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Is India-Pakistan rivalry the biggest in white-ball cricket?

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A heady cocktail of colourful costumes, ear-splitting noise and immense passion can mean only one thing at an ICC Cricket World Cup – India against Pakistan.
Since their first meeting in 1952, the two teams have shared some of the most dramatic matches and jaw-dropping moments in cricket history.
Ahead of their latest meeting on 14 October, we examine just how big the rivalry has become and the current state of play ahead of their duel in Ahmedabad.
White-ball cricket’s fiercest rivalry?
A look back at the numbers from their 2019 showdown serves as a reminder of the scale of the occasion.
Over 700,000 ticket requests, 600 media requests, a reported one billion TV viewers – and that was ahead of a sodden Sunday affair in Manchester, never mind a sultry Saturday at the world’s largest arena, the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The Ashes may have history on its side, and there is no lack of bite when England and Australia collide, but their meetings in the shorter format might not quite have the same edge as when India take on Pakistan.
Their meetings in cricket’s global event are as close to a rock concert as the sport will come.
A history like no other
From an opening meeting in the format in 1978 which went down to the final ball – India winning by four runs – this rivalry has been electric.
Pakistan have enjoyed the better of it overall, winning 73 times to their neighbours’ 56, but on the World Cup stage, the roles have been reversed.
The teams first met in 1992 in the World Cup, with India winning by 43 runs in Sydney, and they have a perfect record ever since, winning all seven meetings.
Of course, for Pakistan, that 1992 tournament still brings with it happy memories, as Imran Khan led them to their only World Cup victory to date.
In head-to-heads though, it is India who have claimed the bragging rights, with perhaps the most entertaining meeting coming in 2003 when Saeed Anwar’s stunning century was cancelled out by a brilliant 98 from Sachin Tendulkar as India won by six wickets on their way to a place in the final.
Tendulkar was at it again in an iconic knock in the 2011 semi-final as India won the title on home soil, while Virat Kohli’s courageous century in 2015 was a reminder that the world’s best players always seem to hit top form when the neighbours are in town. 
What to expect this time…
After ending a five-year trophy drought with a resounding Asia Cup success, expectations are sky-high for host nation India.
Preparations until now could not have gone much better, with KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah back to their best, Shubman Gill in irresistible form and Kuldeep Yadav showing why he is indispensable.
Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep finished the tournament with nine wickets at 11.44 and his effectiveness in the middle overs could prove crucial in stifling India’s nearest and dearest.
There were mitigating circumstances for Pakistan’s Asia Cup struggles, with injuries to Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf debilitating their pace attack.
Naseem’s potentially tournament-ending shoulder injury is a particular cause for concern, with the 20-year-old boasting a fine record against the Men in Blue.
They will be up against it, crossing the border for ODI action for the first time in a decade, but will be determined to bounce back quickly.
What is for sure, is that every run will be an event, every wicket cheered like a win and at the end of it all, one team will take a giant step towards fulfilling the hopes and dreams of a nation.

Cricket

Team Green Clinch Women’s NSL T20 Title with Commanding Final Victory

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Team Green were crowned champions of the Women’s National Super League T20 tournament after producing a dominant six-wicket victory over Team Blue in the final played at the P. Sara Oval on Saturday.

The championship triumph was built on a disciplined and clinical bowling performance, as Team Green dismissed Team Blue for a modest total of 95 in 18.1 overs. Oshadi Ranasinghe led the attack with an outstanding four-wicket haul, applying sustained pressure through the middle overs and preventing any meaningful recovery. She received strong support from Malsha Shehani, Kawya Kavindi, Nimasha Madushani, and Udeshika Prabodani, as Team Blue struggled to establish partnerships.

Team Blue found resistance through Chamari Athapaththu, who played a determined innings of 51 from 41 deliveries. Her knock helped stabilise the innings after early setbacks, but regular wickets at the other end stalled momentum. Once Athapaththu was dismissed, the remainder of the batting lineup was unable to provide support, leading to a rapid collapse.

In response, Team Green approached the chase with calm assurance. Despite losing a few early wickets, they remained firmly in control throughout the pursuit of the modest target. Nilakshika Silva anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 36, rotating the strike effectively and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Oshadi Ranasinghe completed a memorable all-round performance by contributing an unbeaten 16, ensuring there were no late complications.

Team Green reached the target at 98 for 4 in 18.1 overs, sealing the title with 11 balls to spare. Team Blue’s bowlers attempted to apply pressure, but the total proved insufficient to trouble a well-organised batting unit.

The victory capped a successful campaign for Team Green, underlining their consistency and balance throughout the tournament, while Oshadi Ranasinghe’s all-round brilliance stood out on the biggest stage.

