News

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

Published

7 months 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.

Football

Sri Lanka Faces Thailand in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers – Live

Published

22 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Editor

Sri Lanka is set to take on Thailand in a crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier today. With history favoring Thailand in past encounters, the Sri Lankan squad will look to turn the tide and secure a positive result.

Sri Lanka has struggled in previous meetings, losing all five of their last encounters against Thailand, including a 2-0 defeat in their most recent clash in 2022. However, with a revamped squad and fresh motivation, they aim to challenge their higher-ranked opponents.

Thailand, known for its structured play and attacking prowess, will be looking to continue its dominance. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, still in the rebuilding phase, will need a strong defensive display and tactical discipline to stand a chance.

Can Sri Lanka pull off an upset and make a statement on the continental stage? Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis.

Live feed:

Cricket

Bangladesh Cricket Star Shakib Faces Legal Trouble Amid Political Turmoil

Published

1 day ago

March 25, 2025

Editor

Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, a key figure in global cricket, is facing legal issues back home. A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of his assets as he battles fraud charges over bounced cheques worth $300,000.

Shakib, who was in Canada playing T20 cricket when Sheikh Hasina’s government was overthrown, has not returned to Bangladesh since. While he has not been charged for alleged ties to a violent crackdown, his links to the former regime make him a target of public anger.

Having played 71 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is, with 712 wickets to his name, Shakib remains a giant in cricket. However, his future—both on and off the field—hangs in the balance.

News

Sri Lanka Announces 60-Player Squad for Crucial Rugby Playoff Against Malaysia

Published

2 days ago

March 24, 2025

Editor

Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) has unveiled a 60-player national squad for their high-stakes Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) Top 4 playoff against Malaysia, set for April 19 under floodlights at Racecourse Ground, Colombo. The winner will join Hong Kong, South Korea, and the UAE in the ARC Top 4, making this a must-win encounter for Sri Lanka.

Squad Selection & Training Plans

The selected players will undergo medical examinations on April 9 at SLR headquarters, with any existing injuries needing to be disclosed. After medical assessments, the squad will enter an intensive training camp in Colombo, taking a short break from April 13-15 for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Sri Lanka’s final 30-player squad will be announced after medical evaluations to ensure a fully fit and competitive team. While Sri Lanka is just beginning preparations, Malaysia has already kicked off their training camp, potentially giving them an edge. However, playing on home turf under the Colombo lights gives Sri Lanka a strong advantage.

Squad Breakdown

The majority of the squad comes from Kandy SC, Havelock SC, and CR & FC, with Tarinda Ratwatte expected to lead the side under the guidance of head coach Sanath Martis.

Kandy SC Players:

Milan Weerasinghe, Malitha Wijesundara, Dilshad Fareed, Thilina Bandara, Tharindu Chathuranga, Dahan Wickramarchchi, Heshan Janson, Tharinda Ratwatte, Shahid Sumri, Kavindu Perera, Dinal Ekanayake, Dhanushka Ranjan.

CR & FC Players:

Senura Perera, Wenura Kodagoda, Naveen Marasinghe, Sohiru Anthony, Adeesha Weerathunga, Lasindu Karunathilaka, Omalka Gunarathna, Ravin De Silva, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Gamunu Chethiya, Zubair Dore.

Havelock SC Players:

Faiz Abdulla, Janindu Fernando, Shehan Silva, Azmir Fajudeen, Chathura Dilshan, Mohamed Rifan, Samuel Maduwantha, Sudesh Jayawickrama, Mushin Falil, Jayathu Rajarathna.

Other clubs contributing players include CH & FC, Police SC, Sri Lions SC, Army SC, Air Force SC, and Navy SC.

Aiming for ARC Top 4 Spot

With the opportunity to return to the top tier of Asian rugby, Sri Lanka will look to leverage home advantage and the experience of key players. However, long-term development remains a concern, as Sri Lanka Rugby still lacks a structured youth league and grassroots development system to nurture future talent.

Match Date: April 19, 2025

Venue: Racecourse Ground, Colombo

What’s at Stake? Winner qualifies for Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) Top 4