News

Kandy, Dambulla register wins

Published

2 years ago

July 10, 2024

Editor

Lanka Premier League 2024

In a doubleheader Tuesday, Dambulla Sixers and Kandy Falcons secured wins to intensify the playoff race in the ongoing fifth edition of the Lanka Premier League being played at Dambulla International Cricket stadium.

Falcons triumphed over league leaders Jaffna Kings in a thrilling chase, whereas Dambulla displayed their bowling strength against Galle Marvels.

Kandy Falcons Vs Jaffna Kings

Dinesh Chandimal’s aggressive knock of 89 runs overshadowed Pathum Nissanka’s 119, guiding Kandy Falcons to a commanding 7-wicket triumph over Jaffna Kings in a high-scoring contest.

Jaffna Kings posted a competitive total of 224-7 after batting first, thanks to a splendid century by Pathum Nissanka. In reply, Kandy Falcons successfully chased down the target in just 18.2 overs, driven by Dinesh Chandimal’s rapid 89-run contribution.

Jaffna Kings made a strong start after opting to bat, as Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis combined for a 112-run opening partnership.

Pathum took charge early on with an array of boundaries and sixes, while Kusal Mendis added 26 runs before getting dismissed by Ramesh Mendis in the 10th over after being caught LBW.

Despite the breakthrough, Pathum continued to dominate at one end, with Rilee Rossouw later joining in to form another 50-run partnership for the second wicket.

The dynamic Rossouw scored 41 runs before departing in the 15th over, leaving the Kings at 162-2 with Pathum Nissanka closing in on his century at 92 runs.

Nissanka then accelerated, smashing 22 runs off Shoriful Isalm’s over to reach his first T20I century. He eventually reached 119 runs off 59 balls, including 16 boundaries and 4 sixes, before getting dismissed in the 17th over while attempting a slog sweep over long on, caught near the boundary line off Dasun Shanaka’s bowling.

Pathum’s explosive innings also set a new record for the highest individual score in LPL history and marked his first T20I century.

Despite the promising start, Jaffna Kings were restricted to 224-7 as wickets fell at regular intervals in the final overs.

Dasun Shanka had a decent bowling performance, ending with figures of 3-40.

In reply, Kandy Falcons got off to a strong start with a solid opening partnership between Dinesh Chandimal and Andre Fletcher, adding 34 runs for the first wicket in just two overs.

After Fletcher (13) was dismissed, Chandimal continued to attack, forming a crucial 58-run partnership with Mohammed Harris for the second wicket. Despite Harris (25) being out, Chandimal scored a quick 89 off 37 balls, including 8 boundaries and 7 sixes, before being dismissed in the 14th over. Kamindu Mendis then partnered Angelo Mathews (29*) to successfully chase down the target with 10 balls to spare, with Mendis remaining unbeaten on 65 off 36 deliveries.

*Dambulla Sixers Vs Galle Marvels *

Meanwhile in another game played between Dambulla Sixers Vs Galle Marvels, 21-year old Chamindu Wickramasinghe’s all round performance helped Dambulla register a thumping 25 run win.

Chamindu scored 56 runs with the bat before showcasing his bowling skills by taking 2 wickets.

Brief scores:

Jaffna Kings: 224-7 (20) (Pathum Nissanka 119, Rilee Rossouw 41, Dasun Shanaka 3-40, Dushmantha Chameera 2-44, Ramesh Mendis 2-28)

Kandy Falcons: 230-3 (20) (Dinesh Chandimal 89, Kamindu Mendis 65*, Tabraiz Shamshi 2-46)

Dambulla Sixers: 160-8 (20) (Chamindu Wickramasinghe 56*, Kavindu Nadeeshan 3-16)

Galle Marvels: 135 all out (19.4) (Isuru Udana 72, Nuwan Thushara 3-37, Dushan Hemantha 3-33, Chamindu Wickaramasinghe 2-1)

Cricket

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

Published

4 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

4 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

4 hours 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.

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