Cricket

Sri Lanka thump New Zealand By An Inning and 154 Runs

Published

6 months ago

September 30, 2024

Editor

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.

Cricket

Bangladesh Cricket Star Shakib Faces Legal Trouble Amid Political Turmoil

Published

1 day ago

March 25, 2025

Editor

Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, a key figure in global cricket, is facing legal issues back home. A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of his assets as he battles fraud charges over bounced cheques worth $300,000.

Shakib, who was in Canada playing T20 cricket when Sheikh Hasina’s government was overthrown, has not returned to Bangladesh since. While he has not been charged for alleged ties to a violent crackdown, his links to the former regime make him a target of public anger.

Having played 71 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is, with 712 wickets to his name, Shakib remains a giant in cricket. However, his future—both on and off the field—hangs in the balance.

Cricket

Sri Lankan Players in IPL 2025 – Impact Analysis

Published

1 week ago

March 18, 2025

Editor

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will feature six Sri Lankan players, each bringing unique strengths to their respective franchises. Here’s a breakdown of their potential impact:

Wanindu Hasaranga (Rajasthan Royals)

Role: All-Rounder (Leg-Spin & Middle-Order Bat)

Impact: Hasaranga is one of the most sought-after T20 players globally, known for his wicket-taking ability in the middle overs. His deceptive googlies and variations make him a genuine match-winner, especially on spin-friendly Indian pitches.

With Rajasthan Royals already having a strong spin department, Hasaranga’s inclusion adds depth and a proven wicket-taker who can also contribute valuable runs in the lower order. His experience in high-pressure games makes him a crucial asset for RR’s title ambitions in IPL 2025.

Maheesh Theekshana (Rajasthan Royals)

Role: Mystery Spinner

Impact: Theekshana has been a consistent performer in T20 leagues worldwide. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and middle overs with tight control makes him a key asset. Given Rajasthan’s spin-friendly home conditions, he could play a pivotal role in restricting runs and taking crucial wickets.

Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings)

Role: Death Overs Specialist

Impact: Nicknamed “Baby Malinga,” Pathirana has already impressed in previous IPL seasons. His slingy action and ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers at high speeds make him a go-to bowler in death overs. Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, he will be crucial in CSK’s bowling attack.

Dushmantha Chameera (Delhi Capitals)

Role: Fast Bowler

Impact: Known for his raw pace and ability to swing the ball, Chameera adds an extra dimension to Delhi’s pace attack. If he remains fit, he could be a match-winner in crucial games, especially on bouncy wickets.

Nuwan Thushara (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Role: Swing Bowler & Death Overs Option

Impact: Thushara, another Malinga-like bowler, specializes in early swing and death-over yorkers. With Bengaluru’s historically expensive bowling attack, his ability to contain runs could be a game-changer for RCB.

Kamindu Mendis (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Role: All-Rounder (Bat & Spin)

Impact: Kamindu’s rare ability to bowl with both arms makes him a wildcard in T20 cricket. With SRH focusing on young talents, he could be a surprise package in their middle order while also providing spin options.

Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Role: Emerging Fast Bowler

Impact: Though relatively unknown, Eshan has the potential to follow in Lasith Malinga’s footsteps. If given opportunities, he could develop into a key asset for SRH with his pace and death-over skills.

Overall Impact on IPL 2025

Spin Strength: Theekshana and Kamindu add quality spin options.

Death Over Specialists: Pathirana, Thushara, and Eshan could dominate in the final overs.

Pace Power: Chameera brings raw speed, which is crucial in the IPL.

With these seven players, Sri Lanka’s presence in IPL 2025 is stronger than ever, and their performances could also boost the national team ahead of major international tournaments. Stay tuned for an exciting season!

Cricket

India Masters Clinch Masters League Title with Dominant Win Over West Indies Masters

Published

1 week ago

March 17, 2025

Editor

India Masters emerged victorious in the Masters League Final, defeating West Indies Masters by six wickets in an exciting clash at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur.

Match Summary

West Indies Masters: 148/7 (20 Overs)

Lendl Simmons 57 (41)
Dwayne Smith 45 (35)
Vinay Kumar 3/26 (3)
Shahbaz Nadeem 2/12 (4)

India Masters: 149/4 (17.1 Overs)

Ambati Rayudu 74 (50)
Sachin Tendulkar 25 (18)
Ashley Nurse 2/22 (3.1)
Sulieman Benn 1/28 (4)

India Masters’ Clinical Chase Seals the Title

Chasing 149, Ambati Rayudu anchored the innings with a match-winning 74 off 50 balls, while Sachin Tendulkar provided a solid start with 25 off 18 balls. The Indian batting lineup kept the pressure on the Windies bowlers, securing the win in 17.1 overs.

Earlier, West Indies struggled to accelerate despite Lendl Simmons’ 57 and Dwayne Smith’s 45. India’s bowlers, led by Vinay Kumar (3/26) and Shahbaz Nadeem (2/12), restricted them to 148/7.

With this win, India Masters lift the Masters League Trophy, showcasing their dominance in the tournament.