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Ryan Hicks guides Australia to a comprehensive win with a brilliant half-century

Published

2 years ago

January 29, 2024

Editor

Under-19 World Cup 2024

Australia secured a resounding 6-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their final group game of the ongoing Under-19 World Cup at Mangaunh Oval, Bloemfontein on Sunday (28), thanks to an outstanding knock by Ryan Hicks.

Chasing a target of 208 runs, Australia got off to a flying start with Harry Dixon and Sam Konstas forming a solid opening partnership of 71 runs. However, Vishva Lahiru managed to break through and dismiss Dixon for 49, which slowed down Australia’s progress.

Sri Lanka struck again soon after, with left-arm spinner Lahiru sending back the in-form skipper Hugh Weibgen for just three runs in his next over. Malsha Tharupathi added to Australia’s woes by taking the wicket of Konstas for 23 in the following over.

With Australia struggling at 3-80, Harjas Singh and Ryan Hicks steadied the innings with a 49-run partnership. Harjas displayed solid defense, while Hicks played positively and accumulated runs. However, a sharp piece of fielding from wicketkeeper Shanmuganathan caught Harjas short of the crease off Jayawardena, giving Sri Lanka an opening.

With the game hanging in the balance, Ryan Hicks and Tom Cambell took control and put on a crucial 82-run partnership for the fifth wicket, ensuring no further setbacks for Australia.

Ryan Hicks led from the front with an unbeaten knock of 77 runs, which included 7 boundaries. Tom Cambell also played a valuable innings of 33 not out, helping his team cross the finish line with 7 balls to spare.

Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka elected to bat but could only manage a modest total of 208-all out, with Dinura Kalupahana top-scoring with a half-century. The Sri Lankan innings lacked firepower, with none of their batsmen posing a significant threat except for Kalupahana, who played a lone hand with an impressive innings of 64 runs off 78 balls, including 6 boundaries and 3 sixes.

Dinura’s performance was commendable, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Australia from securing a comprehensive victory.

Kalupahana also formed a 46-run partnership with Ravishan de Silva for the 5th wicket. However, the middle order collapsed once again, resulting in Sri Lanka being reduced to 7-172 before being bowled out for 208 runs.

Player of the Match, Ryan Hicks, shared his thoughts on the game, stating, “The plan was to take control of the game and bat positively. We wanted to avoid consecutive dot balls as it becomes difficult to recover from that. Campbell and I decided to keep the runs flowing against the spinners and then take advantage against the pacers.”

With this win, Australia remains unbeaten and advances to the super six stage. They will face England and West Indies at the Kimberley Oval on January 31 and February 2.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, who finished 2nd in the group, also secures their spot in the super six stage. They will face West Indies on Tuesday (30) and South Africa on February 02.

Brief scores:
Sri Lanka: 208 all out (49.5 overs) (Dinura Kalupahana 64, Ravishan de Silva 30, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 21, Callum Vidler 3-28, Mahli Beardman 2-30, Tom Campbell 2-47)
Australia: (Ryan Hicks 77, Harry Dixon 49, Tom Campbell 33, Vishwa Lahiru 2-24).

Cricket

Malisha Tennakoon with Sri Lankan roots, now proudly donning England U-19 jersey

Published

3 hours ago

April 17, 2026

Editor

The ongoing Women’s Under-19 ODI and T20 Tri-Series in Australia, also featuring lasses from England and Sri Lanka has unearthed new talents who could rule Women’s Cricket at global stage in years to come. With hosts Australia and Sri Lanka taking major honours, with four wins and a loss after playing five games each, England may have a lot to ponder after six straight losses in the T20 series.

But two girls of Sri Lankan origin have made headlines back in the island nation on the Indian Ocean, making a significant stride. All-rounder Malisha Tennakoon is one such youngsters, besides her team-mate Venus Weerappuli, both with roots from Sri Lanka. Though Venus has been a regular member of the England U-19 Women’s team in both ODI and T20 formats, Malisha played her part as a right-hand middle-order batter and right-arm pace bowler in the three ODI games she played.

A student of Abbotsholm School in Rocester, Derbyshire, Malisha is. Warcickahire academy player who also represents Derbyshire Falcons and her county age group U18 representing her home county Staffordshire as an all-rounder. Coming in as a reserve in the England U-19 Women’s squad preparing for the Tri-Series in Australia, Malisha had made both her clubs and school equally proud. As young players when she was U13 she had the rare opportunity to play and won at Lords cricket ground for Lady Tavenors national cup final for her women’s club.

Her recognition within the England pathway at this stage has brought a tremendous honour to her efforts, and a true testament to her hard work and talent. At her school, Abbotsholm, Malisha is regarded an an inspiration to younger pupils, and a brilliant example, motivating more girls to pick up a bat and believe in where the game can take them. Her ultimate goal is to represent England at the highest level.

Cricket

Sri Lanka U19 Women Shine with Third Straight Win in Tri-Series

Published

14 hours ago

April 17, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka Under-19 Women continued their impressive run in the Tri-Series in Australia, securing their third consecutive victory with a commanding 35-run win over England in Match 8.

Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a modest total of 104 for 8 in their 20 overs. Despite early pressure, valuable contributions from V. Balasuriya, who scored a steady 34 off 40 balls, and S. Kavindi with 26 off 33 deliveries helped stabilize the innings. England’s bowling attack was led by E. Bristowe, who delivered an excellent spell, claiming 3 wickets for just 15 runs.

In response, England struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling unit. The innings was wrapped up in 16.3 overs, falling well short of the target. A. Oliver top-scored with 16 runs, while S. Patil added 12, but the rest of the lineup failed to make significant contributions.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers were outstanding, with V. Weerappuli taking 2 for 6, supported by strong performances from L. Thilakarathne and P. Methsara, who picked up key wickets to dismantle the opposition.

Cricket

Sri Lanka Name Strong Squad for Bangladesh Tour 2026

Published

1 day ago

April 16, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a strong women’s squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, with Chamari Athapaththu appointed as captain for both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is). The tour will feature three ODIs and three T20Is, providing valuable international exposure ahead of a busy season.

The ODI series is scheduled to be played in Rajshahi on April 20, 22, and 25, while the T20I matches will take place in Sylhet on April 28 and 30, and May 2.

The squad includes experienced players such as Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Nilakshika Silva, alongside promising talents like Kaveesha Dilhari and Sugandika Kumari. The selectors have also included emerging players such as Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunaratne, and Kaushini Nuthyangana to strengthen the lineup.

Notably, the ODI and T20I squads remain largely consistent, with a few changes including the inclusion of Rashmika Sewwandi, Mithali Ayodhya, and Nimesha Madushani for the shorter format.

ODI Squad:

Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Hasini Perera, Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Piumi Wathsala, Kaveesha Dilhari, Dewmi Vihanga, Malki Madara, Kawya Kavindi, Chethana Vimukthi, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari

T20I Squad:
Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Hasini Perera, Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kaveesha Dilhari, Dewmi Vihanga, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, Nimesha Madushani