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Sri Lanka clinch a thriller to reach Finals of Womens Asia Cup 2024

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Chamari Athapaththu’s calm innings of 63 runs set the stage for Sri Lanka’s exciting 3-wicket victory over Pakistan in the semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 held at Dambulla International Stadium on Friday. The win has now paved the way for Sri Lanka to face defending champions India in the final on Sunday. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first, allowing Pakistan to bat. Pakistan managed to score 140-4 in their 20 overs, and Sri Lanka successfully chased down the target in 19.5 overs, largely due to Chamari Athapaththu’s impressive half-century.

Pakistan’s opening pair, Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali, established a strong partnership, accumulating 61 runs before Feroza was dismissed for 25 runs by Udeshika Prabodhani. Muneeba also fell in the same over after scoring 37 runs off 34 balls. Sidra Amin, batting at number three, was unable to make a significant contribution, scoring 10 runs off 13 deliveries before being dismissed. Captain Nida Dar played a quick innings, scoring 23 runs off 17 balls. Fatima Sana (23 off 17) and Aliya Riaz (16 off 15) also made valuable contributions towards Pakistan’s total of 141 runs. Sri Lanka’s Udeshika Prabodhani and Kavisha Dilhari each took two wickets.

In reply, Sri Lanka had a poor beginning, losing two quick wickets in the initial four overs. Nonetheless, captain Chamari Athapaththu anchored the innings with a vital score of 63 runs before departing in crucial time of the game.

However, Anushka Sanjeewani who held her ground until the end, played a crucial role of unbeaten 24 runs to push Sri Lanka over the line with a ball to spare.

In bowling front, Sadia Iqbal shone as the top bowler for Pakistan, taking four wickets. Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail also chipped in with one wicket each.

Sri Lanka is set to compete against India in the final match on July 28th in Dambulla.

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Sri Lanka Cricket Denies Financial Crisis Claims Amid Transformation Committee Appointment

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Sri Lanka Cricket has firmly rejected recent media reports claiming that the organization is facing a financial crisis following the appointment of the Cricket Transformation Committee, stating that such allegations are “entirely false and misleading.”

In an official clarification, SLC emphasized that the Cricket Transformation Committee was appointed by the Hon. Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs under the powers granted by Sections 32 and 33 of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, as amended.

According to SLC, once an order is issued under Section 32 of the Sports Law, the powers, administration, management, and control of the affairs and assets of the relevant sports body are legally transferred to the committee appointed by the Minister.

The organization further noted that the duly appointed Transformation Committee is fully authorized to oversee and manage all affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket, including its financial operations and obligations, until a new Executive Committee is elected.

SLC also pointed out that the appointment of the committee has already been officially published in the Government Gazette, thereby granting it full legal authority to act on behalf of the organization in all administrative and financial matters.

Rejecting claims of financial instability, Sri Lanka Cricket reiterated that its operations continue without disruption. The organization stated that all day-to-day activities, including financial and administrative functions, are proceeding smoothly under the supervision of the Transformation Committee.

SLC further assured stakeholders that all payments to suppliers, service providers, employees, players, and other parties continue to be settled on time, with no interruption to the organization’s commitments.

The statement was issued in response to growing speculation in sections of the media regarding the financial status of Sri Lanka Cricket after the recent administrative changes.

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Sri Lanka, India to Clash in Two-Test Series in August

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Sri Lanka and India are set to play a two-match Test series between August 15 and 27 as part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Although the official schedule is yet to be announced, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reserved a two-week window for the series following the conclusion of the Lanka Premier League on August 9. Discussions between SLC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are continuing to finalise the venues and match dates.

The proposed tour was initially expected to include three Twenty20 Internationals as well, but there has been no confirmation regarding those matches. The T20 games were originally planned as a fundraising initiative for victims affected by Cyclone Ditwah last year.

Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia is currently in Sri Lanka as part of an International Cricket Council delegation reviewing recent developments in Sri Lanka Cricket administration. The Sri Lankan government recently dissolved the previous SLC body and appointed an interim Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee.

Cricket scheduling remains challenging for India due to a packed international calendar later this year. India are expected to tour Bangladesh in September for a white-ball series, although the tour is still uncertain after being postponed previously because of political tensions between the two nations.

India also have commitments against West Indies and Afghanistan later in the year, along with the Asian Games in Nagoya scheduled from September 9 to October 4.

India’s international season resumes in June with a Test series against Afghanistan before tours of Ireland, England and Zimbabwe.

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ICC Delegation Holds Key Talks With President on Cricket Reforms

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Senior representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo yesterday as discussions intensified over the future of cricket administration in Sri Lanka.

The ICC delegation, which includes Imran Khwaja and Devajit Sakia, is currently in the country following recent changes within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Their visit comes amid growing attention on governance reforms and the restructuring of the national cricket administration.

During their stay, ICC officials also held meetings with members of the newly appointed SLC administration at the board’s headquarters, where discussions focused on restoring stability and strengthening the management framework of Sri Lankan cricket.

The latest developments follow the appointment of a nine-member Cricket Transformation Committee by Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage after the resignation of the previous SLC leadership.

The committee, chaired by Eran Wickremaratne, has been entrusted with overseeing the administration of the sport and implementing a series of reforms until new elections are conducted.

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