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Sri Lanka bag series with a game to spare.

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West Indies Women’s tour of Sri Lanka 2024

Sri Lanka secures ODI series victory against the West Indies after 16 years thanks to Vishmi Gunaratne’s half-century and Kavisha Dilhari’s impressive performance with both bat and ball. The five-wicket win in the second ODI in Hambantota puts Sri Lanka 2-0 up in the series with one game remaining, marking their first series win against the West Indies since 2008.

Shemaine Campbelle, the stand-in captain for the West Indies, won the toss and chose to bat first. Unfortunately, the team had a rough start as they lost key players like Stafanie Taylor and Campbelle herself within the first 15 overs. The West Indies were in deep trouble at 22/3 in the 13th over when Chedean Nation and Rashada Williams came together and formed a crucial 24-run partnership for the 4th wicket.

Sri Lanka’s Sugandika Kumari dismissed Rashada Williams, providing the 4th breakthrough for her team. The West Indies then lost a couple more wickets quickly and found themselves in a difficult situation at 54/6 in 23 overs. Aaliyah Alleyne and Afy Fletcher joined forces and managed to build another important partnership of 28 runs for the 7th wicket. However, Sri Lanka’s skipper Chamari Athapaththu dismissed Aaliyah Alleyne, securing the 7th breakthrough for her side.

In the end, the West Indies were bowled out for a mere 92 runs with 19 overs still remaining. This is their third-lowest total against Sri Lanka in the ODI format. Rashada Williams (24 off 62 balls), Aaliyah Alleyne (16 off 18 balls), and Afy Fletcher (16 off 20 balls) were the top performers with the bat for the West Indies. On the other hand, Kavisha Dilhari (6-0-20-4), Achini Kulasuriya (7-1-16-2), Sugandika Kumari (6-0-16-1), and skipper Chamari Athapaththu (2-0-8-2) were the standout performers with the ball for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, chasing a target of 93, faced early setbacks as they lost a couple of wickets, including their skipper Chamari Athapaththu, within the first six overs of the run chase. The partnership between Kavisha Dilhari and Vishmi Gunaratne then helped them edge closer to the target with a crucial 58-run stand for the 3rd wicket. Zaida James later claimed the wicket of Gunaratne in the 17th over, marking the 3rd breakthrough for the West Indies.
Gunaratne reached her well-deserved half-century before departing. Sri Lanka successfully achieved the target with five wickets in hand and 172 balls to spare. Gunaratne (50 off 50 balls) and Dilhari (28 off 38 balls) stood out with the bat for Sri Lanka. On the other hand, Ramharack, Connell, James, and Alleyne were the standout performers with the ball for the West Indies.
Dilhari’s all-round performance, taking 4 wickets for 20 runs and contributing 28 runs with the bat, was instrumental in guiding Sri Lanka to victory in the three-match ODI series against the West Indies after 16 years.

The two sides will next meet in the third and final ODI on Friday (21) at the Hambantota Stadium.

Athletics

Sri Lanka Men’s 4x400m Relay Team Secures Spot at World Athletics Relays

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Sri Lanka’s men’s 4x400m relay team has earned a place at the upcoming World Athletics Relays, set to be held in Gaborone, Botswana on May 2 and 3. The qualification comes after a strong showing at the Invitational Relay Championship in Chandigarh, India, where the team delivered an impressive performance.

Clocking a time of 3:02.16, the Sri Lankan quartet ranked among the top teams globally, marking the second-fastest 4x400m relay time in the nation’s history. The team featured Aruna Darshana, Pasindu Kodikara, Kalhara Indupa, and Sadew Rajakaruna, whose combined effort highlights the country’s growing strength in track and field.

This achievement not only secures Sri Lanka’s participation at the prestigious World Relays but also places them in contention for a major milestone. The top 12 teams at the event will qualify directly for the World Athletics Championships 2027 in their respective relay categories, adding further significance to the competition.

Men’s 4x400m Relay Qualified Teams

Botswana, South Africa, Belgium, Qatar, Great Britain & Northern Ireland, Jamaica, Netherlands, France, Kenya, Portugal, Australia, Japan, Zimbabwe, China, Brazil, India, Hungary, Spain, Poland, Sri Lanka, Senegal, Germany, Nigeria, Thailand

Note- (USA has withdrawn from the event)

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Cricket

CSK Risk Early Elimination After Third Straight Loss

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are staring at an early exit from the IPL 2026 season after suffering their third consecutive defeat, this time against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who secured a commanding 43-run victory.

RCB delivered a batting masterclass, posting a formidable 250/3 in their 20 overs. The innings was powered by explosive contributions from Tim David, who smashed an unbeaten 70 off just 25 balls, and skipper Rajat Patidar, who remained not out on a blistering 48 off 19 deliveries.

Devdutt Padikkal added a fluent 50, while Phil Salt chipped in with 46 at the top. Despite picking up three wickets, CSK bowlers struggled to contain the run flow, conceding at 12.50 runs per over.

In response, CSK endured a disastrous start, losing three wickets within the first three overs. Sarfaraz Khan offered some resistance with a quickfire 50, while Prashant Veer (43) and Jamie Overton (37) tried to revive the chase. However, the steep target proved too much as CSK were bowled out for 207 in 19.4 overs.

RCB’s bowling attack was led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who claimed three crucial wickets, while Jacob Duffy and Krunal Pandya chipped in with two apiece.

With three losses on the trot, CSK now find themselves in a precarious position in the points table, needing a swift turnaround to keep their playoff hopes alive.

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Cricket

Sri Lanka A Cruise to 140-Run Win as Three Half-Centurions Shine

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Sri Lanka A delivered a dominant all-round performance to secure a comprehensive 140-run victory over New Zealand A, powered by three impressive half-centuries and a clinical bowling display in the first unofficial One day worked off at Galle International cricket stadium on Sunday.

After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka A posted a competitive 261 in 49.2 overs, with their top and middle order laying a solid foundation. Kamil Mishara set the tone early with a fluent 71 off just 49 balls, striking 12 fours and a six to give his side early momentum. Despite a few quick wickets in the first half, the innings was stabilized by skipper Sahan Arachchige, who compiled a composed 66 from 81 deliveries, anchoring the middle phase.

The innings gained further depth through Milan Rathnayaka, who added a crucial 53 off 89 balls. His patient knock ensured Sri Lanka A batted deep and pushed towards a strong total. Contributions from the lower order and useful extras helped the hosts cross the 260-mark, giving their bowlers a solid platform to defend.

In response, New Zealand A never found rhythm in their chase and were bundled out for just 121 in 28.4 overs. The Sri Lankan bowlers dominated from the outset, with Wanuja Sahan producing a match-winning spell. He claimed an outstanding five-wicket haul, dismantling the opposition’s batting lineup with accuracy and control.

Support came from Sonal Dinusha, who picked up two key wickets, while the rest of the attack maintained consistent pressure. Apart from a brief counterattack by Dale Phillips, New Zealand A struggled against disciplined bowling and regular breakthroughs.

Overall, it was a commanding performance from Sri Lanka A, highlighted by the half-centuries of Mishara, Arachchige, and Rathnayaka, complemented by Sahan’s brilliant five-for to seal an emphatic win.

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