Cricket

Sri Lanka Masters Eye Glory in Masters Series – Can They Outshine India Masters?

Published

3 months ago

March 12, 2025

Editor

Raipur, India – The Sri Lanka Masters have showcased an impressive performance in the ongoing Masters Series, finishing at the top of the points table after the group stage. With four wins in five matches, they head into the semi-finals as the team to beat. However, with India Masters in formidable form, a thrilling contest awaits cricket fans as the tournament nears its conclusion.

Sri Lanka Masters: Dominant in the Group Stage

Sri Lanka Masters have been in exceptional form, winning four out of their five matches and securing 8 points with a +1.4 net run rate (NRR). Their balanced squad, led by experienced players, has delivered consistently with both bat and ball.

Key Strengths

Batting Unit: Kumar Sangakkara has been their standout batter, scoring 222 runs at an average of 55.50 with a strike rate of 164.44. His ability to anchor innings while maintaining a high run rate makes him a key player for the semi-finals.
Bowling Attack: While Sri Lanka’s bowlers have been effective in restricting opposition teams, they will need to step up against stronger batting lineups in the knockout stage.

With their current form and experience, Sri Lanka Masters are strong contenders for the title. However, they must overcome tough competition, particularly from India Masters, to lift the trophy.

India Masters: A Formidable Challenger

India Masters have matched Sri Lanka’s performance, also winning four of their five matches with 8 points. However, their NRR of +1.036 places them in second position. Their batting and bowling units have been consistent, making them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.

Key Strengths

Powerful Batting Lineup: India Masters boast explosive batters like Ben Dunk (237 runs, SR 217.43) and Lendl Simmons (277 runs, SR 188.44), both of whom have been in exceptional form. Their ability to score quickly could be a major threat to Sri Lanka.
Strong Bowling Attack: Pawan Negi (7 wickets, economy 6.00) and Xavier Doherty (8 wickets) provide variety in spin, while Ravi Rampaul has been lethal with 9 wickets in just 3 matches.

Sri Lanka vs. India – A Potential Final?

Both Sri Lanka Masters and India Masters are favorites to reach the final if they overcome their respective semi-final opponents. With their balanced squads, experience, and match-winners, this could be a classic battle for the championship.

Key Factors for Sri Lanka to Win the Series:
✅ Sangakkara’s experience and ability to score big
✅ Bowlers stepping up against India’s aggressive batting lineup
✅ Capitalizing on India’s slightly weaker bowling attack

Road to the Trophy

1st Semi-Final: India Masters vs TBC – March 13
2nd Semi-Final: Sri Lanka Masters vs TBC – March 14
Final: March 16 in Raipur

With Sri Lanka Masters leading the table, their chances of winning the title remain high. However, they must be at their best to overcome the strong challenge posed by India Masters.

🏏 Will Sri Lanka Masters go all the way, or will India emerge victorious? Stay tuned for an exciting finish!

Cricket

AUS 67/4 at Lunch as South Africa Dominate Early on Day 1 of WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s

Published

1 week ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

June 11, Lord’s – ICC World Test Championship Final

The much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 kicked off at Lord’s with South Africa taking early control by reducing Australia to 67/4 at lunch on Day 1.

After winning the toss and electing to field first under overcast conditions, South Africa’s pace attack made immediate inroads into Australia’s top order. Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers in the opening session, claiming 2 wickets for 27 runs in 7.2 overs. Wiaan Mulder offered excellent support, keeping things tight with 3 maidens in his 6-over spell.

Australia Struggle Under Pressure

Veteran batter Steve Smith remained at the crease with a fighting 26 off 51 balls, trying to anchor the innings after early setbacks. He will be joined by Travis Head (11*) as Australia looks to rebuild post-lunch.

