News

Sri Lanka Clinch ODI Series Against West Indies with a Game to Spare

Published

8 months ago

October 24, 2024

Editor

Sri Lanka secured a convincing 2-0 series victory against the West Indies in the second ODI at Pallekele, clinching the three-match series with one game left. Skipper Charith Asalanka led the charge with an unbeaten 62*, guiding Sri Lanka to a five-wicket win in a rain-shortened match, with 44 balls to spare.

Match Overview

Sri Lanka: 190/5 in 36.4 overs
West Indies: 189 all out in 36 overs
Result: Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets (DLS Method)

The match, initially set for 50 overs per side, was reduced to 44 overs due to rain. West Indies, sent in to bat, struggled early, losing wickets rapidly to be 58 for 8, before a resilient stand between Shefarne Rutherford (80) and Gudakesh Motie (50*) revived their innings.

West Indies Innings

Shefarne Rutherford: 80 (98 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes)
Gudakesh Motie: 50* (67 balls, 4 fours)
Ninth-wicket partnership: 119 runs
Best Sri Lankan bowler: Dushmantha Chameera – 3/25 in 7 overs
Notable bowling performances: Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka picked up two wickets each as Sri Lanka dismantled the Windies’ top order. West Indies were bowled out for 189 in 36 overs.

Despite the ninth-wicket partnership, the total was below par, as Sri Lankan bowlers dominated the early stages, exploiting the seam-friendly conditions in Pallekele.

Sri Lanka’s Chase

Sri Lanka’s chase wasn’t smooth, as they lost opener Avishka Fernando early for 12, followed by Kusal Mendis (14) as Alzarri Joseph and Romario Shepherd kept the pressure on.

Nishan Madushka: 38 (53 balls, 3 fours)
Sadeera Samarawickrama: 38 (47 balls, 4 fours)
Third-wicket partnership: 62 runs
Charith Asalanka: 62* (48 balls, 5 fours, 1 six)
Janith Liyanage: 24 (28 balls)

After a 62-run stand between Madushka and Samarawickrama, Asalanka steadied the innings and built another key partnership with Janith Liyanage (24) to ensure Sri Lanka crossed the target comfortably.

Asalanka’s form continues to impress as he followed up his 77 in the first ODI with a match-winning knock in the second.

Key Statistics:

Charith Asalanka’s Series Performance: 139 runs in 2 ODIs, averaging 139.00 with a strike rate of 92.66.
Sri Lanka Bowling Attack: Chameera has taken 5 wickets in 2 matches, averaging 12.80 with an economy rate of 4.71.
Shefarne Rutherford’s Impact: The top scorer for the West Indies with 121 runs in 2 innings, averaging 60.50.
Ninth-Wicket Partnership Record: The 119-run stand between Rutherford and Motie is one of the highest ninth-wicket partnerships for the West Indies in ODIs.

Conclusion

With this win, Sri Lanka sealed the ODI series 2-0, leaving the third and final game as a formality. The team’s dominance, particularly with both ball and bat in the middle overs, highlights their improving performance heading into future challenges. The West Indies, meanwhile, will look to salvage some pride in the final game after back-to-back losses.

Athletics

Sri Lanka Shines at Thailand Open 2025 with 11-Medal Haul

Published

3 hours ago

June 26, 2025

Editor

The Sri Lankan athletics team wrapped up a remarkable campaign at the Thailand Open Athletics Championship 2025, securing an impressive 11 medals, including 6 golds, during the competition held from June 21 to 25 in Bangkok.

The Sri Lankan squad, made up of eight athletes—four men and four women—delivered standout performances across track and field events, making the nation proud on the international stage.

Leading the charge was Rusiru Chathuranga, who clinched double gold in the Men’s 800m and 1500m events. Vicknaraj Vakshan added to the tally with a gold in the 5000m and a silver in the 1500m, while W.K.L.A. Nimali matched that feat by claiming gold in the Women’s 800m and silver in the 1500m.

Madushani Herath showed her dominance in the field events, capturing gold in both the long jump and triple jump. Ayomal Akalanka earned silver in the Men’s 400m hurdles, and Wathsala Hapuarachchi took silver in the Women’s 100m hurdles. Safreen Ahmed contributed a bronze medal in the Men’s triple jump.

While seven out of eight athletes reached the podium, Amasha de Silva narrowly missed out, finishing fourth in the Women’s 100m final, showcasing a commendable performance.

The full team is expected to return to Sri Lanka today after a tour that highlights the depth of talent in local athletics and signals strong potential ahead of upcoming regional events

News

Kingswood College Claims Hard-Fought Win Over Zahira in Week 3 of Schools Rugby League

Published

3 days ago

June 24, 2025

Editor

Colombo – June 23:
Kingswood College, Kandy, came from behind to secure a gritty 27-18 victory over Zahira College, Colombo, in a Week 3 clash of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 played at Zahira College Grounds.

Despite trailing 11-10 at halftime, Kingswood regrouped and powered through in the second half, scoring 3 tries, 3 conversions, and 2 penalties to take home the win. Zahira fought valiantly with 2 tries, 1 conversion, and 2 penalties, but couldn’t match Kingswood’s consistency in the closing stages.

This win marks an important step for Kingswood in their league journey as they eye a stronger position in the 2025 standings.

Full-Time Score:
Kingswood College 27 (3T, 3C, 2P)
Zahira College 18 (2T, 1C, 2P)

📍 Venue: Zahira College Grounds, Colombo
📅 Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 – Week 3

News

S. Thomas’ College Overpowers Mahanama in High-Scoring Rugby Battle – 50-35 Victory at Ratmalana

Published

3 days ago

June 24, 2025

Editor

Colombo – June 23:
In a thrilling Week 3 encounter of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025, S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia, showcased attacking brilliance to defeat Mahanama College by 50 points to 35 at the Ratmalana Air Force Grounds.

The Thomians dominated early, taking a 26-14 lead at halftime, and continued their momentum into the second half, finishing with 7 tries, 6 conversions, and a penalty to seal the win. Mahanama College put up a strong fight, scoring 5 tries and converting all 5, but couldn’t close the gap in the second half.

This match marks a significant step for S. Thomas’ in the league standings as they aim to continue their campaign with confidence and consistency.

Full-Time Score:
S. Thomas’ College 50 (7T, 6C, 1P)
Mahanama College 35 (5T, 5C)

📍 Venue: Ratmalana Air Force Grounds
📅 Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 – Week 3