Cricket

Roy-Tho ends in Tame draw

Published

1 year ago

March 10, 2024

Editor

145th battle of the blues

The 145th edition of the Battle of the Blues between Royal College, Colombo and S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia concluded in a tame draw after three days of action at SSC Grounds, Colombo.

On third and Final day, Royal College resumed their first innings at 234/7 and managed to add 44 more runs before declaring at 278/9.

Nethwin Dharmarathne played a crucial innings of 41 runs lower down the order for Royal College, while Ashen Perera took five wickets for S. Thomas’ College.

In their second innings, S. Thomas’ College started with a lead of 19 runs and displayed an impressive batting performance, scoring 229 runs for the loss of 4 wickets by the end of the third and final day. Dineth Goonewardene, batting at number 3, scored a brilliant 74 runs, and Skipper Mahith Perera contributed with a well-played 63. The duo dominated the Royal bowlers, forming a strong partnership of 104 runs for the third wicket.

Day 1 and 2

Earlier on the second day, Royal College’s youth captain, Sineth Jayawardane, played a crucial role in leading his team’s comeback against S. Thomas’. Despite a shaky start for Royal College, Jayawardane’s impressive innings of 92 runs off 172 deliveries helped them recover. Unfortunately, he fell just 8 runs short of a well-deserved century. Nevertheless, his contribution was vital to the team’s performance. Additionally, Dinura Senaratne and Nethwin Dharmarathne’s partnership of 69 runs for the 7th wicket also played a significant role. S. Thomas’ bowler, Ashen Perera, stood out by taking 4 wickets for 51 runs, while Darien Marlon contributed with 2 wickets for 35 runs. On the first day, Royal won the toss and chose to field. Sadev Soysa and Senadhi Bulankulame, the Thomian openers, formed a strong partnership of 66 runs for the first wicket. They were followed by another 66-run partnership between Soysa and Dineth Goonewardene. However, after scoring a brilliant half-century, Soysa was dismissed. Goonewardene continued to score patiently and reached his own half-century, but skipper Mahith Perera could only manage 36 runs before being trapped in front.

S. Thomas’ College struggled after Perera’s dismissal and were eventually bowled out for 297.

Despite being 199/3 at one point, they lost 7 wickets for 98 runs due to the remarkable bowling performance of Jayawardana and Ramiru Perera, who both took 4 wickets each.

Brief scores:

Scores:
S. Thomas’ College 297 in 88.2 overs (Sadev Soysa 83, Dineth goonewardena 50, Mahith Perera 36, Nathan Caldera 44, Akash Fernando 29; Ramiru Perera 4-55, Sineth Jayawardena 4-68) and 229/4 in 86 overs (Sadev Soysa 33, Dineth Goonawardene 74, Mahith Perera 63, Thisan Eheliyagod 31, Nathan Caldera 20; Ramiru Perera 2-87)

Royal 278/9 dec in 102.2 overs (Sineth Jayawardena 92, Ovina Ambanpola 36, Ramiru Perera23, Dinura Senarthna 33, Nethwin Dhrmarathne 41; Ashen Perera 5-44, Darien Diego 2-40)

Cricket

Inaugural ‘Battle of Green’ Set to Ignite a New School Cricket Rivalry

Published

2 days ago

March 29, 2025

Editor

Cricket enthusiasts in Mirigama and Giriulla are in for an exciting showdown as D.S. Senanayake College, Mirigama, and Wickramshila National School, Giriulla, prepare to launch their first-ever “Battle of Green” big match.

This historic encounter will take place at the Mirigama Public Grounds, marking the beginning of a thrilling annual rivalry between the two schools. Fans from both towns are expected to gather in large numbers, adding to the electric atmosphere of this inaugural clash.

The introduction of the Battle of Green is a significant milestone for school cricket in the region, providing a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent while fostering sportsmanship and competitive spirit.

Stay tuned for match updates, player insights, and exclusive coverage on Sri Lankan Sports TV.

Cricket

Bangladesh Cricket Star Shakib Faces Legal Trouble Amid Political Turmoil

Published

6 days ago

March 25, 2025

Editor

Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, a key figure in global cricket, is facing legal issues back home. A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of his assets as he battles fraud charges over bounced cheques worth $300,000.

Shakib, who was in Canada playing T20 cricket when Sheikh Hasina’s government was overthrown, has not returned to Bangladesh since. While he has not been charged for alleged ties to a violent crackdown, his links to the former regime make him a target of public anger.

Having played 71 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is, with 712 wickets to his name, Shakib remains a giant in cricket. However, his future—both on and off the field—hangs in the balance.

Cricket

Sri Lankan Players in IPL 2025 – Impact Analysis

Published

2 weeks ago

March 18, 2025

Editor

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will feature six Sri Lankan players, each bringing unique strengths to their respective franchises. Here’s a breakdown of their potential impact:

Wanindu Hasaranga (Rajasthan Royals)

Role: All-Rounder (Leg-Spin & Middle-Order Bat)

Impact: Hasaranga is one of the most sought-after T20 players globally, known for his wicket-taking ability in the middle overs. His deceptive googlies and variations make him a genuine match-winner, especially on spin-friendly Indian pitches.

With Rajasthan Royals already having a strong spin department, Hasaranga’s inclusion adds depth and a proven wicket-taker who can also contribute valuable runs in the lower order. His experience in high-pressure games makes him a crucial asset for RR’s title ambitions in IPL 2025.

Maheesh Theekshana (Rajasthan Royals)

Role: Mystery Spinner

Impact: Theekshana has been a consistent performer in T20 leagues worldwide. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and middle overs with tight control makes him a key asset. Given Rajasthan’s spin-friendly home conditions, he could play a pivotal role in restricting runs and taking crucial wickets.

Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings)

Role: Death Overs Specialist

Impact: Nicknamed “Baby Malinga,” Pathirana has already impressed in previous IPL seasons. His slingy action and ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers at high speeds make him a go-to bowler in death overs. Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, he will be crucial in CSK’s bowling attack.

Dushmantha Chameera (Delhi Capitals)

Role: Fast Bowler

Impact: Known for his raw pace and ability to swing the ball, Chameera adds an extra dimension to Delhi’s pace attack. If he remains fit, he could be a match-winner in crucial games, especially on bouncy wickets.

Nuwan Thushara (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Role: Swing Bowler & Death Overs Option

Impact: Thushara, another Malinga-like bowler, specializes in early swing and death-over yorkers. With Bengaluru’s historically expensive bowling attack, his ability to contain runs could be a game-changer for RCB.

Kamindu Mendis (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Role: All-Rounder (Bat & Spin)

Impact: Kamindu’s rare ability to bowl with both arms makes him a wildcard in T20 cricket. With SRH focusing on young talents, he could be a surprise package in their middle order while also providing spin options.

Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Role: Emerging Fast Bowler

Impact: Though relatively unknown, Eshan has the potential to follow in Lasith Malinga’s footsteps. If given opportunities, he could develop into a key asset for SRH with his pace and death-over skills.

Overall Impact on IPL 2025

Spin Strength: Theekshana and Kamindu add quality spin options.

Death Over Specialists: Pathirana, Thushara, and Eshan could dominate in the final overs.

Pace Power: Chameera brings raw speed, which is crucial in the IPL.

With these seven players, Sri Lanka’s presence in IPL 2025 is stronger than ever, and their performances could also boost the national team ahead of major international tournaments. Stay tuned for an exciting season!