Connect with us

Cricket

Sanath Jayasuriya Appointed as Sri Lanka Men’s Cricket Team Head Coach: Key Milestones and Upcoming Challenges

Published

on

SLC has appointed Sanath Jayasuriya as the head coach of the Sri Lanka men’s cricket team following the team’s commendable performances against India, England, and New Zealand.

Effective from October 1, 2024, Jayasuriya’s tenure will extend until March 31, 2026.

According to a statement from Sri Lanka Cricket, “The Executive Committee made this decision based on the team’s strong performances during recent tours against India, England, and New Zealand, where Jayasuriya served as the interim head coach.”

His initial task as head coach will involve the forthcoming limited-overs series against the West Indies, scheduled to take place in Dambulla and Pallekele.

Jayasuriya, a former aggressive batsman, had previously held the position of cricket consultant for the SLC and was appointed as the interim head coach of the men’s national team in July. He took over the role following the exit of English coach Chris Silverwood, which followed a tumultuous period marked by the T20 World Cup setback.

Under his leadership in recent months, Sri Lanka achieved significant milestones, including their first bilateral ODI series victory against India in 27 years, a Test win against England away for the first time in a decade, and a 2-0 home Test series triumph over New Zealand.

During his playing career from 1991 to 2007, Jayasuriya participated in 110 Test matches, scoring 6,973 runs at an average of 40.07, including 14 centuries and 31 fifties. In One Day Internationals, he accumulated 13,430 runs at an average of 32.36, with 28 centuries and 68 half-centuries. He was instrumental in securing Sri Lanka’s victory in the 1996 ODI World Cup.

Cricket

Bangladesh to Tour Sri Lanka for Full-Fledged Series in June-July 2025

Published

on

By

Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that the Bangladesh National Men’s Team will tour the island from June 13 to July 16, 2025, for a multi-format bilateral series featuring 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is.

The tour kicks off with the Test series, which begins on June 17 at Galle International Stadium, followed by the second Test from June 25 to 29 at the SSC in Colombo. This red-ball series will offer crucial preparation and exposure for both sides ahead of the upcoming ICC events.

Sri Lanka holds a dominant record in Test encounters, having won 20 out of 26 matches against Bangladesh. Bangladesh has managed just one win, with five Tests ending in draws. Their last Test series in April 2024 saw Sri Lanka claim a clean sweep in Bangladesh, 2-0.

The limited-overs leg begins with ODIs on July 2 and 5 at R. Premadasa Stadium, before the third match takes place on July 8 at Pallekele — all day-night games starting at 2:30 PM.

The action continues with the T20I series, starting July 10 in Pallekele, followed by matches in Dambulla (July 13) and a final showdown at R. Premadasa Stadium on July 16.

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Tour Fixtures – 2025:

  • June 17–21: 1st Test – Galle
  • June 25–29: 2nd Test – SSC, Colombo
  • July 2: 1st ODI – R. Premadasa Stadium
  • July 5: 2nd ODI – R. Premadasa Stadium
  • July 8: 3rd ODI – Pallekele
  • July 10: 1st T20I – Pallekele
  • July 13: 2nd T20I – Dambulla
  • July 16: 3rd T20I – R. Premadasa Stadium

This tour promises exciting cricket as both teams aim to fine-tune their squads across formats.

Continue Reading

Cricket

Sri Lanka Soars to Fourth in ICC ODI Rankings After Remarkable Year

Published

on

By

Sri Lanka has climbed to 4th place in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, marking a major achievement in the team’s ongoing revival in international cricket. This surge, confirmed after the International Cricket Council’s annual update, reflects a year of consistent and impressive performances.

The upward shift in rankings saw Sri Lanka gain five valuable rating points, pushing them past powerhouse teams like Pakistan and South Africa. Now trailing only India, Australia, and England, Sri Lanka has re-established itself as a major contender in the One Day International (ODI) format.

Key Factors Behind Sri Lanka’s Rise in ODI Rankings

This rankings boost has been fueled by a string of dominant series wins, especially at home. Victories against top-tier teams such as India and Australia have been pivotal. Sri Lanka’s bowling unit has shown exceptional control and discipline, while the batting lineup has evolved into a reliable force, capable of adapting to various match situations.

The leadership of head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and captain Charith Asalanka has been central to this transformation. Jayasuriya’s experience and aggressive tactical approach have revitalized the team, while Asalanka’s calm leadership and key contributions with the bat have earned him praise as a future great.

Youth and Experience Creating a Winning Combination

Emerging stars like Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Janith Liyanage have provided fresh energy and depth. Their seamless integration alongside veterans has created a balanced and confident unit.

With ICC global tournaments on the horizon, this momentum places Sri Lanka in a strong position to challenge the world’s best. The team’s rise to fourth in the ICC ODI rankings is more than just a number — it’s a testament to their growing belief and ambition on the world stage.

Continue Reading

Cricket

Sri Lanka Women Stun India in Record-Breaking Run Chase at R. Premadasa

Published

on

By

Sri Lanka Women pulled off a sensational chase to defeat India Women by 3 wickets with 5 balls to spare in a high-scoring thriller at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo during the fourth match of the Women’s ODI Tri-Series 2025. Chasing a formidable target of 276, the home side held their nerve to reach 278/7, registering one of their most memorable victories in ODI history.

India Women, after being put in to bat first, posted a commanding 275/9 in their 50 overs. The innings was anchored by a fluent 50 from Richa Ghosh, who struck 5 fours and 2 sixes in her 42-ball knock. Useful contributions from the top and middle order pushed India past the 250-mark, despite late wickets stalling momentum.

Sri Lanka’s chase started steadily, but the game came alive in the middle overs thanks to key innings from Harshitha Madavi (50 off 57) and skipper Chamari Athapaththu. However, the turning point came when Nilakshika Silva took charge with a blistering 56 off just 33 balls, including 4 boundaries and 3 sixes. Her late onslaught, along with support from the lower middle order, ensured Sri Lanka crossed the finish line at 278/7 in 49.1 overs.

This match also set a record as the highest match aggregate (553 runs) between the two sides in Women’s ODIs, underlining the growing competitiveness of Sri Lanka Women’s cricket on the international stage.

Nilakshika Silva was named Player of the Match for her match-winning knock under pressure.

With this win, Sri Lanka Women have gained valuable momentum and sent a strong message to both opponents in the tri-series, showcasing their depth and fighting spirit.

Match Summary:

  • India Women: 275/9 (Richa Ghosh 50, D Hemalatha 34; SL bowlers shared wickets)
  • Sri Lanka Women: 278/7 in 49.1 overs (Nilakshika Silva 56*, Harshitha Madavi 50)

Tri-Series 2025: Points Table & Team Form Update

With each team having played at least two matches, the Women’s ODI Tri-Series in Sri Lanka is heating up as both India and Sri Lanka have secured two wins each, while South Africa is yet to register a victory.

Points Table (as of May 4, 2025):

  • India Women sit at the top based on a superior Net Run Rate (NRR), despite their 3-wicket loss to Sri Lanka on May 4.
  • Sri Lanka Women made a strong comeback after an opening loss to India, now securing back-to-back wins against South Africa and India.
  • South Africa Women have struggled, with two straight losses and a negative NRR.

The battle for a place in the final is still open, with each upcoming match carrying significant weight.

Continue Reading

Trending