Cricket
Sri Lanka Crush Australia by 174 Runs, Seal 2-0 ODI Series
Sri Lanka completed a lopsided 2-0 ODI series victory over Australia by winning the second match at Colombo by a commanding 174 runs. Driven by Mendis’ century (101 off 115) and a disciplined bowling display, the hosts made quick work of a weakened Australian outfit, limiting them to just 107 runs in reply to Sri Lanka’s 281/4.
Sri Lanka Finish Off Well, Led By Kusal and Asalanka
Sri Lanka were on the frontfoot for most of the innings after opting to bat first, with Kusal Mendis playing a pivotal knock at the top of the order. He was well supported by captain Charith Asalanka (78 off 66)*, who opened the batting with Nishan Madushka (51 off 62), laying a solid platform.

Missing the trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s bowling attack could not rein in the batters. Only Sean Abbott (1/41) and Ben Dwarshuis (1/47) stood out from the Australian line-but none of them could prevent Sri Lanka from putting a competitive total on the board.
Australian Batting Collapses Against Spinn
Chasing 282, Australia’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure, being bowled out for a meager 107 in 24.2 overs. Asitha Fernando (3/23) struck early dismissing the key batters before the Sri Lankan spinners took complete control. The middle order was then sent into a tailspin by Dunith Wellalage (4/35) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3/23).

Stand-in skipper Steven Smith (29 off 34) and Josh Inglis (22 off 27) put forth an effort to build the innings, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Sri Lanka sealed a comfortable victory as the lower order offered little resistance.
Australia’s Precarious Position on Eve of Champions Trophy
That was Australia’s sixth loss in their last eight ODIs, which is raising questions as the Champions Trophy approaches. Their bowling unit is still under pressure and the inconsistency of the top order is a major cause of concern. Meanwhile Sri Lanka won nine in their last 13 ODIs, but will not participate in the Champions Trophy owing to their performance that was part of the qualification process for the 2023 World Cup.
This series win is a great signal for Sri Lankan cricket as they are rebuilding their team through a combination of experienced and young players, despite that setback.
Match Summary
Sri Lanka – 281/4 (50 overs)
Kusal Mendis – 101 (115)
Charith Asalanka – 78* (66)
Nishan Madushka – 51 (62)
Sean Abbott – 1/41 (10)
Ben Dwarshuis – 1/47 (10)
Australia – 107/10 (24.2 overs)
Steven Smith – 29 (34)
Josh Inglis – 22 (27)
Dunith Wellalage – 4/35 (7.2)
Wanindu Hasaranga – 3/23 (7)
Asitha Fernando – 3/23 (5)
Sri Lanka’s emphatic victory will boost their confidence going into upcoming series, while Australia will need to regroup for a rethink ahead of major tournaments.
Cricket
Galle Marvels Owner Sentenced in Match-Fixing Case Under Sri Lanka’s Sports Offences Law
In a landmark ruling under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act, Indian businessman Prem Thakkar, the franchise owner of Lanka T10 League side Galle Marvels, has been handed a suspended prison sentence for attempting to fix a match during the 2024 tournament.

Thakkar pleaded guilty to a match-fixing charge and was sentenced by the Kandy High Court to two years of rigorous imprisonment, suspended for 10 years. He was also ordered to pay a Rs. 6 million fine and Rs. 1 million in compensation.
The charges stem from an incident in December 2024, when Thakkar allegedly approached West Indies cricketer Andre Fletcher with an offer to influence the outcome of a Lanka T10 League match involving the Galle Marvels. The case was investigated by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Special Investigation Unit for Sports-Related Offences.
The court further permitted the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit to access and analyze data from Thakkar’s mobile device to support ongoing investigations into wider corruption networks.
This conviction marks one of the first high-profile applications of Sri Lanka’s sports-related anti-corruption laws and sends a strong signal about the country’s commitment to upholding integrity in sports. The Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act, enacted in 2019, criminalizes corruption in sport and provides legal mechanisms to penalize offenders—including jail time and financial penalties.
From a sports governance standpoint, this case underscores the growing necessity for franchise owners and stakeholders to be held accountable under national laws, especially as the popularity of short-format leagues like the Lanka T10 continues to rise.
Thakkar, who has now been granted permission to leave Sri Lanka after settling the financial penalties, becomes the first franchise owner in Lanka T10 history to be convicted under the country’s sports integrity laws.
As Sri Lanka continues to grow as a regional hub for franchise-based cricket, this incident also raises pressing questions for tournament organizers, including Sri Lanka Cricket, on the due diligence applied when awarding team ownerships and the oversight mechanisms in places.
Cricket
IPL Temporarily Suspended, PSL Relocated Amid Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan
In a major development impacting global cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been temporarily suspended for a week, while the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been moved to the UAE due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
The decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to pause the IPL was announced on Friday, following heightened military activity along the border in the Kashmir region. The situation has raised significant safety concerns, leading to a precautionary suspension of one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.
“The well-being of players, officials, and fans is paramount. The resumption schedule will be shared after reviewing the evolving situation,” the BCCI said, emphasizing national security as the overriding concern.
This year’s IPL season, which began in March, still had 12 group-stage fixtures remaining before the playoffs. The final, initially scheduled for May 25 in Kolkata, may now face delays or venue changes.
The recent blackout during the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala, along with the closure of several airports in northern India, further complicated logistics. Punjab’s upcoming match against Mumbai Indians has already been shifted from Dharamshala to Mumbai as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the relocation of the remainder of the PSL season to Dubai. This move follows increased concerns from foreign players and support staff about their safety.
An incident involving a drone crash near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium just hours before a scheduled PSL match has heightened security concerns. The match was to feature several international stars from countries including Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies.
The ongoing crisis has put the cricketing world on alert, with both cricket boards closely monitoring the geopolitical situation. While cricket holds a significant place in both nations’ cultures, current developments have shifted priorities toward safety and stability.
Cricket
Bangladesh to Tour Sri Lanka for Full-Fledged Series in June-July 2025
Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that the Bangladesh National Men’s Team will tour the island from June 13 to July 16, 2025, for a multi-format bilateral series featuring 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is.
The tour kicks off with the Test series, which begins on June 17 at Galle International Stadium, followed by the second Test from June 25 to 29 at the SSC in Colombo. This red-ball series will offer crucial preparation and exposure for both sides ahead of the upcoming ICC events.
Sri Lanka holds a dominant record in Test encounters, having won 20 out of 26 matches against Bangladesh. Bangladesh has managed just one win, with five Tests ending in draws. Their last Test series in April 2024 saw Sri Lanka claim a clean sweep in Bangladesh, 2-0.
The limited-overs leg begins with ODIs on July 2 and 5 at R. Premadasa Stadium, before the third match takes place on July 8 at Pallekele — all day-night games starting at 2:30 PM.
The action continues with the T20I series, starting July 10 in Pallekele, followed by matches in Dambulla (July 13) and a final showdown at R. Premadasa Stadium on July 16.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Tour Fixtures – 2025:
- June 17–21: 1st Test – Galle
- June 25–29: 2nd Test – SSC, Colombo
- July 2: 1st ODI – R. Premadasa Stadium
- July 5: 2nd ODI – R. Premadasa Stadium
- July 8: 3rd ODI – Pallekele
- July 10: 1st T20I – Pallekele
- July 13: 2nd T20I – Dambulla
- July 16: 3rd T20I – R. Premadasa Stadium
This tour promises exciting cricket as both teams aim to fine-tune their squads across formats.
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