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Nuwan Thushara’s hat-trick highlights Sri Lanka’s Thumping win over Bangladesh

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2 years ago

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Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh (Third T20I)

Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the third and deciding match of the three-match T20 series against Bangladesh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The star of the match was pace bowler Nuwan Thushara, who delivered a sensational hat-trick that left the Bangladesh top order in disarray.

Chasing a target of 175, Bangladesh found themselves in trouble early on, losing five wickets within the first four overs. Thushara’s fiery spell accounted for three of those wickets, including the seasoned Mahmudullah. It was a remarkable performance by Thushara, who was playing only his eighth T20 match.

Prior to Thushara’s heroics, Dhananjaya de Silva had taken the first wicket by dismissing opener Liton Das. Bangladesh’s batting lineup struggled to recover from the early setbacks and eventually succumbed to a heavy defeat.

Towards the end of the innings, Rishad Hossain and Mahedi Hasan provided some consolation to the home crowd as they contributed 44 runs in the seventh wicket partnership.

However, the task of chasing the massive target had already become extremely difficult by then. Rishad displayed his power-hitting skills by hitting back-to-back sixes in the 11th over bowled by Hasaranga and again in the next over bowled by Maheesh Theekshana.

Mahedi Hasan fell victim to a tossed up delivery from Hasaranga, leaving Bangladesh at 76 for 7 in the fourteenth over. Despite Mahedi’s departure, Rishad continued to showcase his batting prowess by smashing three massive sixes over cow corner in the fifteenth over bowled by Theekshana, bringing up Bangladesh’s total to 100.

Rishad reached his fifty by launching another massive six over deep square leg in the sixteenth over bowled by Fernando. However, his sensational cameo of 53 runs off 30 balls came to an end in the seventeenth over, bowled by Theekshana, leaving Bangladesh at 117 for eight. Rishad’s innings included 7 sixes, the highest by any Bangladeshi batter in a T20 match.

In the eighth wicket partnership, Rishad and Taskin added 41 runs from 21 balls. Taskin also played a valuable cameo, scoring 31 runs off 21 balls before getting out in the last over. Despite the top order batters’ disappointing performance, Rishad and Taskin displayed determination and resilience, reducing the margin of defeat for Bangladesh.

Earlier after invited to bat first, Sri Lanka recorded a total of 174 for 7 in their innings, with opener Kusal Mendis playing an outstanding knock of 86 runs.

Taskin Ahmed provided Bangladesh with their first breakthrough in the fourth over, dismissing Dhananjaya de Silva for 8 runs. Sri Lanka managed to score 41 runs for the loss of 1 wicket during the powerplay. In the eighth over, Kamindu Mendis was caught by Shoriful off a delivery by Rishad Hossain, leaving Sri Lanka at 54 for 2. Wanindu Hasaranga joined Kusal Mendis in the middle and the two built a partnership of 59 runs off 31 balls. Mustafizur Rahman broke the partnership by dismissing Hasaranga. Shoriful took the wicket of Asalanka, but Kusal Mendis continued to score boundaries, posing a threat to the hosts. Taskin Ahmed once again played a crucial role in getting rid of Kusal Mendis, who was caught by Soumya Sarkar. Mendis scored 86 runs off 55 balls, including 6 boundaries and an equal number of sixes.

From their onwards Sri Lanka batters looked uncomfortable in the middle and finding it difficult to middle the ball.

However a quick fire of 8-ball 18 runs from Dasun Shanaka helped Sri Lanka reach the 170 run mark at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

Brief Scores:

Sri Lanka 174 for 7 (Kusal Mendis 86, Taskin Ahmed 2-25, Rishad 2-35)

Bangladesh 146 all out (Rishad 53, Taskin Ahmed 31, Nuwan Thushara 5-20, Wanindu Hasaranga 2-32)

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Cricket

Sanath Jayasuriya to Step Down After T20 World Cup Clash

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5 hours ago

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February 28, 2026

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Sri Lanka Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya is set to step down from his role following today’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan, marking the end of another significant chapter in his long association with Sri Lanka Cricket.

Jayasuriya’s journey in cricket administration began in 2013 when he was appointed Chairman of Selectors. He served in that role until 2015 and later returned for a second stint from 2016 to 2017, guiding the national setup through a challenging transitional phase.

However, his career faced turbulence in 2019 when the International Cricket Council suspended him for two years due to non-cooperation with an anti-corruption investigation. The suspension kept him away from official cricket duties until 2021.

Return to the National Setup

In 2023, Jayasuriya made a comeback as a Consultant and Mentor, signaling his renewed commitment to rebuilding Sri Lankan cricket. His involvement deepened in June 2024 when he was appointed Consultant for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Following the resignation of Chris Silverwood in July 2024, Jayasuriya stepped in as Interim Head Coach. By October 2024, he was officially confirmed as Sri Lanka’s Full-Time Head Coach, a role he held through March 2026.

A Disappointing World Cup Exit

Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup campaign — co-hosted alongside India — ended in disappointment. Led by Dasun Shanaka, the team failed to progress beyond the Super 8 stage despite early promise in the tournament.

The exit has triggered serious reflection within Sri Lanka Cricket, and Jayasuriya’s decision to step down signals the beginning of another rebuilding phase for the national side.

