News
Sri Lanka on top at end of day 3 despite Batting Struggles in 2nd Innings
Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando ripped through Bangladesh batting order by taking 4-34, leading to Bangladesh being bowled out for 178 runs in the first innings of the second test worked off at Chattogram.
This gave Sri Lanka a significant lead of 353 runs in the first innings.
However, Sri Lanka faced their own struggles in batting, only managing to reach 102-6 by the end of the third day. This extended their lead to 455 runs.
Hasan Mahmud, a debutant pacer for Bangladesh, provided some relief by taking 4-51, while Khaled Ahmed also proved to be a challenge for the Sri Lankan batters with his figures of 2-29.
When the chips were down, Angelo Mathews remained steadfast with an unbeaten 39, partnering with Prabath Jayasuriya to strengthen Sri Lanka’s lead with the support of the lower order.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando, played significant roles by taking nine wickets in two sessions, causing the hosts to struggle.
On the other hand, Bangladesh’s batting lineup faced difficulties in making an impact, with Zakir Hasan’s 54 being the highest individual score. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and other key batsmen failed to deliver, resulting in a disappointing total for Bangladesh.
As Sri Lanka’s bowlers continued to apply pressure, Bangladesh encountered setbacks with wickets falling rapidly. Asitha Fernando’s crucial breakthroughs ultimately dismantled Bangladesh’s resistance, solidifying Sri Lanka’s dominant position in the match.
News
Sri Lanka Rugby Appoints Thierry Janeczek as Head Coach
Sri Lanka Rugby has confirmed the appointment of former France international and seasoned rugby sevens coach Thierry Janeczek on a six-month contract to lead the national sevens team in preparation for the Asian Games in Aichi, Nagoya later this year.
Janeczek, who arrives in Colombo on March 20, will observe the two legs of the BogoLiv Union Pay International SLR Sevens Series before returning in April to formally begin his coaching programme. His initial contract runs for six months, with the possibility of extension based on the team’s performance at the Asian Games.
At 66, Janeczek brings decades of experience to the role. A former flanker with three caps for France, he made his mark in the sevens format, representing his country at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 1993. He later coached the French national sevens team from 1996 to 2010, guiding them through more than 100 international tournaments and securing notable victories, including France’s first-ever international final win at the Paris Sevens in 2005.
His coaching résumé includes developing over 50 international players, training more than 100 certified coaches, and achieving Olympic success by leading France’s U18 team to gold at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.
Cricket
Inquiry Launched Over Bloomfield’s Controversial Declaration
Sri Lanka Cricket has moved swiftly to launch an inquiry into Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club’s declaration during their Major Super Eight encounter against Moors Sports Club at Colts Grounds. The decision, which has been branded “unsporty” by critics, saw Bloomfield declare at 239 for 6 despite trailing on first innings, leaving Moors a modest chase of 147 runs. Moors completed the task comfortably, winning by four wickets in just 33 overs and reclaiming their place at the top of the table.
The declaration has raised serious questions about the spirit of competition, prompting SLC to summon captains, coaches, managers, and players from both sides for an official hearing this evening. At the heart of the probe lies a crucial issue: was Bloomfield’s move a bold tactical gamble or a breach of cricketing integrity?
With domestic cricket’s credibility now under the spotlight, the outcome of this inquiry could have significant consequences for the game in Sri Lanka, setting a precedent for how declarations and match strategies are judged in the future.
Cricket
Royal–Thomian One-Day Clash Moved from Night to Day to Counter Fuel Crisis
The Organizing Committee of the 49th Mustangs Trophy, the prestigious Royal‑Thomian One‑Day Cricket Encounter, has announced a significant change to this year’s fixture. The match, scheduled for 28th March 2026, will now be played as a day event instead of the originally planned day‑night format.
This decision comes in response to the ongoing global fuel crisis, with organizers emphasizing the importance of reducing energy consumption and standing in solidarity with the wider public. By shifting to a daytime schedule, the committee aims to minimize the additional fuel demands typically associated with floodlit matches, reflecting a strong commitment to social responsibility and national interest.
Guidance for this move was provided by the Heads of Royal College and S. Thomas’ College, and the change has been formally endorsed by the 147th Royal‑Thomian Joint Match Organising Committee. Both schools’ Old Boy fraternities, along with sponsors, have expressed full support for the adjustment, underscoring the unity and shared responsibility that define this historic encounter.
The Joint Committee reaffirmed that while the format has changed, the essence of the Mustangs Trophy remains untouched.
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