Cricket

Orla Prendergast’s ton overpowers Vishmi’s century as Ireland secure easy win

Published

2 years ago

August 17, 2024

Editor

Sri Lanka Women’s tour of Ireland (First ODI)

Orla Prendergast’s remarkable unbeaten score of 122 eclipsed Vishmi Gunaratne’s 101, leading host Ireland to a straightforward victory by three wickets against Sri Lanka in the opening match of the three-match ODI series held in Belfast on Friday.

Sri Lanka, batting first, set a respectable total of 260-8, bolstered by Gunaratne’s century. In response, Ireland successfully chased down the target in 49.2 overs, thanks to Prendergast’s outstanding unbeaten innings of 122.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne rose to the occasion following the dismissal of her captain, Chamari Athapaththu, who was out for a first-ball duck, marking an early challenge for Sri Lanka.

With Harshitha Madavi also departing within the first eight overs, Sri Lanka required a solid partnership. Gunaratne provided that alongside Hasini Perera. The young opener played aggressively, hitting three sixes during her innings before achieving her maiden century.

She became only the second Sri Lankan batter, after Athapaththu, to reach this milestone. Had she continued her innings, Sri Lanka might have aimed for a total closer to 300. However, her dismissal with nearly 20 overs remaining allowed Ireland to capitalize on the situation, taking wickets at regular intervals.

Orla Prendergast added two more wickets to her tally towards the end, restricting Sri Lanka to 260/8. The 22-year-old all-rounder Orla Prendergast also excelled with the ball, achieving a career-best performance of three wickets for 25 runs in eight overs.

In the course of the chase, Ireland experienced a familiar beginning, encountering an early challenge as stand-in captain Gaby Lewis was dismissed for nine runs in the eighth over.

However, fellow opener Sarah Forbes, who scored 30 runs, along with wicketkeeper-batter Amy Hunter, who contributed 42 runs, played crucial roles in stabilizing the innings, guiding the hosts to a score of 116 for three at the midpoint of their innings.

Despite the consistent wicket-taking efforts of Sri Lankan spinner Kavisha Dilhari, who claimed four wickets for 54 runs, Prendergast maintained Ireland’s momentum with an impressive century, achieved in just 97 balls.

She ultimately led her team to victory by scoring the winning run in the final over.

Prendergast finished with an unbeaten 122 runs off 107 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes, as Ireland successfully chased down their target of 261 runs with four balls to spare.

The second match of the three-match ODI series is scheduled for Sunday, once again at the Stormont Cricket Ground.

Cricket

ICC Delegation Holds Key Talks With President on Cricket Reforms

Published

19 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.