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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.

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Run for Hope 2026 to Unite Kandy for a Cause – Sri Lankan Sports TV Named Official Sports Network Partner

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Kandy is set to witness a powerful blend of fitness and compassion as Run of Hope – Kandy 2026 takes place on 29th March 2026 at 6:30 AM, starting from Bogambara Grounds.

Organised by the Voice for the Voiceless Foundation, this inspiring half marathon and charity run aims to raise LKR 3,000,000 to support single mothers and vulnerable families across Sri Lanka.

In a significant development, Sri Lankan Sports TV has officially partnered with the event as the Official Sports Network Partner, pledging full media coverage and digital promotion to amplify the message of hope and empowerment behind the initiative.

More Than a Race — A Movement for Change

Run of Hope 2026 is not just about crossing a finish line. It is about transforming lives.

Every registration, every step, and every kilometre contributes directly toward:

  • Empowering vulnerable women
  • Providing essential resources for struggling families
  • Creating life skills and sustainable opportunities
  • Strengthening communities through long-term support

All proceeds will directly support the foundation’s mission to create measurable and lasting impact.

Event Details

📍 Starting Point: Bogambara Grounds, Kandy
🗓 Date: 29 March 2026
Time: 6:30 AM

Participants will enjoy a breathtaking early morning route around the iconic Kandy Lake, combining scenic beauty with purpose-driven participation.

Race Categories

Whether you are a seasoned athlete or joining with family and friends, there’s a category for everyone:

🏃 2KM – Family Run
Perfect for families, children, and community supporters.

🏃 5KM – Fun Run
Ideal for casual runners seeking both enjoyment and challenge.

🏃 10KM – Expert Run
Designed for experienced runners ready to push their limits for a meaningful cause.

2KM Route Overview

Bogambara Grounds → Kandy Road → Clock Tower → Sangaraja Mawatha → Church Road → Bogambara Grounds

A safe, engaging, and scenic course suitable for all age groups.

Registration Details

  • Age 12 and below: Rs. 1,500
  • Age 13 and above: Rs. 2,500

Spots are limited, and early registration is encouraged.
Register here: https://forms.gle/XPeNesVytj1dpAbR6

Sri Lankan Sports TV’s Commitment

mmitment to supporting community-driven sporting initiatives that create real social impact.

Run with Purpose. Run for Families. Run for Hope.

On 29th March, Kandy will not just host a race — it will host a movement of compassion, unity, and resilience.

Because every mother deserves support.
Because every child deserves a future.
Because hope begins with action.

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for exclusive coverage and updates.

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Cricket

Sri Lanka’s Super 8 Exit: Lessons, Positives and the Road Ahead

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Sri Lanka’s journey at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup began with encouraging signs but concluded at the Super 8 stage. While the results did not go in their favour against England, New Zealand and Pakistan, the campaign offered important learning moments and valuable experience for a developing squad.

A Promising Start

Sri Lanka entered the Super 8s with confidence after a strong first-round showing.

  • Wins over Ireland, Oman and Australia
  • Positive intent in the powerplay
  • Balanced contributions from both batters and bowlers

The batting unit displayed aggression and adaptability, while the bowling attack showed discipline in containing opposition line-ups. The early phase suggested a team growing in belief and clarity.

The Super 8 Challenge

The Super 8 stage brought a step up in intensity, quality and pressure.

Against stronger opposition:

  • Early wickets placed pressure on the middle order
  • Death overs proved demanding against explosive finishers
  • Close margins — especially the narrow loss to Pakistan — highlighted how competitive the side remained

Rather than a dramatic collapse, the difference often came down to key moments not going Sri Lanka’s way.

Captain’s Leadership Under Pressure

Dasun Shanaka once again demonstrated his commitment both as a leader and a batter.

His unbeaten 76 off 31 balls against Pakistan was a reminder of his ability to absorb pressure and respond positively. Throughout the tournament, he continued to take responsibility in challenging situations.

In leadership, the margins in T20 cricket are often razor-thin. Decisions that appear balanced at the toss or mid-innings can shift rapidly depending on conditions, dew and match flow. Shanaka acknowledged those challenges with maturity, taking accountability while reinforcing belief in the squad.

Coaching Experience and Strategic Growth

Sri Lanka’s coaching panel includes some of the most respected figures in world cricket:

  • Sanath Jayasuriya – Head Coach
  • Mahela Jayawardene – Consultant
  • Lasith Malinga – Bowling Coach

Their presence reflects Sri Lanka Cricket’s commitment to blending experience with emerging talent. While the Super 8 results were disappointing, tournaments like this often serve as stepping stones in refining tactical adaptability, particularly in high-pressure knockout-style environments.

Positives to Take Forward

✔ Young players gained exposure against elite opposition
✔ Several batters showed the ability to accelerate under pressure
✔ Bowling unit created breakthroughs at key intervals
✔ Team spirit remained intact despite setbacks

Importantly, Sri Lanka remained competitive. The five-run loss to Pakistan demonstrated that the gap between victory and defeat was minimal.

The Bigger Picture

International T20 cricket continues to evolve rapidly. Conditions, dew, match-ups and momentum shifts can determine outcomes within a few overs.

Sri Lanka’s campaign underlined:

  • The importance of finishing strongly in both innings
  • Managing powerplay momentum
  • Sustaining composure in decisive overs

These are refinements rather than structural concerns.

Looking Ahead

This tournament should be viewed as part of a broader rebuilding and transition phase. The combination of experienced campaigners and emerging players offers promise for the next cycle.

Sri Lanka may not have reached the semi-finals this time, but the foundation for growth is visible. With continued consistency, fitness stability and tactical fine-tuning, the team has the ingredients to compete strongly on the global stage.

The focus now shifts from disappointment to development — and that journey continues.

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Cricket

India Storm into Semi-Finals After Samson Masterclass; Final Four Confirmed

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India sealed their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2025/26 with a thrilling five-wicket victory over West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday night.

Chasing a challenging 196, India reached 199/5 in 19.2 overs, powered by a sensational unbeaten 97 off 50 balls from Sanju Samson, who was named Player of the Match. The stylish right-hander smashed 12 fours and 4 sixes, anchoring the chase after early wickets fell inside the powerplay.

West Indies had earlier posted 195/4 in their 20 overs after being put in to bat. Captain Shai Hope (32) and Roston Chase (40) provided a steady start, while Rovman Powell (34*) and Jason Holder (37*) unleashed a late assault, adding 50 runs in the final 20 balls to lift the total close to 200.

India’s bowlers had moments of control, with Jasprit Bumrah picking up two crucial wickets, but the death overs proved expensive as Powell and Holder shifted gears.

In response, India lost Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan early, but Samson counter-attacked brilliantly. His 50 came off just 26 balls, setting the tone for a composed yet aggressive chase. Tilak Varma (27) and Hardik Pandya (17) provided support before Shivam Dube struck the finishing blows.

With this win, India officially confirmed their semi-final berth, joining:

  • South Africa
  • New Zealand
  • England

The final four now promises high-voltage knockout cricket as the tournament heads into its decisive stage.

India’s balanced attack, explosive middle order, and Samson’s red-hot form make them one of the favourites heading into the semi-finals.

The stage is now set for a blockbuster finish to the T20 World Cup 2025/26.

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