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Sri Lanka thump New Zealand By An Inning and 154 Runs

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New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka (second test)

Sri Lanka pulled off a historic Test series victory against New Zealand by defeating the Kiwis by an inning and 154 runs in the second Test match in Galle on Sunday. The hosts won the first Test match by 63 runs at the same venue.

Day 4 started with Sri Lanka needing five wickets and New Zealand trailing by 315 runs in the match. The overnight battersTom Blundell (60 off 64) and Glenn Phillips (78 off 99) batted well and added 95 runs for the sixth wicket.

Debutant Nishan Peiris broke the partnership with an LBW. He dismissed Phillips next to complete his maiden five-wicket haul. He finished the match with nine wickets.
Mitchell Santner fought hard and remained at the crease till last but only delayed the result of the match. His 67 off 115 balls was the second-best score for New Zealand in this Test. He also played a vital 29-run knock in the first inning.

Earlier, it was Kamindu Mendis who gained attention during the Sri Lankan inning when he made an unbeaten 182 to complete his 1000 Test runs in just 13 innings. He equalled Sir Don Bradman while achieving this feat. Herbert Sutcliffe and Everton Weekes (12 innings) hold the joint record for the fastest to reach 1000 Test runs.

It was his fifth Test ton in just the eighth Test match. He equalled another record of Sir Don Bradman to complete five Test hundreds in 13 innings. He also became the fastest Asian cricketer to reach the milestone. Earlier, Pakistan’s Fawad Alam hold the record with 22 innings.

Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis also scored centuries but the buzz was more for Kamindu Mendis. Since his Test debut against Australia in 2022, Mendis has played eight Test matches so far and has made a fifty-plus score in all the matches. He is the first cricketer in Test cricket’s 147-year existence to achieve this feat.

After declaring the first inning on 602/5, Sri Lanka bundled out the Black Caps to 88 runs in the first innings. Prabath Jayasuriya took six wickets and completed

New Zealand were asked to bat again as they failed to avoid a follow-on. The Tim Southee-led Kiwi side started well but lost key wickets on the third day. Kane Williamson and Devon Conway got fine starts but they failed to convert them into big knocks.

Kamindu Mendis was given the Player of the Match and Prabath Jayasuriya won the Player of the Series award.

New Zealand will visit India next for a bilateral series consisting of three Test matches starting on 16 October 2024. Sri Lanka will host West Indies for a white-ball series starting on 13 October in Dambulla.

Earlier in teh first innings New Zealand was forced to bat again after being unable to avoid the follow-on. The team, led by Tim Southee, began their innings positively but lost crucial wickets on the third day. Both Kane Williamson and Devon Conway made promising starts but were unable to translate those into substantial scores. Kamindu Mendis was awarded the Player of the Match, while Prabath Jayasuriya received the Player of the Series accolade.

Sri Lanka will next host the West Indies for a white-ball series starting on 13 October in Dambulla.

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Bangladesh to Tour Sri Lanka for Full-Fledged Series in June-July 2025

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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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Sri Lanka Soars to Fourth in ICC ODI Rankings After Remarkable Year

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Sri Lanka has climbed to 4th place in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, marking a major achievement in the team’s ongoing revival in international cricket. This surge, confirmed after the International Cricket Council’s annual update, reflects a year of consistent and impressive performances.

The upward shift in rankings saw Sri Lanka gain five valuable rating points, pushing them past powerhouse teams like Pakistan and South Africa. Now trailing only India, Australia, and England, Sri Lanka has re-established itself as a major contender in the One Day International (ODI) format.

Key Factors Behind Sri Lanka’s Rise in ODI Rankings

This rankings boost has been fueled by a string of dominant series wins, especially at home. Victories against top-tier teams such as India and Australia have been pivotal. Sri Lanka’s bowling unit has shown exceptional control and discipline, while the batting lineup has evolved into a reliable force, capable of adapting to various match situations.

The leadership of head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and captain Charith Asalanka has been central to this transformation. Jayasuriya’s experience and aggressive tactical approach have revitalized the team, while Asalanka’s calm leadership and key contributions with the bat have earned him praise as a future great.

Youth and Experience Creating a Winning Combination

Emerging stars like Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Janith Liyanage have provided fresh energy and depth. Their seamless integration alongside veterans has created a balanced and confident unit.

With ICC global tournaments on the horizon, this momentum places Sri Lanka in a strong position to challenge the world’s best. The team’s rise to fourth in the ICC ODI rankings is more than just a number — it’s a testament to their growing belief and ambition on the world stage.

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Sri Lanka Women Stun India in Record-Breaking Run Chase at R. Premadasa

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Sri Lanka Women pulled off a sensational chase to defeat India Women by 3 wickets with 5 balls to spare in a high-scoring thriller at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo during the fourth match of the Women’s ODI Tri-Series 2025. Chasing a formidable target of 276, the home side held their nerve to reach 278/7, registering one of their most memorable victories in ODI history.

India Women, after being put in to bat first, posted a commanding 275/9 in their 50 overs. The innings was anchored by a fluent 50 from Richa Ghosh, who struck 5 fours and 2 sixes in her 42-ball knock. Useful contributions from the top and middle order pushed India past the 250-mark, despite late wickets stalling momentum.

Sri Lanka’s chase started steadily, but the game came alive in the middle overs thanks to key innings from Harshitha Madavi (50 off 57) and skipper Chamari Athapaththu. However, the turning point came when Nilakshika Silva took charge with a blistering 56 off just 33 balls, including 4 boundaries and 3 sixes. Her late onslaught, along with support from the lower middle order, ensured Sri Lanka crossed the finish line at 278/7 in 49.1 overs.

This match also set a record as the highest match aggregate (553 runs) between the two sides in Women’s ODIs, underlining the growing competitiveness of Sri Lanka Women’s cricket on the international stage.

Nilakshika Silva was named Player of the Match for her match-winning knock under pressure.

With this win, Sri Lanka Women have gained valuable momentum and sent a strong message to both opponents in the tri-series, showcasing their depth and fighting spirit.

Match Summary:

  • India Women: 275/9 (Richa Ghosh 50, D Hemalatha 34; SL bowlers shared wickets)
  • Sri Lanka Women: 278/7 in 49.1 overs (Nilakshika Silva 56*, Harshitha Madavi 50)

Tri-Series 2025: Points Table & Team Form Update

With each team having played at least two matches, the Women’s ODI Tri-Series in Sri Lanka is heating up as both India and Sri Lanka have secured two wins each, while South Africa is yet to register a victory.

Points Table (as of May 4, 2025):

  • India Women sit at the top based on a superior Net Run Rate (NRR), despite their 3-wicket loss to Sri Lanka on May 4.
  • Sri Lanka Women made a strong comeback after an opening loss to India, now securing back-to-back wins against South Africa and India.
  • South Africa Women have struggled, with two straight losses and a negative NRR.

The battle for a place in the final is still open, with each upcoming match carrying significant weight.

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