Cricket

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

Published

2 years ago

August 25, 2024

Editor

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.

Cricket

Sri Lanka to Begin Caribbean Tour with ODI Series in June 2026

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

The Sri Lanka national cricket team is set to embark on a full tour of the West Indies cricket team in June and July 2026, featuring a complete schedule across all three formats of the game.

The tour will open with a three-match One Day International (ODI) series at the renowned Sabina Park. The first ODI is scheduled for June 3, followed by the second on June 6 and the final match on June 8. These opening fixtures are expected to set the tone for the remainder of the tour.

Attention will then shift to the shorter format, with three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) also taking place at Sabina Park. The matches are set for June 11, June 13, and June 14, offering fans a fast-paced contest between the two sides.

Sri Lanka will then travel to Antigua for a four-day warm-up game from June 18 to 21 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. This match will serve as preparation for the longer format of the game.

The two-match Test series will be held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The first Test is scheduled from June 25 to 29, while the second Test will take place from July 3 to 7.

Schedule

June 3 – First ODI at Sabina Park
June 6 – Second ODI at Sabina Park
June 8 – Third ODI at Sabina Park
June 11 – First T20I at Sabina Park
⁠June 13 – Second T20I at Sabina Park
⁠June 14 – Third T20I at Sabina Park
⁠June 18–21 – Four-day warm-up match at Coolidge Cricket Ground
⁠June 25–29 – First Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium
⁠July 3–7 – Second Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium

Cricket

Sri Lanka U-19 Players Face Charges Over Alleged Hotel Recording Incident

Published

4 days ago

May 2, 2026

Editor

Two players from Sri Lanka’s Under-19 cricket squad have been taken into custody allegations that they covertly recorded individuals inside a hotel in the Narahenpita area, according to police.

The arrests came after multiple complaints were lodged by female medical professionals attending a conference at the hotel. The complainants reported that they had been secretly filmed while bathing in their rooms, allegedly using mobile phones.

Authorities revealed that preliminary investigations suggest the suspects may also have captured footage involving male guests at the same premises. Police are continuing inquiries to determine whether any of the recordings were distributed through online platforms.
The suspects were presented before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court and subsequently released on personal bail set at Rs. 500,000 each. Further investigations are ongoing.

Cricket

SunRisers Hyderabad Sri Lankan Trio Returns Home from IPL

Published

4 days ago

May 2, 2026

Editor

Three Sri Lankan players representing Sunrisers Hyderabad — Kamindu Mendis, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga — have left the Indian Premier League as the tournament approaches its final stages.

The trio returned to Sri Lanka on Thursday morning to complete visa formalities ahead of the national team’s upcoming tour of the West Indies in June, which will feature matches across all formats. According to reports, their brief return is solely to complete biometric requirements for the visa process.

Despite their absence, the players are expected to rejoin the squad in India shortly after completing the necessary procedures. With sufficient time before their next fixture, all three are likely to be available for selection.

Sunrisers Hyderabad are scheduled to play their next match on May 3 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium against Kolkata Knight Riders.