News

Sri Lanka edge Bangladesh in thriller

Published

2 years ago

March 4, 2024

Editor

Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh (First T20I)

Sri Lanka clinched a thrilling victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of the Twenty20 series on Monday, triumphing by a margin of three runs. The credit goes to Dasun Shanaka’s remarkable display in the final over, complemented by the impressive fifties from Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama earlier in the innings.

Sri Lanka set a commendable total of 206-3, with Sadeera Samarawickrama’s unbeaten 61 off 48 balls and Kusal Mendis’ 36-ball 59 leading the charge. Stand-in captain Charith Asalanka also played a crucial role, smashing a 21-ball 44 not out with six sixes to propel the team past the 200-run mark. Despite debutant Jaker Ali’s valiant effort for Bangladesh, scoring 68 runs, he fell in the tense last over with 10 runs needed and three balls remaining. Ultimately, Bangladesh fell short at 203-8, leaving Sri Lanka victorious.

During the chase Angelo Mathews gabe the perfect start when he took two wickets to put Bangladesh in a precarious position at 30-3 in the fifth over.

Their situation worsened when captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who had scored 20 off 22, was dismissed by fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, leaving them at 68-4.

However when the chips were down, veteran Mahmudullah, who was playing his first T20 in two years, launched a counterattack to revive Bangladesh’s chances. He partnered with Jaker to add 47 runs for the fifth wicket. With things looking good for Bangladesh, Maheesh Theekshana delivered with a breakthrough to dismiss Mahmudullah after he had scored 54 off 31, including two fours and four sixes.

With Bangladesh hopes almost done and dusted thier debutant Jaker step up to occasion who initially struggled, then took charge and played a crucial role in leading the team towards victory.

With four fours and six sixes, he brought Bangladesh to the brink of success, but ultimately, Shanaka’s brilliance denied them the win.

The second match of the three-match series is scheduled for Wednesday.

Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 206/3 (Sadeera Samarawickrama 61, Kusal Mendis 59, Charith Asalanka 44; Rishad 1-32) beat Bangladesh 203/8 (Jaker Ali 68, Mahmudullah 54; Angelo Mathews 2-17) by 3 runs.

Cricket

Sunil Kumara Gamage Accepts SLC Resignations, Ministry Steps In

Published

20 hours ago

April 29, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka’s cricket administration has entered a period of transition after the government stepped in to take temporary control of the sport’s governing body.

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has accepted the resignation of Shammi Silva and the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, marking a significant shift in leadership.

Following the resignations, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced that it would assume oversight of cricket administration under the authority granted by the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973. The decision places all operational and administrative matters of SLC under ministerial supervision with immediate effect.

Authorities indicated that the arrangement is temporary and part of a broader effort to stabilise the sport’s administration. A new committee is expected to be appointed in the coming days to examine existing issues and propose structural reforms aimed at improving governance and accountability.

The leadership’s decision to step down was communicated to the government earlier, prompting swift action to ensure continuity in the management of Sri Lanka’s most prominent sport.

Cricket

SLC President Shammi Silva and Executive Committee Step Down Effective Today

Published

24 hours ago

April 29, 2026

Editor

The President of Sri Lanka Cricket, Shammi Silva, has officially resigned from his position with immediate effect, according to an announcement released by the board today (29).

In a significant development, all office-bearers and members of the Executive Committee have also stepped down from their respective roles, signaling a complete leadership transition within the governing body.

Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that the decision has been formally conveyed to Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.

No further details were immediately provided regarding the reasons behind the mass resignation or the process for appointing new leadership.

Cricket

Sri Lanka Cricket Grants Rs. 10 Million to Rising Javelin Athlete Rumesh Tharanga

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today provided a financial grant to rising javelin thrower Rumesh
Tharanga Pathirage.

This support was extended under the direction of the SLC President Mr. Shammi Silva and
the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, following a request made by the Minister of
Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.

Rumesh Tharanga received the grant this evening at the SLC headquarters.
This initiative is part of SLC’s ongoing efforts to support and promote sports beyond cricket,
as well as to assist promising athletes in achieving success at the international level.