Current Score: Australia 67/4 (23.2 overs)

Fall of Wickets: 67/4

Session: Day 1 – Lunch

World Test Championship 2023–25 Standings (Before Final)

Pos	Team	Pld	Pts	PCT (%)
1	South Africa	12	100	69.44
2	Australia	19	154	67.54
3	India	19	114	50.00
4	New Zealand	14	81	48.21
5	England	22	114	43.18
6	Sri Lanka	13	60	38.46
7	Bangladesh	12	45	31.25
8	West Indies	13	44	28.21
9	Pakistan	14	47	27.98

Top 2 teams qualify for the final. Teams are ranked by percentage of points won. Points deductions apply for slow over rates.

Top Performers This Cycle

Batting Leaders:

Joe Root (ENG) – 1,968 runs | Avg: 54.66 (40 innings)
Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND) – 1,798 runs | Avg: 52.88 (36 innings)
Ben Duckett (ENG) – [Stats not fully available]

Bowling Leaders:

Jasprit Bumrah (IND) – 77 wickets | Avg: 15.09 (28 innings)
Pat Cummins (AUS) – 73 wickets | Avg: 24.54 (33 innings)
Mitchell Starc (AUS) – 72 wickets | Avg: 27.27 (35 innings)

Sri Lanka’s Position

Sri Lanka sits at 6th on the table with 60 points from 13 matches and a 38.46% win rate. With one more cycle ahead before the next WTC final in 2027, the Lions have plenty to play for as they look to rise up the rankings.

Cricket

KSCA Officials Resign Over Chinnaswamy Stampede; RCB Faces FIR in Tragic Victory Celebration Fallout

Published

2 weeks ago

June 7, 2025

Editor

In a tragic turn of events following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic IPL 2025 title win, a deadly stampede at the celebratory event held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and injured several others. The aftermath has sparked controversy and accountability issues, leading to major resignations and legal action.

Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) secretary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam resigned on Friday, citing “moral responsibility” for the incident. Their resignations were submitted to KSCA president Raghuram Bhat, as questions mount over mismanagement and negligence at the overcrowded venue.

The Bengaluru Police have filed an FIR listing RCB, DNA Entertainment (event partner), and KSCA as accused parties. Police confirmed that the event had not been granted official permission. In a swift move, Nikhil Sosale, RCB’s head of marketing and revenue, was arrested—raising further scrutiny over organizational lapses.

KSCA has filed a writ petition calling the FIR a “knee-jerk” reaction under political pressure. They argued that crowd control and gate management were the responsibilities of RCB and the event organizers, not KSCA.

RCB has announced INR 10 lakh compensation for each victim and committed to covering all medical expenses of the injured. However, the franchise has yet to make a comprehensive public statement.

This incident raises serious concerns about sports event management and safety standards, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a moment of celebration in Indian cricket

Cricket

Sachithra Senanayake Indicted in Landmark Match-Fixing Case Under Sri Lanka’s Anti-Corruption Law

Published

2 weeks ago

June 5, 2025

Editor

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Sachithra Senanayake has been formally indicted before the Hambantota High Court, marking a historic first in Sri Lanka’s efforts to criminalize corruption in sports. The charges stem from an alleged match-fixing attempt during the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL), making Senanayake the first player to face prosecution under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act No. 24 of 2019.

Senanayake, currently out on bail, is accused of attempting to influence Colombo Kings player Tharindu Ratnayake to underperform during the tournament. The incident reportedly occurred via a WhatsApp message, which was later flagged by a local anti-corruption officer, prompting an official investigation in 2020.

The case falls under the landmark legislation introduced in 2019 by then Sports Minister Harin Fernando, which criminalizes match-fixing and related offenses in the country. If convicted, Senanayake could face a prison term of up to 10 years, a fine reaching Rs. 100 million, or both.

The indictment signals a serious shift in Sri Lanka’s approach to tackling corruption in sports. Authorities hope this high-profile case will serve as a strong deterrent against similar offenses in the future.

Senanayake, once a celebrated off-spinner and a member of Sri Lanka’s victorious 2014 ICC T20 World Cup squad, now faces the grim prospect of being remembered not for his achievements on the field, but for his role in one of Sri Lanka’s most significant match-fixing scandals.

As the case unfolds, it casts a spotlight on the broader issue of corruption in sports and reinforces the urgent need for integrity, vigilance, and transparent governance across all levels of competition in Sri Lanka