Sri Lanka Women produced a polished all-round performance to defeat Bangladesh Women by 21 runs in the second T20I, sealing the series with a game to spare.

After being put into bat, the visitors posted a competitive 154 for 4 in their 20 overs, built on key contributions from skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama. The innings began cautiously, with Hasini Perera falling early, but Athapaththu steadied the innings with a fluent 42 off 37 balls, striking six boundaries.

The momentum shifted significantly during the latter half as Samarawickrama played an aggressive knock of 49 off just 29 deliveries, including two sixes. She found good support from Imeesha Dulani (27) and Nilakshika Silva, who remained unbeaten on 22, ensuring Sri Lanka finished strongly at a healthy run rate of 7.70. Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Fariha Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Nahida Akter, and Ritu Moni picking up one apiece.

Chasing 155, Bangladesh made a steady start through Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous, who added 46 for the opening wicket. However, regular breakthroughs and sharp fielding dented their progress. Ferdous scored a brisk 29, while Sharmin Akhter anchored the innings with an unbeaten 44, but lacked sufficient support from the middle order.

Sri Lanka’s discipline in the field proved decisive, effecting three crucial run-outs. Kavisha Dilhari was the standout with the ball, claiming 2 for 15 in her four overs, while Sugandika Kumari maintained excellent control, conceding just 14 runs.
Bangladesh eventually finished on 133 for 5, falling short despite a late push.

The organisers of the high profile Ceylon Masters International Badminton Championship, Ceylon Masters Badminton (CMB), expects more foreign shuttlers to compete at their sixth edition, which is slotted to be played between June 25th and 29th in Colombo. The President of CMB, Rohan de Silva, speaking to reporters in Colombo to brief about the 2026 edition, stressed on the growth of the Ceylon Masters International Badminton Championship during the previous five seasons has indicated a great interest among well-known foreign masters players.

“The CMB has had impressive number of inquiries about the Ceylon Masters International Badminton Championship 2026, notably from interested foreign participants. This shows how the competition has grown during the five years adhering to quality and international standards. The Ceylon Masters International Badminton Championship has now become an important tournament in the international masters’ badminton calendar and CMB is proud to have taken this competition to this level,” Rohan de Silva noted.

With a galaxy of master’s badminton players, both local and international, due to participate at the Ceylon Masters International Badminton Championship 2026, CMB are expecting to have no stone unturned to make the sixth edition a huge success. All arrangements are now underway to provide all participants the facilities required to conveniently access the venue and use the many amenities on site as they prepare to compete vigorously for honours and attractive prize money of USD 15,000.

“The Ceylon Masters International Badminton Championship is beyond just a competition. It assures Sri Lanka of extra tourist arrivals as players taking part during the weeklong competition usually come down with their families with the intention of spending extra time travelling around the country after the completion of the tournament. This is one aspect Sri Lanka could further develop with the government’s support,” Sumudu Kumarasinghe, the Secretary of CMB stated.

CMB stated that foreign entrants will be offered easy transport connections from the Bandaranaike International Airport to hotels in Colombo and other accommodation, as well as a shuttle service to the venue and back during the match days. This is a specialty that makes Colombo Masters International Badminton Championship one of the world’s leading masters competitions.

“There is another advantage, notably to the local masters players, who are unable to fulfil the desire to compete at international tournaments held elsewhere in the world. Sri Lanka has around over 1000 active masters shuttlers and the CMB competition is a great platform for them to gain international experience against high profile players from around the world,” explained Nishantha Jayamanne, a member of the organising committee as well as the CMB.

The Ceylon Masters International Badminton Championship 2026 will have the corporate backing from leading local entities such as McLarens Group and Prime Lands with Li-Ning, an international sports brand, continuing their commitment this season as well. CMB has made arrangements with Jetwing Travels to coordinate with logistical concerns for inbound travelling for foreign participants who stay beyond the competition and explore the country.

Former Member of Parliament Eran Wickramaratne has announced that he has accepted the role of Chairman of the newly established Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee, following an invitation from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage.

In an official statement, Wickramaratne said the decision came after extensive discussions with former cricketers and key stakeholders in the sport. He confirmed that he assumed duties with effect from April 29.

He emphasized that the committee’s primary objective is to revive Sri Lanka’s cricketing legacy by restoring both pride and performance standards. Describing the appointment as an honour, Wickramaratne noted that he would be leading a team of nine individuals known for their integrity and professional experience.

The committee comprises a diverse group of experts, including former international cricketers and professionals from management and legal backgrounds. Members include Roshan Mahanama, Kumar Sangakkara, Thushira Radella, Sidath Wettimuny, Avanthi Colombage, Prakash Schaffter, Upul Kumarapperuma, and Dinal Philips.

Outlining the committee’s reform agenda, Wickramaratne identified two key focus areas. The first is the establishment of sound governance within Sri Lanka Cricket. This includes a complete overhaul of the existing governance framework, the introduction of a new constitution aligned with International Cricket Council (ICC) standards, and the implementation of strong transparency and anti-corruption measures aimed at rebuilding public trust.

The second pillar focuses on achieving excellence on the field. Plans include strengthening national teams through improved structural systems, upgrading facilities to world-class standards, and introducing performance-based incentives to help players consistently compete at the highest international level.

Wickramaratne also highlighted his longstanding connection to the sport, noting his involvement in cricket from school to club level. He described the role as both a privilege and a significant responsibility, adding that the committee is committed to delivering sustainable progress with the support and constructive feedback of cricket fans across the country.