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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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LPL Sixth Edition to Be Played Across Four Venues from July 10 to August 5

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The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) is set to take place from July 10 to August 5, 2026, promising another exciting season of top-quality Twenty20 cricket. As Sri Lanka’s premier domestic T20 competition with a strong international presence, the tournament continues to attract both local and overseas talent.

This year’s matches will be held across four venues: Sinhalese Sports Club Ground (SSC), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (PICS), and Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS). These iconic grounds are expected to provide a vibrant atmosphere and excellent playing conditions throughout the competition.

The online registration portal for foreign players will officially open on May 4, 2026, allowing international cricketers to sign up and participate in the league. This step ensures the continuation of LPL’s global appeal, as overseas players add competitiveness and diversity to the tournament.

The event will be organized by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the official owner of the league, in partnership with The IPG Group, which holds the event rights. Their collaboration has been instrumental in maintaining the league’s high standards since its inception.

Launched in 2020, the LPL has rapidly grown in popularity among cricket fans. Mr. Samantha Dodanwela, an Executive Committee Member of SLC, will continue in his role as Tournament Director, ensuring smooth organization and execution.

With thrilling matches and star players expected, LPL 2026 is set to deliver another unforgettable cricketing spectacle.

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Dambulla Gears Up for Women’s ‘A’ Cricket Action in May 2026

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Sri Lanka is set to host an exciting bilateral cricket series as the New Zealand Women’s A Team tours the island in May 2026. The series, featuring both One Day and T20 matches, will see the visitors compete against the Sri Lanka Women’s A Team in what promises to be a competitive showcase of emerging talent.

All matches will be held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), with play scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. each day. The New Zealand side is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka on 7 May 2026, giving them several days to acclimatize before the series begins.
The tour will consist of three One Day matches followed by three T20 encounters. The One Day fixtures are scheduled for 12th, 15th, and 18th May, while the T20 series will take place on 21st, 23rd, and 25th May.

This series is seen as an important opportunity for both teams to develop their next generation of international players. With a mix of promising players and those on the cusp of senior national selection, the matches are expected to be closely contested.

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Bangladesh beat Chamari-less Sri Lanka despite late drama

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Bangladesh Women edged out Sri Lanka Women in a tense finish during the first ODI of the Sri Lanka Women’s tour of Bangladesh 2026, chasing down 206 with just nine balls to spare in a match that swung dramatically in the final overs.

Put into bat, Sri Lanka Team posted a competitive 205/9 from their 50 overs, built on steady contributions rather than a single dominant innings. Imesha Dulani (52 off 77) and Hansima Karunaratne (54 off 71) anchored the innings with a crucial middle-order stand after early setbacks. Captain Hasini Perera made a brisk 27, but Sri Lanka struggled to accelerate in the final 10 overs, losing wickets at regular intervals.

Bangladesh’s bowling attack kept things tight throughout. Ritu Moni was the standout performer, claiming 3 for 36 and breaking key partnerships, while Nahida Akter and Marufa Akter maintained pressure with disciplined spells.

In reply, Bangladesh got off to a disastrous start, losing two wickets within the first two overs. However, Sharmin Akhter produced a match-defining innings, scoring a composed 86 off 127 balls to anchor the chase. She found support from Sobhana Mostary, who made 41 before retiring hurt, and later Shorna Akter, whose 35 added momentum in the middle overs.

Despite being in control for much of the chase, Bangladesh nearly stumbled at the finish. A late burst from Sri Lanka’s bowlers saw Dewmi Vihanga pick up three crucial wickets, triggering a collapse that left Bangladesh at 200/7 after being comfortably placed at 199/3.
The match briefly tilted back in Sri Lanka’s favor, but Bangladesh held their nerve. Extras proved decisive, with 21 wides significantly easing the chase. Eventually, Bangladesh crossed the target in 48.3 overs, sealing a hard-fought three-wicket victory.

Sri Lanka will rue their inability to capitalize on key moments, particularly in the death overs with both bat and ball. The absence of star player Chamari Athapaththu was evident, as they lacked the firepower to push their total beyond reach.

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