of Education, Chandima Priyadarshani, along with the principals of the three participating schools and the Secretary of the Kalutara District Chess Association, Sameera Dissanayake.

Having already secured the title on the previous two occasions, Taxila Central College, Horana, will enter the competition as the defending champions. Meanwhile, this year’s tournament will be hosted by C.W.W. Kannangara Central College, Matugama.

All three schools are expected to field highly competitive teams, featuring internationally rated players as well as several athletes who have represented Sri Lanka at international chess tournaments.

The primary objectives of the tournament are to popularize the “Big Match” concept in school chess, identify emerging talent, and strengthen the spirit of camaraderie among the three institutions.

With growing interest in school-level chess, the ‘Super Fighters’ tournament is expected to be a thrilling and high-quality contest, showcasing the next generation of Sri Lanka’s chess talent.

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Bhanuka Rajapaksa sends legal notice to actress Harshi Rasanga over gold chain dispute

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Sri Lanka cricketer Bhanuka Rajapaksa has issued a Letter of Demand (LOD) to actress Harshi Rasanga, accusing her of making false and misleading statements on social media following recent court proceedings.

According to Rajapaksa’s legal representatives, the actress had informed court that the gold chain at the center of the dispute had been pawned. However, they claim she later contradicted this statement publicly, prompting the cricketer to initiate legal action.

The controversy revolves around a gold chain valued at over Rs. 900,000. Rajapaksa alleges that the chain had been borrowed by Rasanga and pawned without his knowledge or consent.
Rasanga was arrested by the Sri Lanka Police’s Thalangama division and later produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court, where she was granted bail on two sureties of Rs. 500,000 each.

During the court hearing, the defence stated that the chain had indeed been pawned and indicated that steps could be taken to redeem and return it. However, speaking to the media afterward, Rasanga claimed that the chain had been given to her as a gift during a personal relationship.

The court has directed Thalangama Police to take custody of the gold chain and present it at the next hearing, which is scheduled for April 22.

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Pathum Nissanka set to open alongside KL Rahul for Delhi Capitals opener

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Delhi Capitals are set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign with a fresh opening combination, as Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka is likely to partner India star KL Rahul at the top of the order.

The Capitals face Lucknow Super Giants in their opening match today at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground in Lucknow, and all eyes will be on how the new-look batting lineup shapes up. While Rahul’s role as opener is confirmed, the team management has been weighing their options for the second slot, with Prithvi Shaw and Abhishek Porel also in contention.

However, indications suggest that Nissanka has edged ahead in the race, with the franchise keen to utilize his consistency and ability to anchor innings in the powerplay. His calm approach at the crease could complement Rahul’s experience, giving Delhi a balanced start at the top.

The Capitals have also bolstered their middle order with the inclusion of David Miller, who adds firepower alongside fellow South African Tristan Stubbs. The duo is expected to provide the late-innings acceleration that Delhi often lacked in previous seasons.

Despite missing Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for the opening fixture due to injury, Delhi still boast a formidable bowling attack. Captain Axar Patel will lead from the front with his all-round abilities, while the spin department is strengthened by the ever-reliable Kuldeep Yadav.
In the pace department, South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi brings experience and variation, having impressed with his clever change of pace in recent T20 competitions. Meanwhile, left-arm seamer T Natarajan returns fully fit after a lengthy injury layoff, adding further depth to the attack.

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