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Kamindu Mendis ton goes in vain as England take 1-0 lead

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5 months ago

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Sri Lanka tour of England 2024 (First Test)

Kamindu Mendis’ outstanding century proved futile as England clinched a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test, thereby establishing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The fourth day commenced with Sri Lanka at 204-6, featuring Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal at the crease. The pair adopted a cautious approach during the initial session, managing to avoid any dismissals while forming a 117-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

Kamindu emerged as the standout performer with the bat, achieving his third century in just four Test matches. The left-handed batsman scored 113 runs, including 15 boundaries and a six, before being dismissed at slip immediately after lunch.

This dismissal disrupted Sri Lanka’s innings, as the visitors struggled to accumulate runs, resulting in the loss of their last four wickets within a mere 26 balls.

Dinesh Chandimal, the only recognized batsman remaining, attempted to accelerate the scoring but ultimately he too bit the dust as Sri Lanka added 122 runs to their overnight score, setting a target of 205 runs for England.

In reply, the Host encountered a formidable challenge in their quest for 205 runs to win the first Test against Sri Lanka. Following the loss of their top order before tea on Day 4 at Old Trafford, England found themselves in a precarious position at 70-3, needing an additional 135 runs for victory.

Joe Root and Harry Brook were the only recognized batsmen remaining, with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who had scored a century in the first innings, poised to bat next. The run rate had dipped to 3.97 runs per over, heightening the tension surrounding the outcome.

Dismissals of Ben Duckett (11), Dan Lawrence (34), and captain Ollie Pope (6) had left England’s batting order exposed.

Nevertheless, Root demonstrated resilience, guiding England to victory. He formed vital partnerships with Harry Brook (32) and Jamie Smith (39), ensuring the scoreboard continued to advance.

Despite the loss of Brook and Smith during the chase, Root remained steadfast, ultimately sealing the win for England with a determined 62 runs off 128 balls.

The second Test match between England and Sri Lanka is scheduled to commence on August 29 at Lord’s.

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Sri Lanka and India Dominate U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 with Back-to-Back Wins

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47 minutes ago

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January 22, 2025

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Sri Lanka and India continued their dominant run in the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025, securing their second consecutive victories. Sri Lanka outplayed West Indies, while India cruised past Malaysia, solidifying their positions at the top of the points table.

Sri Lanka’s Record-Breaking Batting Display Crushes West Indies

Sri Lanka continued their dominance, setting a new tournament high score with 166/5 before dismantling the West Indies for just 85 runs to secure an emphatic 81-run victory.

Opener Sanjana Kavindi (38 off 36 balls) and Sumudu Nisansala (19 off 22) laid a strong foundation with a 54-run opening stand in under seven overs. Skipper Manudi Nanayakkara (37 off 31) and Dahami Sanethma (31 off 25) continued the aggressive batting, pushing Sri Lanka to an imposing total.

West Indies struggled against Sri Lanka’s sharp bowling and disciplined fielding, losing wickets at regular intervals. Left-arm spinner Selena Ross (2/25) was the only positive for West Indies, but their batting collapse handed Sri Lanka an easy win.

With this victory, Sri Lanka remains unbeaten and continues to challenge India for the top spot in the tournament standings.

India’s Bowling Masterclass Crushes Malaysia

Defending champions India once again showcased their bowling prowess, making full use of overcast conditions after winning the toss.

Young seamer Joshitha VJ set the tone by trapping Malaysia’s opener Nuni for a duck. A run-out and a fiery spell from Aayushi Shukla reduced Malaysia to 13/4 within five overs.

The highlight of the innings came from Vaishnavi Sharma, whose brilliant left-arm spin secured the tournament’s first hat-trick. She ended with stunning figures of 5/5, as Malaysia was dismissed for just 31 runs.

India’s openers, G. Trisha and Kamalini G., chased down the target in three overs without losing a wicket, ensuring India retained the top spot on the table.

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Sri Lanka U19 Women Secure Dominant Victory Over West Indies in ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup

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1 day ago

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January 21, 2025

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In a commanding performance at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, the Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s cricket team triumphed over the West Indies U19 Women in their Group A encounter of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka posted an imposing total of 166 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

The opening partnership laid a solid foundation, with Sanjana Kavindi scoring 38 off 36 balls and Sumudu Nisansala contributing 19 off 22 deliveries. Captain Manudi Nanayakkara further bolstered the innings with a brisk 37 from 31 balls, while Dahami Sanethma added a valuable 31 off 25 balls. The West Indies bowlers faced a challenging task, with left-arm spinner Selena Ross emerging as the standout performer, claiming 2 wickets for 25 runs in her four overs.

In response, the West Indies U19 Women struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Regular wickets and tight fielding restricted their scoring opportunities, ultimately leading to a comprehensive victory for Sri Lanka. This win propels Sri Lanka to the top of Group A, enhancing their prospects of advancing to the Super Six stage of the tournament.

The Sri Lankan team’s all-round performance underscores their growing prowess in the international arena, particularly in the U19 category. As the tournament progresses, they will aim to maintain this momentum in their upcoming matches. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to more thrilling performances from these young athletes as they continue their campaign in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

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Sri Lanka vs Australia Test Series 2025: A Thrilling Battle Awaits

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2 days ago

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January 20, 2025

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Cricket fans are in for a treat as Sri Lanka hosts Australia for a highly anticipated Test series in January and February 2025. With two Test matches and two ODIs lined up, this tour carries immense significance for both teams as they vie for crucial ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points.

Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting tournament:

Series Schedule

• 1st Test: January 29 – February 2, 2025, Galle International Stadium

• 2nd Test: February 6 – 10, 2025, Galle International Stadium

• 1st ODI: February 12, 2025, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

• 2nd ODI: February 14, 2025, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Key Highlights and Team Updates

Australia’s Preparations

Australia enters the series with a strong squad bolstered by the return of captain Steve Smith, who has recovered from an elbow injury. Smith’s presence is expected to provide much-needed stability and experience to the team.

However, the absence of left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann due to a thumb injury is a setback. This opens the door for young talent Cooper Connolly, a promising 21-year-old who may make his Test debut.

Selectors have also hinted at a key role for Travis Head, who could open the innings. His recent success in India as a fast-scoring opener makes him an exciting prospect for the spin-friendly conditions of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s Formidable Home Advantage

Sri Lanka has been a dominant force on home soil, with impressive Test wins against England and New Zealand in recent years. Galle International Stadium, known for its spin-friendly pitches, will likely play a decisive role in shaping the series.

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