News

Shanto, Mushfiqur shine as Bangladesh go up 1-0 in ODI series against Sri Lanka

Published

10 months ago

March 14, 2024

Editor

Bangladesh clinched a convincing six-wicket win, courtesy of an unbeaten century by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in the first one-day international (ODI) of a three-game series against Sri Lanka in Chittagong on Wednesday (14).

Najmul’s remarkable innings of 122 not out from 129 deliveries, along with Mushfiqur Rahim’s unbeaten 73, drove Bangladesh to a total of 257-4 in 44.4 overs after dismissing Sri Lanka for 255 runs.

Despite facing early batting difficulties, Bangladesh was in a tough spot at 23-3 following early dismissals by Dilshan Madushanka and Pramod Madushan.

Nevertheless, Najmul’s partnership with Mahmudullah Riyad (37) stabilized the innings before Mushfiqur joined him for a crucial fifth-wicket partnership of 165 runs.

Earlier Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and chose to bat first. The team got off to a strong start as Avishka Fernando and Pathum Nissanka built a solid foundation with a 71-run partnership for the opening wicket.

Pathum Nissanka, who returned from a hamstring injury, continued his impressive performance by scoring a quick 36 runs off 28 balls, which included 5 boundaries and a six. Avishka Fernando also contributed with 33 runs off 33 balls to stabilize the Sri Lankan innings.

Nevertheless, Tanzim Shakib’s comeback to the attack was crucial for Bangladesh as he took out both openers in consecutive overs, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 2-72.

Sri Lanka faced further setbacks when Sadeera Samarawickrama (3) fell to Tanzim Shakib’s bowling, reducing them to 84-3.

With Bangaldesh bolwers clearly on top, Skipper Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka then built a steady partnership of 44 runs before Charith was bowled by Mahedi Hassan Miraz in the 25th over.

At 128-4, Kusal Mendis found a reliable partner in Janith Liyanage, and together they cautiously built a crucial partnership of 69 runs for the fifth wicket.

During this partnership, Kusal Mendis reached his 29th ODI half-century, scoring 59 runs off 75 balls, including 5 boundaries and a six. However, Taskin Ahmed put an end to the partnership by dismissing Kusal Mendis.

From there onwards Sri Lanka never recovered as their middle order fell like a pack of cards with the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga (13), Maheesh Theekshana (1), Pramod Madushan (08) all departing cheaply to leave Sri Lanka in a spot of bother.

However, When the chips were down, Janith Liyanage who is playing his 5th ODI game show maturity in the middle and played a crucial role for Sri Lanka as he batted sensibly and scored a fighting 67 runs off 69 deliveries, including 3 boundaries and 2 sixes.

His contribution helped Sri Lanka surpass the 250 runs mark.

At one stage it looked like Sri Lanka could reach a total above 300 but a brilliant death bowling display denied Sri Lanka’s counter attack.

Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Shakib, were the standout bowlers snaring three wickets apiece, while Mehidy Hassan Miraz picked up a wicket.

The win saw Bangladesh go up 1-0 in the three match series with two games to spare.

The two sides will next meet in the second ODI game on Friday at the same venue.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh 257 for 4 (Najmul Hossain Shanto 122, Mushfiqur Rahim 73, Dilshan Madushanka 2-44)

Sri Lanka 255 all out (Janith Liyanage 67, Kusal Mendis 59, Tanzim Shakib 3-44, Shoriful Islam 3-51, Taskin Ahmed 3-60)

Cricket

Sri Lanka U19 Women Secure Dominant Victory Over West Indies in ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2025

Editor

In a commanding performance at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, the Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s cricket team triumphed over the West Indies U19 Women in their Group A encounter of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka posted an imposing total of 166 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

The opening partnership laid a solid foundation, with Sanjana Kavindi scoring 38 off 36 balls and Sumudu Nisansala contributing 19 off 22 deliveries. Captain Manudi Nanayakkara further bolstered the innings with a brisk 37 from 31 balls, while Dahami Sanethma added a valuable 31 off 25 balls. The West Indies bowlers faced a challenging task, with left-arm spinner Selena Ross emerging as the standout performer, claiming 2 wickets for 25 runs in her four overs.

In response, the West Indies U19 Women struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Regular wickets and tight fielding restricted their scoring opportunities, ultimately leading to a comprehensive victory for Sri Lanka. This win propels Sri Lanka to the top of Group A, enhancing their prospects of advancing to the Super Six stage of the tournament.

The Sri Lankan team’s all-round performance underscores their growing prowess in the international arena, particularly in the U19 category. As the tournament progresses, they will aim to maintain this momentum in their upcoming matches. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to more thrilling performances from these young athletes as they continue their campaign in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Cricket

Sri Lanka vs Australia Test Series 2025: A Thrilling Battle Awaits

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2025

Editor

Cricket fans are in for a treat as Sri Lanka hosts Australia for a highly anticipated Test series in January and February 2025. With two Test matches and two ODIs lined up, this tour carries immense significance for both teams as they vie for crucial ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points.

Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting tournament:

Series Schedule

• 1st Test: January 29 – February 2, 2025, Galle International Stadium

• 2nd Test: February 6 – 10, 2025, Galle International Stadium

• 1st ODI: February 12, 2025, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

• 2nd ODI: February 14, 2025, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Key Highlights and Team Updates

Australia’s Preparations

Australia enters the series with a strong squad bolstered by the return of captain Steve Smith, who has recovered from an elbow injury. Smith’s presence is expected to provide much-needed stability and experience to the team.

However, the absence of left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann due to a thumb injury is a setback. This opens the door for young talent Cooper Connolly, a promising 21-year-old who may make his Test debut.

Selectors have also hinted at a key role for Travis Head, who could open the innings. His recent success in India as a fast-scoring opener makes him an exciting prospect for the spin-friendly conditions of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s Formidable Home Advantage

Sri Lanka has been a dominant force on home soil, with impressive Test wins against England and New Zealand in recent years. Galle International Stadium, known for its spin-friendly pitches, will likely play a decisive role in shaping the series.

Cricket

Kumar Sangakkara to Lead Sri Lanka in International Masters League (IML) 2025

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2025

Editor

Sri Lanka’s cricketing legend Kumar Sangakkara is set to lead the Sri Lankan team in the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025, a tournament featuring legendary players from across the world. The tournament, running from February 22 to March 16, 2025, will bring together past cricketing greats in an electrifying T20 format.

Sangakkara Returns to Captaincy

The announcement of Sangakkara as Sri Lanka’s captain has ignited excitement among cricket fans. The former Sri Lanka skipper, who led the national team to the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen in cricket history.

Speaking about his return to competitive cricket, Sangakkara said:
“Cricket has given me so much, and to once again wear the Sri Lankan jersey, alongside some of the best players of our era, is truly special. The IML is a celebration of the sport, and I can’t wait to take the field.”

Tournament Format & Teams

IML 2025 will feature six franchise teams, each captained by a cricketing icon:

Sri Lanka – Kumar Sangakkara
India – Sachin Tendulkar
Australia – Shane Watson
England – Eoin Morgan
West Indies – Brian Lara
South Africa – Jacques Kallis

The competition will take place in India, with matches hosted in Navi Mumbai, Rajkot, and Raipur.

A Tournament for the Fans

IML 2025 promises to be a thrilling experience for cricket lovers, especially Sri Lankan fans who have long admired Sangakkara’s masterful stroke play and leadership skills. His return to the field is expected to draw massive viewership, as fans eagerly anticipate seeing him in action once again.