While results may not have gone Sri Lanka’s way in this campaign, Jayasuriya’s influence — both as a player and administrator — remains deeply woven into the fabric of Sri Lankan cricket.

More updates are expected following today’s clash against Pakistan.

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“It’s Not in My Hand” – Shanaka Leaves Captaincy Decision to Selectors After World Cup Exit

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2 days ago

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February 26, 2026

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Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka has admitted that his future as T20 skipper is no longer in his control following the team’s early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, stating that the decision now rests entirely with selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket.

“I don’t know how long I will be as captain. It’s not in my hand; it’s up to the selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket. I’m happy to lead this team. I have taken some good decisions; in the meantime, some didn’t go as planned,” Shanaka said after Sri Lanka’s 61-run defeat to New Zealand.

His remarks came at the end of a turbulent campaign that began with promise but ended in disappointment.

Tactical Misread Proves Costly

Shanaka openly acknowledged that misjudging conditions played a key role in the heavy loss to New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Sri Lanka elected to bowl first, expecting the fresh surface to behave similarly to earlier matches.

“We thought the pitch would be a good one because it was new. We didn’t expect it to turn that much. It was a collective decision to bowl first. Unfortunately, it didn’t go the way we thought. It became another typical Kettarama wicket where the ball spun.”

New Zealand recovered from 84 for 6 thanks to a late assault, adding 70 runs in the final four overs to reach 168 for 7 — a surge Shanaka admitted proved decisive.

“They bided their time and then exploded. Conceding 70 runs in four overs was disheartening. If we had kept them around 130, we might have had a chance.”

Batting Collapse Seals Fate

Sri Lanka’s reply faltered immediately. Pathum Nissanka fell first ball, and regular wickets derailed the chase. Only Kamindu Mendis (31) and Dunith Wellalage (29) showed resistance, but the target was never seriously threatened.

Shanaka did not hide his frustration.

“We have some of the best batters in the country. Everyone walks out intending to win for Sri Lanka. It’s very disappointing that we couldn’t deliver anything for our fans.”

He also reflected on the narrow defeat to England earlier in the Super 8 stage — a result that, in his view, could have changed the team’s tournament trajectory.

A Campaign of Highs and Lows

Sri Lanka’s World Cup journey started brightly with wins over Ireland, Oman and Australia. However, a shock loss to Zimbabwe in the final group game shifted momentum dramatically.

Subsequent defeats to England and New Zealand ended hopes of a semi-final berth.

With one match remaining against Pakistan in Pallekele, Sri Lanka now play purely for pride.

“I have no words for the fans to say we haven’t given them anything to cheer for. But we will look forward to ending the tournament on a high,” Shanaka concluded.

What Next for Shanaka?

Shanaka’s comments suggest uncertainty over his leadership future. While he remains willing to continue, the final call lies with selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket — decisions likely to shape the next phase of Sri Lanka’s T20 rebuild.

As the curtain falls on a disappointing campaign, attention now turns to accountability, leadership direction, and whether change is on the horizon for Sri Lankan cricket

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Co-host Sri Lanka crash out after 61-run hammering by New Zealand in Colombo

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3 days ago

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February 25, 2026

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Co-hosts Sri Lanka were knocked out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after suffering a crushing 61-run defeat to New Zealand national cricket team in their Super Eights clash at R. Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday night.

Chasing 169 for victory, Sri Lanka faltered under pressure and limped to 107/8 in their 20 overs — a performance far below expectations for a side playing at home and carrying co-host status.

Powerplay Collapse Set the Tone

The chase never truly began. Sri Lanka crawled to just 20/2 in the Powerplay, a stark contrast to New Zealand’s 44/2 in the first six overs. The early damage left the middle order with too much to do, and the required rate kept climbing.

By the 14-over mark, the hosts were reeling at 71/6, effectively ending hopes of a comeback. The lack of intent against spin and disciplined seam bowling exposed Sri Lanka’s fragile batting unit on a surface that offered grip but was far from unplayable.

New Zealand’s Late Surge the Difference

Ironically, New Zealand themselves were under pressure at 88/6 in 14 overs. However, a crucial 50-run stand between Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie in the death overs swung momentum decisively.

The Black Caps plundered 70 runs in the final phase, finishing on 168/7 — a total that proved more than enough against Sri Lanka’s timid response.

The boundary count told the full story:

  • New Zealand: 8 sixes, 13 fours (100 runs in boundaries)
  • Sri Lanka: 1 six, 8 fours (38 runs in boundaries)

In modern T20 cricket, such disparity is unforgiving.

Tactical Questions for the Hosts

Sri Lanka’s elimination is particularly disappointing given their familiarity with conditions and strong home support. The batting approach appeared overly cautious, and the inability to rotate strike compounded the pressure.

Their 46% dot-ball percentage further underlined the stagnation in the chase — a worrying sign at this level.

As co-hosts, expectations were high for a deep run. Instead, Sri Lanka exit the tournament with serious questions over:

  • Batting intent in high-pressure chases
  • Middle-order stability
  • Tactical flexibility in crunch moments

End of the Roa

With this defeat, Sri Lanka’s Super Eights campaign comes to a premature end, while New Zealand march on with confidence and momentum.

For Sri Lanka, the heartbreak is magnified by the fact that the dream has ended on home soil — under the Colombo lights, in front of their own fans.

A tournament that promised pride and progress now closes with reflection and regret.

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