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Sri Lanka edge Australia by 7 runs

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U-19 Women’s Tri-Nation T-20 Tournament

The Sri Lanka under-19 women’s team put on a spirited performance to secure a thrilling seven-run victory over U-19 Australia lasses in their first game of the under 19 Tri-nation T-20 cricket series match held at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Thursday (28).

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka managed to score 117 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, the Australian team could only reach 110 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs.

Initially, the Sri Lankan women had a slow start with their openers Dewmi Wijeratne (15) and top scorer Sanjana Kavindi struggling to score runs in the first five overs, managing only 18 runs. However, Kavindi later played a brisk innings, scoring 28 runs off 27 balls with 4 fours and a six, contributing significantly to the team’s total. Captain Manudi Nanayakkara (16 off 15 balls with 3 fours), Rashmi Nethanjali (14 off 16 balls with 2 fours), and wicketkeeper Sumudu Nissansala (19 off 17 balls with 3 fours) also played valuable knocks to build the innings. Australian spinners Hasrat Gill and Eleanor Larosa took two wickets each.

Australia, in pursuit of their target of 118, struggled to get going as they found themselves reeling at 17 for 3 wickets in 4.4 overs.

Rashmika Sewwandi and Rashmi Nethrtanjali made early breakthroughs to create pressure for the opponents.

When the chips were down Eleanor Larosa played a handy knock of unbeaten 44 in 41 balls with 5 fours, and Skipper Lucy Hamilton, scored 28 in 30 balls with 4 fours to steady the visitors innings.

However their efforts were too little too late for them to take their team over the line.

Apart from Larosa and Lucy none of the other batters impressed as Australia fell short 8 runs of the target.

Dewmi Vihanga was the pick of the bowlers claiming 2-22.

Sri Lanka will next be in action on Saturday when they take on England at the same venue.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka: 117/6 (20) (Sanjana Kavindi 28, Sumudu Nisansala 19, Manudi Nanayakkara 16, Dewmi Vihanga 15, Rashmi Nethranjali 14, Rashmika Sewwandi 12*, Hasrat Gill 2/16, Eleanor Larosa 2/21) 

Australia: 110/5 (20) (Eleanor Larosa 44*, Lucy Hamilton 28, Dewmi Vihanga 2/22)

Cricket

Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi blitz helps Royals continue winning streak

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A breathtaking opening assault from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi powered Rajasthan Royals to their third consecutive victory in the Indian Premier League 2026, as they defeated Mumbai Indians by 27 runs in a high-octane 11-over contest in Guwahati.

After being asked to bat, Rajasthan came out firing on all cylinders. Jaiswal was at his explosive best, smashing 77 off just 32 balls, peppered with 10 fours and four sixes. He found an able partner in Sooryavanshi, who produced a stunning cameo of 39 from only 14 deliveries, including five towering sixes. The duo stitched together a rapid 80-run opening stand in under five overs, setting the tone for a massive total.

Despite a brief slowdown following a couple of wickets from AM Ghazanfar, contributions from skipper Riyan Parag ensured the Royals finished strongly at 150/3.

Chasing 151 in a shortened game, Mumbai never truly recovered from early setbacks. Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma struck crucial blows upfront, removing key batters including Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav cheaply.

A late flourish from Sherfane Rutherford, who hammered 25 off just eight balls, briefly raised hopes, but disciplined bowling from Ravi Bishnoi and Nandre Burger kept things in control.
Mumbai Indians eventually finished at 123/9, falling well short.

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Sri Lanka Women’s U-19s Secure Easy Win

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Sri Lanka Under-19 Women produced an impressive all-round performance to register a comfortable 52-run victory over England Under-19 Women in their second match of the Tri-Series played in Australia today.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 170 in 42.4 overs. The innings was anchored by a composed half-century from Limansa Thilakarathne, who led the batting effort with confidence and maturity. Despite a few setbacks in the middle order, Sri Lanka managed to build useful partnerships to reach a challenging total.

In response, England Under-19 Women struggled to gain momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack and were bowled out for 118 in 42.1 overs. B. Gillgrass top-scored with 35 off 60 balls, while B. Willis remained unbeaten on 20, but lacked support from the rest of the batting line-up.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, with A. Thalagune leading the charge with an outstanding spell of 3 for 11. C. Praboda also impressed, claiming 3 for 13 to seal the victory.

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SLC Sets the Record Straight on Player Fitness Reports Amid Controversy

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has moved swiftly to counter widespread reports alleging that 19 national cricketers failed a recent Physical Performance Test, labeling the claims as misleading and unfounded. The governing body stressed that the narrative circulating in the media does not reflect the true outcome of its ongoing player evaluation process.

In a strongly worded clarification, SLC stated that the report, which emerged on April 3, lacked proper verification and has caused unnecessary concern among fans while potentially damaging the credibility of the national setup. The board reaffirmed its commitment to accuracy and professionalism in all aspects of team management.

As part of its routine quarterly review conducted between February and April 2026, SLC confirmed that several prominent players have successfully met the required fitness standards. Among them are Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Lahiru Udara, and Prabath Jayasuriya.

At the same time, SLC clarified that a group of players has not yet completed the test due to legitimate circumstances. Fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga are among those undergoing rehabilitation, alongside Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Binura Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara, whose testing has been deferred accordingly.

The cricket board emphasized that fitness benchmarks remain an essential part of maintaining international standards, but assessments are handled with consideration for player health and recovery. Officials also called for responsible journalism, urging media platforms to verify facts before publication to prevent confusion and protect the integrity of the sport.

With preparations ongoing for upcoming international fixtures, SLC’s clarification aims to restore confidence and shift focus back to performance and development within the national team.

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