News

Sri Lankan Women’s team into the final

Published

2 years ago

September 25, 2023

Editor

The 2nd semifinal match of the Asian Games Women’s Cricket Competition between Sri Lanka women’s team and Pakistan women’s team took place at the Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field which decided who would be playing India in the women’s final for the gold medal.

Pakistan women scored a modest total of 75 runs for the loss of 9 wickets at the end of their 20 overs with Shawaal Zulfiqar scoring the highest runs for the Pakistani innings with 16 runs to her name and the Pakistan wicketkeeper scoring a useful 13 runs as well. Udeshika Prabodhani was the pick of the bowlers as she managed to get 3 wickets for 21 runs in her allotted 4 overs, although a tad bit expensive Kavisha Dilhari got two important wickets in the two overs she bowled as well. Achini Kulasuriya too kept an exceptional economy rate of 1.75 with just giving away 7 runs in her 4 overs and capturing one wicket as well.

The Sri Lankan women kickstarted their innings as usual with Athapaththu’s fiery shots, as Sri Lanka managed to add up 16 runs at the end of 3 overs. Shortly afterwards, Athapaththu was caught at the deep mid wicket region and Harshitha Samarawickrama came out to bat alongside Anushka Sanjeewani. Sanjeewani too played some beautiful shots to the fence before falling for a well made 15 runs as Sri Lanka put on a total of 33 runs for the loss of 2 wickets at the end of the batting powerplay.

Vishmi Gunaratne was unfortunately caught stumped first ball as she danced down the wicket to flick it towards the leg side, and missed out, to be stumped by Muneeba Ali. Harshitha Samarawickrama along with Nilakshi De Silva steadied the Sri Lankan ship and put on a solid 35 run partnership to steer the Sri Lankan team towards a victory before Samarawickrama was unfortunately run out on 23 runs with Sri Lanka having 6 runs left for victory.

Nilakshi De Silva finished the game in style with a six, with 18 runs to her name, to seal the victory for Sri Lanka.

News

Sri Lanka Triumphs in Billie Jean King Cup Juniors Semi-Final

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka secured a commanding victory over the Maldives in the semi-final of the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup Juniors – Asia/Oceania Pre-Qualifying Event, held in Colombo. The host nation advanced to the final with a 2-0 win, showcasing resilience and determination on home soil.

In the opening singles match, Annaya Norbert staged a remarkable comeback after dropping the first set 2-6. She rallied to take the next two sets 6-4, 6-1, sealing the first point for Sri Lanka. Her ability to shift momentum under pressure proved decisive in setting the tone for the tie.

The second singles encounter saw Akesha Silva deliver another strong performance. Despite losing the opening set 4-6, Silva responded with authority, dominating the second set 6-0 before closing out the match 6-3. Her victory ensured Sri Lanka’s place in the final without the need for a doubles decider.

Cricket

Pathirana, Wanindu, Eshan Await Fitness Nod for IPL 2026

Published

4 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Editor

Pathirana, Wanindu, Eshan Await Fitness Nod for IPL 2026

Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga, and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga are set to join their respective franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, pending clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) mandatory fitness tests.

The assessments, scheduled in the coming days, will determine their readiness after injuries kept them out of the ICC T20 World Cup earlier this year. Early signs suggest the players are recovering well, and officials remain optimistic about their participation.

Pathirana, who became the most expensive Sri Lankan player in IPL history after Kolkata Knight Riders secured him for INR 18 crore at the mini-auction, is expected to be a key figure with his death-over bowling expertise. He previously impressed at Chennai Super Kings, earning recognition for his composure under pressure.

While the trio awaits clearance, several Sri Lankan cricketers have already received their No Objection Certificates (NOCs). Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Dushmantha Chameera are preparing to join their franchises, with Nissanka heading to Delhi Capitals, Chameera also continuing with Delhi Capitals, and Mendis retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad.
In total, seven Sri Lankan players will feature in IPL 2026, underlining the growing presence of the island nation’s talent in the league.

Cricket

Avishka Gunawardena Appointed SL U-19 Head Coach

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Editor

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Avishka Gunawardena has been appointed as the head coach of the Sri Lanka Under-19 team. The decision comes as part of Sri Lanka Cricket’s efforts to strengthen the youth development program and prepare the next generation of players for international competition.

Gunawardena, known for his aggressive batting style during his playing days, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has previously served in various coaching capacities, including stints with domestic teams and the national setup. His appointment is expected to provide young cricketers with valuable guidance and mentorship.

Sri Lanka Cricket officials expressed confidence that Gunawardena’s leadership will help nurture emerging talent and build a strong foundation for future success.