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Mathews, Dimuth, and Chameera make the cut for the white ball series against Afghanistan

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Dushan Hemantha and Matheesha Pathirana are in line to debut in the first ODI

Former skippers Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews and spearhead Dushmantha Chameera have been included in the Sri Lanka squad to face Afghanistan in the three-match ODI series scheduled to begin on June 2 in Mahinda Rajapaksa international stadium, Hambanthota.

Dimuth Karunaratne who was dropped from the white ball format after the 2019 world cup in England has been recalled to the squad to strengthen the top order where he is likely to open the batting along with Pathum Nissanka who is also back in the team after recovering from a back injury.

Dimuth Karunaratne who has played 86 test matches and 34 ODI has good experience as an opener he played his last ODI in 2021 March 14 against West Indies at North Sound. Karunarathna recently played two T20 matches at BPL in Dhaka and scored an unbeaten 70 and 21 for the Shinepokur team in the Dhaka Premier League tournament. He also had the opportunity to play Australia League white ball tournament and once again got a chance to enter the National white ball squad.

Meanwhile, Angelo Mathews who was also dropped from the white ball squad after his poor performance was given a chance at Sri Lanka’s tour to New Zealand in April but he failed to live up to expectations. It seems like selectors have once again given a chance to the former skipper to show his capabilities ahead of the world cup Qualifiers in June and July in Zimbabwe.

It is learnt the inclusion of Dimuth and Angelo in the squad will be a morale booster for the youngster, especially considering their experience.

Pacer Dushmantha Chameera has also found a spot in the 16-member squad after being out of action for almost 15 months after undergoing surgery on his ankle.

Chameera will be backed by Lasith Malinga like Matheesha Pathirana to strengthen the bowling department. Pacers Lahiru Kumara and Kasun Rajitha are also in the squad.

Another notable inclusion for the squad is
Leg-spinning all-rounder Dushan Hemantha who is also expected to debut in the first ODI.

Dushan Hemantha who was part of the Test squad that beat Ireland 2-0 in April but failed to earn his Test cap, has finally earned a call to the white ball squad for the first time to boost the spin attack alongside Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.

It is reported the selectors have backed more on the batters with including8 of them the likes of Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, skipper Dasun Shanaka and Sadeera Samarawickrama.

Sri Lanka is also likely to experiment with a new opening pair and is likely to go with Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka.

Wicketkeeper batter Sadeera Samarawickrama has also been recalled to the white ball set-up after almost 4 years after his decent performance in domestic cricket.

The only concern for Sri Lanka ahead of the world cup qualifiers next month is Kusal Janith Perera’s injury. As a result, he has also loose his spot in the squad to face Afghanistan but it is believed the dashing batter will be fully fit for the World Cup qualifiers in June-July in Zimbabwe.

16-Member squad:

Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha

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Ceylon Masters Badminton Championships 2026 Entry Deadline Extended Until June 3

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The Organizing Committee of the Ceylon Masters International Badminton Championships 2026 has announced an extension of the tournament entry deadline, giving players additional time to register for one of the region’s premier masters badminton events.

According to the organizers, the revised closing date for entries is June 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The extension is expected to provide greater flexibility for players who have yet to complete their registration process.

The championship is set to attract a large number of masters badminton players from around the world, who will converge in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a highly competitive international tournament. The event has steadily grown in stature and is now regarded as a key fixture on the global masters badminton calendar.

Tournament officials have encouraged interested players to take advantage of the extended deadline and secure their participation before entries officially close. They emphasized that the championship offers competitors a valuable opportunity to test their skills against international opponents while experiencing Sri Lanka’s renowned hospitality and sporting culture.

With strong local and overseas interest already evident, organizers expect another successful edition of the tournament and have urged players not to miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting international badminton championship.

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Cricket

Virat Kohli half-century and bowlers help RCB retain IPL title

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their IPL crown with a composed five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final, powered by a masterful unbeaten 75 from Virat Kohli and a disciplined bowling performance.

After being asked to bat first, Gujarat Titans struggled to build momentum against a relentless RCB attack and were restricted to 155 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.

The Titans lost both openers early as Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Sai Sudharsan and skipper Shubman Gill inside the first four overs. Nishant Sindhu briefly resisted with 20, but wickets fell at regular intervals as RCB tightened their grip on the contest.

Washington Sundar stood firm amid the collapse, producing a fighting unbeaten 50 off 37 deliveries that featured five boundaries. However, he received little support from the middle order. Rasikh Salam emerged as the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures of 3 for 27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood claimed two wickets apiece. Krunal Pandya also chipped in with a crucial scalp as Gujarat finished below a par total.

In reply, RCB got off to a flying start through Venkatesh Iyer, who blasted 32 from just 16 balls. Although the defending champions lost a few quick wickets in the middle overs, Kohli anchored the chase with another vintage innings under pressure.

The veteran star struck nine fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, controlling the innings with a blend of aggression and composure. Rajat Patidar contributed 15, while Tim David added a valuable 24 before falling with the target in sight.

Kohli then guided RCB home alongside wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, who remained unbeaten on 11, as Bengaluru reached 161 for 5 in just 18 overs.

The victory secured back-to-back IPL titles for RCB and once again highlighted Kohli’s enduring class on the biggest stage.

Brief Scores:
Gujarat Titans 155/8 in 20 overs (Washington Sundar 50; Rasikh Salam 3/27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/29, Josh Hazlewood 2/37) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 161/5 in 18 overs (Virat Kohli 75, Venkatesh Iyer 32, Tim David 24; Rashid Khan 2/25) by five wickets.

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Athletics

Tarushi Abisheka Wins Gold for Sri Lanka at Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships

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Sri Lankan athlete Tarushi Abisheka secured a gold medal in the girls’ 1500m event at the Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships currently being held in Hong Kong on Thursday (May 28).

Abisheka delivered an impressive performance to finish first with a timing of 4 minutes and 31.41 seconds, bringing glory to Sri Lanka on the international stage.

Iran’s Maryam Baluoutaki claimed the silver medal, while South Korea’s Song Dawson finished in third place to secure the bronze.

The talented Sri Lankan middle-distance runner is also competing in the 800m event at the championship.

The Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships has attracted athletes from 40 countries, competing across 46 events.

Sri Lanka has fielded a 22-member contingent for the tournament, consisting of 15 male athletes and seven female athletes.

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