News
Pathum Nissanka double ton help SL thrash Afghanistan
Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka 2024
On Friday, Sri Lanka’s opener Pathum Nissanka displayed an extraordinary performance by scoring a remarkable double hundred, leading his team to victory over Afghanistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Nissanka’s exceptional innings played a crucial role in securing a 42-run win for the hosts, enabling them to take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.
In an impressive display of skill, Nissanka achieved his first-ever double century in Pallekele, accomplishing this feat in just 136 balls.
This remarkable achievement places him among an elite group of players, as he becomes the 10th player in cricket history to achieve such a milestone.
Notably, Nissanka also holds the distinction of being the third-fastest double centurion in this format. By surpassing Sanath Jayasuriya’s previous record of 189 runs, Nissanka has etched his name in Sri Lanka’s cricketing history.
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi put Sri Lanka to bat first in the match, resulting in a total of 381 runs for the loss of 3 wickets.
The standout performer was Nissanka, who played a patient innings alongside Avishka Fernando. The opening pair managed to score 182 runs before Fernando was dismissed for a run-a-ball 88.
Nissanka then accelerated his scoring rate and punished the Afghan side, finishing unbeaten at 210 off just 139 balls.
In the second innings, Sri Lanka gained an early advantage thanks to the fast bowlers Pramod Madushan and Dushmantha Chameera. They quickly dismantled the Afghan top order, effectively securing the victory within the first 10 overs of the game.
However, a remarkable 6th wicket partnership between young Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi provided some hope for the Afghan team.
The pair, with one nearing the end of his professional journey and the other just beginning, combined forces to accumulate a remarkable total of 242 runs.
This outstanding achievement stands as the second highest partnership ever recorded for the 6th wicket in the history of One Day International cricket. Notably, both players achieved personal milestones by scoring centuries, instilling a sense of optimism and possibility for Afghanistan but Sri Lanka bowlers held their nerve to defend the target and emerged victorious by 42 runs.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 381/4 in 50 overs (Pathum Nissanka 210, Avishka Fernando 88; Fareed Ahmad 2-79) beat Afghanistan 339/6 in 50 overs (Azmatullah Omarzai 149, Mohammad Nabi 136; Pramod Madushan 4-75) by 42 runs
News
‘Super Fighters’ Chess Big Match Set to Bring Three Schools Together
The annual ‘Super Fighters’ Chess Big Match, a unique triangular chess tournament featuring
C.W.W. Kannangara Central College – Matugama,
Taxila Central College – Horana, and
Ananda Sastralaya National School – Matugama,
is set to take place in the coming days.
The official media briefing for the tournament was held under the patronage of the Matugama Zonal Deputy Director of Education, Chandima Priyadarshani, along with the principals of the three participating schools and the Secretary of the Kalutara District Chess Association, Sameera Dissanayake.
Having already secured the title on the previous two occasions, Taxila Central College, Horana, will enter the competition as the defending champions. Meanwhile, this year’s tournament will be hosted by C.W.W. Kannangara Central College, Matugama.
All three schools are expected to field highly competitive teams, featuring internationally rated players as well as several athletes who have represented Sri Lanka at international chess tournaments.

The primary objectives of the tournament are to popularize the “Big Match” concept in school chess, identify emerging talent, and strengthen the spirit of camaraderie among the three institutions.













With growing interest in school-level chess, the ‘Super Fighters’ tournament is expected to be a thrilling and high-quality contest, showcasing the next generation of Sri Lanka’s chess talent.
Cricket
Bhanuka Rajapaksa sends legal notice to actress Harshi Rasanga over gold chain dispute
Sri Lanka cricketer Bhanuka Rajapaksa has issued a Letter of Demand (LOD) to actress Harshi Rasanga, accusing her of making false and misleading statements on social media following recent court proceedings.
According to Rajapaksa’s legal representatives, the actress had informed court that the gold chain at the center of the dispute had been pawned. However, they claim she later contradicted this statement publicly, prompting the cricketer to initiate legal action.
The controversy revolves around a gold chain valued at over Rs. 900,000. Rajapaksa alleges that the chain had been borrowed by Rasanga and pawned without his knowledge or consent.
Rasanga was arrested by the Sri Lanka Police’s Thalangama division and later produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court, where she was granted bail on two sureties of Rs. 500,000 each.
During the court hearing, the defence stated that the chain had indeed been pawned and indicated that steps could be taken to redeem and return it. However, speaking to the media afterward, Rasanga claimed that the chain had been given to her as a gift during a personal relationship.
The court has directed Thalangama Police to take custody of the gold chain and present it at the next hearing, which is scheduled for April 22.
Cricket
Pathum Nissanka set to open alongside KL Rahul for Delhi Capitals opener
Delhi Capitals are set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign with a fresh opening combination, as Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka is likely to partner India star KL Rahul at the top of the order.
The Capitals face Lucknow Super Giants in their opening match today at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground in Lucknow, and all eyes will be on how the new-look batting lineup shapes up. While Rahul’s role as opener is confirmed, the team management has been weighing their options for the second slot, with Prithvi Shaw and Abhishek Porel also in contention.
However, indications suggest that Nissanka has edged ahead in the race, with the franchise keen to utilize his consistency and ability to anchor innings in the powerplay. His calm approach at the crease could complement Rahul’s experience, giving Delhi a balanced start at the top.
The Capitals have also bolstered their middle order with the inclusion of David Miller, who adds firepower alongside fellow South African Tristan Stubbs. The duo is expected to provide the late-innings acceleration that Delhi often lacked in previous seasons.
Despite missing Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for the opening fixture due to injury, Delhi still boast a formidable bowling attack. Captain Axar Patel will lead from the front with his all-round abilities, while the spin department is strengthened by the ever-reliable Kuldeep Yadav.
In the pace department, South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi brings experience and variation, having impressed with his clever change of pace in recent T20 competitions. Meanwhile, left-arm seamer T Natarajan returns fully fit after a lengthy injury layoff, adding further depth to the attack.
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