Brief Scores

Team Blue – 95 all out in 18.1 overs
Chamari Athapaththu 51; Oshadi Ranasinghe 4/17, Udeshika Prabodani 1/17

Team Green – 98/4 in 18.1 overs
Nilakshika Silva 36*, Oshadi Ranasinghe 16*; Devmi Vihanga 1/22

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Milan, Dunith Likely to Return for ODIs as Sri Lanka Prepare for England Series

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England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

All-rounders Milan Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage are set to make their return to Sri Lanka’s One-Day International squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, which is scheduled to begin in the coming days.

Sri Lanka selectors have opted for a well-balanced squad that blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent as the hosts prepare for a demanding home series against a strong England side.

Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the ODI team as captain, with his role in the middle order expected to be pivotal. Asalanka’s ability to absorb pressure and accelerate when required will be key against England’s varied bowling attack.

At the top of the order, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara are expected to open the batting. Nissanka’s consistency and sound technique remain central to Sri Lanka’s ODI plans, while Mishara will be eager to convert starts into meaningful contributions. Their partnership will be crucial in providing solid foundations.

Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis adds experience and aggression to the middle order, offering Sri Lanka flexibility in both tempo and shot selection. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage further strengthen the batting unit, with both players capable of anchoring the innings or playing decisive roles when momentum is needed.

The squad features strong all-round depth, with Kamindu Mendis offering versatility with both bat and ball. The return of Wanindu Hasaranga significantly enhances Sri Lanka’s all-round options, with his leg-spin expected to play a decisive role on home pitches. Dunith Wellalage’s inclusion adds another spin-bowling all-rounder capable of controlling the middle overs.

Milan Rathnayake’s likely return boosts the seam-bowling all-round resources, while the pace attack will be led by Asitha Fernando, supported by Eshan Malinga and Pramod Madushan. The spin department is further reinforced by Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay, both expected to be influential under Sri Lankan conditions.

The first ODI of the series is scheduled to be played on Thursday (22) at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Probable Sri Lanka ODI Squad vs England

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay.

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Peiris, Norbert, Usgodaarachchi and De Silva Lead Women’s Charge at Yeti SSC Open

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The Women’s Singles quarterfinals at the Yeti SSC Open Tennis Championship delivered a high standard of competition, with Yuhansa Peiris, Annaya Norbert, Sandithi Usgodaarachchi, and Dinara De Silva producing impressive performances to book their places in the semifinals.

Yuhansa Peiris produced one of the most commanding displays of the tournament, overwhelming Dulkini Ranasinghe in straight sets, 6/0, 6/0. Peiris controlled the match from the outset, combining solid baseline dominance with precise shot placement and relentless pressure that gave her opponent little opportunity to find rhythm.

Dinara De Silva was equally dominant in her quarterfinal encounter, cruising past Aroshi Thomas 6/1, 6/0. De Silva’s confident shot selection, consistent aggression, and sharp court movement allowed her to dictate play throughout the match, underlining her strong form in the championship.

One of the most competitive matches of the women’s quarterfinals saw Annaya Norbert edge past Biyanka Acquistapace in a tightly contested contest. Norbert held her nerve in crucial moments to secure a 6/4, 7/6 victory, clinching the match in a tense second-set tiebreak after sustained pressure from both players.

Sandithi Usgodaarachchi showcased impressive resilience and mental strength in her quarterfinal clash against Vinethya Dharmarathne. After dropping the opening set 2/6, Usgodaarachchi regrouped and raised her intensity, dominating the next two sets 6/3, 6/1 to complete a hard-fought comeback and advance to the semifinals.

The Men’s Singles quarterfinals were equally compelling, with several strong performances shaping an exciting semifinal lineup. Ganuka Fernando advanced with a composed 6/3, 6/4 victory over Ashen Silva, using disciplined baseline play and timely winners to maintain control during key phases of the match.

Thehan Wijemanne delivered one of the most dominant performances in the men’s draw, dismantling Neven Kannangara 6/1, 6/2. Wijemanne’s aggressive approach and constant pressure from the opening game left little room for his opponent to recover.

Harishva Parameshwaran demonstrated experience and tactical awareness in a solid 6/2, 6/4 win against Rehan Gunawardhana, maintaining steady momentum and dictating play with well-constructed points. Rounding off the quarterfinal stage, Methvan Vijemanne advanced in emphatic fashion, defeating Aahil Kallel 6/1, 6/1 with excellent court coverage and sharp finishing.

With the semifinals now set, the Yeti SSC Open Tennis Championship continues to highlight the growing depth, competitiveness, and quality of Sri Lanka’s tennis talent across both the women’s and men’s categories.

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