News
Jaffna Secure easy win over Dambulla
Lanka Premier League 2024
Matheesha Four-Fer help Colombo edge Kandy

Jaffna Kings emerged victorious with a 30-run margin against Dambulla Sixers at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, achieving the highest score in LPL 2024. Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando made significant contributions with 88 and 57 runs, respectively, for Jaffna. Mustafizur Rahman claimed 2 wickets for Dambulla Sixers. Jaffna Kings posted a total of 218/5 in 20 overs.
During the chase, Dambulla Sixers displayed resilience but fell short, managing to reach only 188/8 in 20 overs. Reeza Hendricks stood out as the top scorer for Dambulla Sixers, accumulating 80 runs which included 9 fours and 3 sixes. Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando, and Tabraiz Shamsi each secured 2 wickets for Jaffna Kings.
Meanwhile in another game between Colombo strikers and Kandy Falcons, Colombo’s Matheesha Pathirana’s four-fer led his team to a thrilling 2-run victory over in the 7th game.
Colombo Strikers, batting first, finished with a formidable 199/9 in their 20 overs, with Dushmantha Chameera taking 3 wickets and Wanidu Hasaranga and Shoriful Islam sharing 4.
In reply, Despite a shaky start, a 95-run partnership between Andre Fletcher and Mohammad Haris put Kandy Falcons back on track.
Controversy erupted when a superb one-handed grab by Chamika Karunaratne in the eighth over was disallowed. The win could have been easier for the Strikers had that partnership been broken early. In the replays, the fielder’s hand seemed to be underneath the ball but the third umpire surprisingly decided it was not out raising eyebrows of all the players.
However, Pathirana’s exceptional bowling in the last 2 overs, conceding only 2 singles, made it difficult for the Falcons to chase the target. Pathirana’s outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match title, finishing with 4/26.
Meanwhile after the 7th match, Jaffna Kings’ Avishka Fernando remains the top scorer with 210 runs in four matches at an average of 52.50. Pathum Nissanka has moved up to second place with 178 runs in four games at a strike rate of 154.78. Mark Chapman is in third place with 154 runs in three innings at an average of 154. Tim Seifert has slipped to fourth position with 126 runs in three outings at an average of 63. Kusal Perera has moved to fifth place with 118 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 187.30.
In terms of wickets, Colombi Kings’ Shadab Khan is still the leading wicket-taker with nine wickets in three matches at an average of 7.11. Zahoor Khan is in second place with six wickets in three games at an economy of nine. Dasun Shanaka has moved up to third position with five wickets in three innings at a strike rate of 12. Matheesha Pathirana is in fourth place with five wickets in three outings at an economy of 8.78. Mustafizur Rahman has moved up to the fifth position with five wickets in three matches at a strike rate of 13.20.
Brief Scores
Jaffna Kings: 218/5 (20) Pathum Nissanka 88, Avishka Fernando 57, Mustafizur 2/39)
Dambulla Sixers 188/8 (20) (Reeza Hendricks 80, Mark Chapman 30, Asitha Fernando 2/25)
Colombo Strikers 199/9 (Glenn Phillips 70, Dushmantha Chameera 3/40) beat Kandy Falcons 197/8 (Mohammad Haris 56; Matheesha Pathirana 4/26) by two runs
Cricket
Tragedy Halts 66th Battle of the Babes in Kandy
The 66th edition of the “Battle of the Babes” big match between St. Sylvester’s College and Vidyartha College was abruptly called off on Wednesday after a tragic road accident claimed the lives of two St. Sylvester’s students.
The incident occurred as the students were on their way to witness the much-anticipated encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. According to police, the motorcycle they were travelling on collided head-on with a bus.
One of the victims, Sachith Karunaratne, died at the scene. The other student, Nethula Nimdinu, was rushed to the Kandy National Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
The shocking news cast a shadow over the annual fixture, prompting authorities to take swift action. Central Province Governor Sarath Abeykoon reportedly suggested halting the match, after which the principals of both schools jointly agreed to call off the game midway.

St. Sylvester’s College confirmed the untimely deaths, paying tribute to the two students as committed and valued members of their school community.
Meanwhile, Kandy Police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Women’s U19 Squad Named for Australia Tri-Series Tour
Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 15-member Women’s Under-19 squad for the upcoming Tri-Series tour of Australia, which will also feature England. The tour is set to provide valuable international exposure for the young Sri Lankan side as they prepare to face two strong cricketing nations in both One Day and T20 formats.

The team, led by captain Chamodi Praboda of Pagnagnanda MV, Monaragala, includes a promising mix of talent drawn from leading schools across the island. Several players from Devapathiraja College, Rathgama including Sanjana Kavindi, Nethagi Isuranjali, and Shashini Gimhani have earned selections, reflecting the school’s continued contribution to women’s cricket development.
Other notable inclusions are Vimoksha Balasuriya from Sinhala MV, Trincomalee, Umayangana Peiris of Princess of Wales College, Moratuwa, and Nethmi Upeksha from Maliyadeva Balika, Kurunegala. The squad also features players such as Aseni Thalagune (Mahamaya Girls School, Kandy), Chamodi Herath (Anura College, Matara), and Daria Dissanayake of Ladies College, Colombo, showcasing a diverse representation of emerging talent.

The team will play a total of six matches during the tour, including two One Day Internationals and four T20 games, scheduled on April 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, and 18. The squad is set to depart for Australia on April 3, 2026.

This tour is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket, offering these young players a platform to gain crucial international experience.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Cricket Appoints New National Coaches for High Performance Centre
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced two key appointments to its National High Performance Centre as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s coaching structure across all formats and levels.
Former Netherlands coach Ryan van Niekerk has been named the National Bowling Coach, while Jordan Gregory will take on the role of National Fielding and Spin Bowling Coach. Both appointments will come into effect from April 15, 2026, with each coach set to serve a two-year tenure.
In his new role, van Niekerk will oversee fast bowling development across all national teams, including the senior men’s side. He brings valuable international experience, having served as the bowling coach and interim head coach of the Netherlands national team from 2023 to 2026. Prior to that, he worked as the assistant coach and bowling coach of the Netherlands men’s team.
During his time with the Dutch side, van Niekerk played a role in their participation in major global tournaments, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026.
Meanwhile, Gregory will be responsible for managing fielding standards and spin bowling development across all national squads. He previously worked as a fielding consultant with Netherlands Cricket and contributed to several international assignments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2023.
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