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

ICC Delegation Holds Key Talks With President on Cricket Reforms

Published

16 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Editor

Senior representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo yesterday as discussions intensified over the future of cricket administration in Sri Lanka.

The ICC delegation, which includes Imran Khwaja and Devajit Sakia, is currently in the country following recent changes within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Their visit comes amid growing attention on governance reforms and the restructuring of the national cricket administration.

During their stay, ICC officials also held meetings with members of the newly appointed SLC administration at the board’s headquarters, where discussions focused on restoring stability and strengthening the management framework of Sri Lankan cricket.

The latest developments follow the appointment of a nine-member Cricket Transformation Committee by Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage after the resignation of the previous SLC leadership.

The committee, chaired by Eran Wickremaratne, has been entrusted with overseeing the administration of the sport and implementing a series of reforms until new elections are conducted.

Cricket

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

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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.