Cricket

We have opportunity of securing spot in WTC final – Sanath

Published

6 months ago

November 22, 2024

Editor

Sri Lanka Test Tour of South Africa 2024

Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya acknowledged the significant challenges awaiting his team as they prepare for a crucial two-match Test series against South Africa, starting 29 November. The first Test will be played at Kingsmead, Durban, starting 29 November, with the second Test at St. George’s Park, Gqeberha.

Jayasuriya, along with selection committee head Upul Tharanga, who was also present at a media briefing at SLC headquarters on Thursday, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and stressed the importance of these Tests in securing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

“The two Tests in South Africa will be a huge challenge. We know what’s in front of us, but we believe we can do well in these games. We are giving our 100% effort, and the players are fully committed to representing their country with pride,” Sanath said, highlighting the upcoming challenge of playing in South Africa.

Following a 2-0 victory over New Zealand in their last Test series at home, Sri Lanka remains in contention for a place in the WTC final at Lord’s. Their remaining matches include Tests against South Africa and Australia, both of whom are also in the race. A clean sweep of these four games would secure Sri Lanka 69.23%, ensuring a spot in the final. Winning three and losing one would still leave them with a chance at 61.54%, depending on other results.

Sanath also noted the challenge of not having a practice match before the South Africa series due to scheduling constraints. “We were playing in Sri Lanka until just two days ago, so we won’t be able to get a practice match in South Africa. However, most of the red-ball cricketers, including the captain, have been in South Africa for two weeks to adjust to the conditions. We’re doing our best to acclimatize, even without a practice game. It would have been ideal, but unfortunately, the calendar didn’t allow it.”

Sanath also praised Pathum Nissanka for his exceptional form across all formats. “The way Pathum works in the nets is unbelievable. His commitment to improving his batting and addressing weak areas is impressive. He has an incredible work ethic, and I’m very happy with him. Not just Pathum, but the entire batting unit has been working hard and giving their best.”

Meanwhile, Tharanga explained the decision to include Lasith Embuldeniya in the squad after a long absence. “Although Embuldeniya wasn’t in recent squads, he has remained part of our system. We’ve looked at how our spinners have performed overseas, and one area of concern is that they’ve struggled to take wickets abroad. Given Embuldeniya’s recent domestic form and his success against South Africa during the historic 2019 series win, we felt it was the right time to bring him back.”

Sanath also responded to a question about his experience as head coach of the national team. “It’s a mix of emotions – stress, happiness, sadness – everything is there. It’s not easy. Sometimes things go our way, sometimes they don’t, so we need to plan accordingly. But I’m enjoying it. My support staff is giving me their full support, which is very important for me to do this job. The players have gone through a difficult period, but now they’ve come out of it. They know how to get themselves up for cricket, and they’re working hard, enjoying the game, and grabbing every opportunity.”

The Test tour to South Africa is part of the World Test Championship cycle for 2023-2025. Both teams will be aiming for a place in the WTC final with a series win.

The team is set to depart on 22 November.

Cricket

Harbhajan Singh Criticizes Jayawardene and Malinga for Over-Involvement in MI Dugout During IPL Qualifier

Published

4 hours ago

June 3, 2025

Editor

In a surprising turn of events during IPL 2025 Qualifier 2, cricket legend and former Mumbai Indians player Harbhajan Singh has voiced concern over what he termed “excessive involvement” by Mahela Jayawardene and Lasith Malinga during Mumbai Indians’ defeat against Punjab Kings.

Speaking on his YouTube channel after MI’s seven-wicket loss at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Harbhajan took issue with the coaching staff’s frequent instructions from the dugout — especially during tense moments when MI bowlers were under pressure.

Too many signals, too much talking — even with someone like Jasprit Bumrah, who knows exactly what he’s doing,” Harbhajan remarked. “At times, you need a calm and collected environment, especially during high-pressure games. Coaches should guide, not command every move from the sidelines.

