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Lahiru, Dunith, Chamika, Sahan in Sri Lanka’s ODI squad to face Bangladesh

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Lahiru Kumara, Dunith Welallage, Chamika Karunaratane, and Sahan Arachige have been included in Sri Lanka’s ODI squad to face Bangladesh, which begins on Wednesday (13).

The majority of the team that won the recent 2-1 series against Afghanistan has been retained by the selection committee.

Unfortunately, Asitha Fernando, who was initially named in the squad, will miss the entire series due to an injury sustained during the National Super League (NSL).

Lahiru Kumara has taken his place in the squad due to Asitha’s injury.

Pathum Nissanka, a dynamic batsman, is expected to return for the ODI series after missing the T20I series. He was unable to participate in the entire T20I series due to an injury he suffered during the Afghanistan tour in January.

Sri Lanka felt Nissanka’s absence in the top order, as his replacement, Avishka Fernando, struggled throughout the series. Senior players

Meanwhile, Senior players Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka have not been included in the squad, indicating that the selection committee is focusing on their performance in shorter formats rather than the 50-over format.

After the conclusion of the three T20Is in Sylhet, the teams will travel to Chattogram for a three-match ODI series on March 13, 15, and 18.

This will be followed by two Test matches, the first in Sylhet and the second in Chattogram, allowing both teams to continue their World Test Championship campaigns for this year.

Sri Lanka is currently at the bottom of the World Test Championship points table, having lost both Tests they have played so far in the current cycle against Pakistan last year, while Bangladesh is in fourth place, having drawn a two-match series against New Zealand.

Sri Lanka probable ODI squad for Bangladesh: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (C), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (VC), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Kamindu Mendis, Akila Dhananjaya, Sahan Arachchige and Chamika Karunaratne

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Shammi Silva Re-Elected as Sri Lanka Cricket President for Fourth Consecutive Term

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Shammi Silva has been re-elected as the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) president for the 2025-27 term, marking his fourth consecutive tenure at the helm of the nation’s cricket governing body. Silva secured the position uncontested at the 64th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Colombo on Monday.

A Controversial Yet Dominant Tenure

Silva’s leadership has not been without controversy. His previous term saw a high-profile clash with former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe in 2023, which led to an interim committee being appointed after Sri Lanka’s poor performance in the ICC ODI World Cup. This move resulted in ICC suspending SLC, which led to Sri Lanka losing the hosting rights for the U19 Men’s World Cup, which was later held in South Africa.

Despite these setbacks, Silva regained control after a court ruling reinstated his administration, and he was later appointed as the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in December 2023, replacing Jay Shah.

Challenges & Future Outlook

Sri Lanka Cricket has long been seen as a powerful and influential body, with internal politics often shaping its leadership. With financial mismanagement concerns highlighted in the Auditor General’s report, Silva’s administration faces the challenge of restoring credibility and ensuring better governance.

With the ICC ban lifted, Sri Lanka looks to rebuild its cricketing structure and improve performance on the international stage. The focus now shifts to upcoming bilateral series, the Asia Cup, and preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Stay tuned for more updates on Sri Lanka Cricket and the latest in the world of sports!

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Stephen Fleming Defends MS Dhoni’s Batting Position Amid Criticism

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has defended MS Dhoni’s late entry in the batting order, stating that the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman cannot play an extended innings at full intensity due to lingering knee concerns.

The 43-year-old Dhoni faced criticism after coming in at No. 9 during CSK’s 50-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Chepauk. In the next match against Rajasthan Royals on March 30, 2025, he batted at No. 7 when CSK required 54 off 25 balls but managed just 16 off 11 as his team fell short by six runs.

Fleming’s Explanation on Dhoni’s Role

Fleming emphasized that Dhoni carefully assesses the match situation before deciding when to bat.

“It’s all about timing. MS judges his body and situation. His knees aren’t what they used to be, so he can’t bat for 10 overs at full intensity. He will step in based on the game’s demands,” Fleming explained at the post-match press conference.

The CSK coach reiterated that Dhoni remains too valuable to the team for his leadership and wicketkeeping and that sending him in too early could be a strategic misstep.

“From around the 13th or 14th over, he assesses the situation and decides. He trusts other batters early on but steps up when needed.”

CSK’s Struggles in the Powerplay Cost Them the Match

Fleming also pinpointed CSK’s poor powerplay performance as a key reason for their loss against Rajasthan Royals. While RR blasted 79/1 in the powerplay, CSK only managed 42/1,

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Inaugural ‘Battle of Green’ Set to Ignite a New School Cricket Rivalry

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Cricket enthusiasts in Mirigama and Giriulla are in for an exciting showdown as D.S. Senanayake College, Mirigama, and Wickramshila National School, Giriulla, prepare to launch their first-ever “Battle of Green” big match.

This historic encounter will take place at the Mirigama Public Grounds, marking the beginning of a thrilling annual rivalry between the two schools. Fans from both towns are expected to gather in large numbers, adding to the electric atmosphere of this inaugural clash.

The introduction of the Battle of Green is a significant milestone for school cricket in the region, providing a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent while fostering sportsmanship and competitive spirit.

Stay tuned for match updates, player insights, and exclusive coverage on Sri Lankan Sports TV.

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