News

Jaffna Secure easy win over Dambulla

Published

2 years ago

July 8, 2024

Editor

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

ICC Team to Visit Sri Lanka Amid Cricket Administration Shake-Up

Published

24 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC), including a senior representative linked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka this weekend as attention grows over recent changes to the country’s cricket administration.

According to India’s Press Trust of India (PTI), ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja is expected in Colombo on Friday night, with another top ICC official who also serves in a leading capacity within the BCCI due to arrive on Saturday.

The visit comes in the wake of the Sri Lankan government’s decision to appoint an interim committee to manage the affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) following the resignation of its leadership.

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage confirmed during a televised interview that discussions with ICC representatives are expected to take place in the coming days regarding the future direction of cricket administration in the country.

The newly appointed nine-member interim body was established on April 29 after SLC President Shammi Silva and members of the Executive Committee stepped down from office.
Government officials say the temporary panel will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day cricket operations, introducing administrative reforms, and preparing the groundwork for fresh elections within Sri Lanka Cricket.

The ICC visit is expected to focus on governance issues, the transition process, and the stability of cricket administration during the interim period.

Cricket

LPL 2026 Opening Game between Jaffna and Galle

Published

24 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

The inaugural game of the Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played between the Jaffna and Galle teams, who emerged as the Champions and Runners-up respectively in the 2024 season.

The opening game is scheduled to be played on 17th July at the SSC Grounds, commencing at
7.30 p.m.

Prior to the start of the tournament opener, a spectacular opening ceremony will be held at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.
The Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played from 17th July to 8th August across four venues: SSC, Colombo; RDICS, Dambulla; PICS, Pallekele; and RPICS, Colombo.

The tournament is conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the owner of the LPL, in partnership with The IPG Group, the event rights holder.

Cricket

RCB Bring in Gleeson After Thushara Exit; CSK Add Kuldip as Injury Cover

Published

1 day ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have roped in experienced England pacer Richard Gleeson as a replacement for Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara ahead of the IPL 2026 Knockouts.

Thushara was unable to join the Bengaluru franchise after failing to secure a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket. The board reportedly withheld approval because the pacer did not meet the required fitness benchmarks set by the national setup.

RCB have signed Gleeson for INR 1.6 crore. The 38-year-old seamer brings previous IPL experience, having represented both Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in recent seasons. Gleeson featured in two matches for Chennai in 2024 and made a single appearance for Mumbai in the 2025 campaign. He has also represented England in nine T20 Internationals.

Thushara, who was bought by RCB for the same amount in 2025, played one game during the franchise’s championship-winning run last season. Despite being retained for IPL 2026, his participation was blocked after the NOC issue emerged.

The Sri Lankan quick had initially taken legal action against the cricket board regarding the matter, but later withdrew the case and issued a written apology. Court documents reportedly indicated that Thushara had considered stepping away from international cricket, although no final decision on his future has yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have announced Indian pacer Kuldip Yadav as a replacement for injured left-arm fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed.

Khaleel’s season was cut short after he suffered a right quadricep injury during Chennai’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. Before the setback, he had claimed two wickets in five appearances while maintaining an economy rate of 8.67.

Kuldip, a right-arm pacer, previously represented Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, making three appearances across the 2021 and 2023 seasons. Chennai have secured his services for INR 30 lakh.

The game is on! Join the excitement and enjoy the real sports spirit. Use promo code: SportsTV100 and get a 100% bonus on your first deposit. Register now