In a commanding performance at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, the Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s cricket team triumphed over the West Indies U19 Women in their Group A encounter of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka posted an imposing total of 166 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

The opening partnership laid a solid foundation, with Sanjana Kavindi scoring 38 off 36 balls and Sumudu Nisansala contributing 19 off 22 deliveries. Captain Manudi Nanayakkara further bolstered the innings with a brisk 37 from 31 balls, while Dahami Sanethma added a valuable 31 off 25 balls. The West Indies bowlers faced a challenging task, with left-arm spinner Selena Ross emerging as the standout performer, claiming 2 wickets for 25 runs in her four overs.

In response, the West Indies U19 Women struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Regular wickets and tight fielding restricted their scoring opportunities, ultimately leading to a comprehensive victory for Sri Lanka. This win propels Sri Lanka to the top of Group A, enhancing their prospects of advancing to the Super Six stage of the tournament.

The Sri Lankan team’s all-round performance underscores their growing prowess in the international arena, particularly in the U19 category. As the tournament progresses, they will aim to maintain this momentum in their upcoming matches. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to more thrilling performances from these young athletes as they continue their campaign in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Sri Lanka’s cricketing legend Kumar Sangakkara is set to lead the Sri Lankan team in the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025, a tournament featuring legendary players from across the world. The tournament, running from February 22 to March 16, 2025, will bring together past cricketing greats in an electrifying T20 format.

Sangakkara Returns to Captaincy

The announcement of Sangakkara as Sri Lanka’s captain has ignited excitement among cricket fans. The former Sri Lanka skipper, who led the national team to the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen in cricket history.

Speaking about his return to competitive cricket, Sangakkara said:
“Cricket has given me so much, and to once again wear the Sri Lankan jersey, alongside some of the best players of our era, is truly special. The IML is a celebration of the sport, and I can’t wait to take the field.”

Tournament Format & Teams

IML 2025 will feature six franchise teams, each captained by a cricketing icon:

• Sri Lanka – Kumar Sangakkara
• India – Sachin Tendulkar
• Australia – Shane Watson
• England – Eoin Morgan
• West Indies – Brian Lara
• South Africa – Jacques Kallis

The competition will take place in India, with matches hosted in Navi Mumbai, Rajkot, and Raipur.

A Tournament for the Fans

IML 2025 promises to be a thrilling experience for cricket lovers, especially Sri Lankan fans who have long admired Sangakkara’s masterful stroke play and leadership skills. His return to the field is expected to draw massive viewership, as fans eagerly anticipate seeing him in action once again.

New Delhi, India – January 18, 2025: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 20. The team will be led by Rohit Sharma, with Shubman Gill serving as vice-captain.

Key Highlights of India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad

• Jasprit Bumrah & Mohammed Shami Included: Both premier fast bowlers have been named in the squad. However, Bumrah is still recovering from a back injury, and the BCCI’s medical team will confirm his fitness in early February.
• Rishabh Pant Over Sanju Samson: Despite speculation, Rishabh Pant has been picked over Sanju Samson as India’s primary wicketkeeper.
• Kuldeep Yadav Returns: The star spinner makes a comeback after recovering from a groin injury sustained in late 2024.
• Hardik Pandya Retains His Spot: The all-rounder, who was a subject of debate, has retained his position in the squad.

India’s Full Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

✅ Rohit Sharma (Captain)
✅ Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
✅ Virat Kohli
✅ Shreyas Iyer
✅ KL Rahul
✅ Hardik Pandya
✅ Axar Patel
✅ Washington Sundar
✅ Kuldeep Yadav
✅ Jasprit Bumrah
✅ Mohammed Shami
✅ Arshdeep Singh
✅ Yashasvi Jaiswal
✅ Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
✅ Ravindra Jadeja

India’s Schedule for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

📌 February 20 – India vs Bangladesh
📌 February 24 – India vs England
📌 February 28 – India vs Pakistan

Before the Champions Trophy, India will play a three-match ODI series against England on February 6, 9, and 12, providing crucial preparation ahead of the global event.

BCCI’s Statement on Bumrah’s Fitness

Speaking about Jasprit Bumrah’s injury status, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated:

“Bumrah has been advised a five-week offloading period after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. We will get a final update from the medical team in early February. As a precaution, Harshit Rana has been named as a standby for the England series.”

India Eyes Third Champions Trophy Title

India, a two-time Champions Trophy winner (2002, 2013), is aiming for a historic third title. With a strong squad featuring a blend of experience and young talent, expectations are high for Rohit Sharma’s men as they head to the tournament.

Stay tuned for the latest ICC Champions Trophy 2025 updates on Sri Lankan Sports TV!