Punjab Kings chased down a formidable target of 204, with captain Shreyas Iyer anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 87 to secure a place in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Despite Mumbai posting a solid total, their bowlers failed to contain the opposition — a point that Harbhajan feels may have been worsened by the atmosphere in the MI dugout.

Jayawardene, MI’s Head of Global Performance, and Malinga, the bowling coach, were both seen actively engaging with players during the game, a move Harbhajan believes may have unintentionally undermined the confidence of seasoned campaigners like Bumrah.

I’ve been part of that setup. The coaching staff means well, but showing visible desperation can impact player morale,

Harbhajan added.

With this loss, Mumbai Indians miss out on a shot at their sixth IPL title, while discussions surrounding the balance between guidance and over-coaching during matches are sure to continue

Cricket

Kusal Mendis Falls Short in High-Stakes IPL Eliminator Clash

Published

3 days ago

May 31, 2025

Editor

Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis failed to rise to the occasion during a crucial IPL 2025 Eliminator as Gujarat Titans fell short in their chase against Mumbai Indians at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in New Chandigarh.

Chasing a steep target of 229, Gujarat Titans needed early momentum. While opener Sai Sudharsan led the charge with a composed 80 off 49 deliveries, Kusal Mendis—expected to play a key supporting role—could not live up to expectations on this competitive stage.

Mendis, who had the platform to make an impact, started aggressively with two sixes in his 10-ball 20 but threw away his wicket in an uncharacteristic manner—getting out hit wicket to Mitchell Santner. In a high-pressure match where composure was vital, Mendis’s dismissal was a major setback for GT, stalling their momentum during a promising phase of the innings.

This was an opportunity for Mendis to demonstrate consistency and reliability at the highest level of franchise cricket, especially with the eyes of selectors and fans fixed on performances under pressure. However, the lack of game awareness and a reckless approach led to a soft exit at a crucial moment.

GT eventually managed 208/6, falling short by 20 runs. With Mendis’s early exit, the middle order was left exposed to the mounting run rate, and despite brief resistance from Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia, the chase fizzled out.

While Mendis has shown flashes of brilliance in previous matches, this performance serves as a reminder of the demands of knockout-stage cricket. With playoffs being the toughest test of mental and technical strength, Sri Lanka’s white-ball star must tighten his game to deliver when it matters most.

Cricket

Nuwan Thushara Shines as RCB Storms into IPL 2025 Final

Published

4 days ago

May 30, 2025

Editor

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) booked their place in the grand finale of IPL 2025 with an emphatic 8-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 2, chasing down 102 runs in just 10 overs. The match, held in Ahmedabad, saw RCB continue their dominant form in the playoffs, with Sri Lanka’s very own Nuwan Thushara making his presence felt on the biggest T20 franchise stage.

Thushara, who has been a consistent figure in RCB’s bowling attack, picked up a crucial wicket in the Qualifier 1 against Lucknow Super Giants and has steadily built a reputation as a reliable powerplay bowler. His unique slingy action and accuracy have made him a fan favourite in Bengaluru and among Sri Lankan cricket fans. Although he took just 1 wicket in the latest game, his economical spells have contributed significantly to RCB’s campaign.

RCB’s victory against PBKS came on the back of a brilliant bowling effort, bundling Punjab out for a mere 101. RCB’s top order made light work of the target, finishing the chase with 60 balls to spare – the most dominant playoff win in IPL history in terms of balls remaining.

Sri Lanka’s IPL participation this year has been headlined by Nuwan Thushara, whose breakthrough season is setting the tone for more Lankan stars to shine in the league. His performance is also a testament to the growing impact of Sri Lankan pace bowlers in franchise cricket worldwide.

RCB will now face either Gujarat Titans or Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 Final on June 3rd at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Thushara is expected to play a key role as RCB aims to secure their maiden IPL title.

As the cricketing world gears up for a blockbuster final, Sri Lankan fans will be cheering on Thushara, hoping he brings IPL glory back to Bengaluru – and pride to Sri Lanka.