Cricket

We have opportunity of securing spot in WTC final – Sanath

Published

5 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

IPL 2025 Mid-Season Review: Intense Battle for Playoff Spots Unfolds

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2025

Editor

As of April 16, 2025, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has reached a crucial stage, with the competition heating up and the points table showcasing how tightly contested this year’s tournament has become.

Gujarat Titans (GT) currently sit atop the table with 4 wins from 6 matches, boasting a net run rate (NRR) of +1.081. Their recent form—3 consecutive wins—has propelled them to the summit and marked them as strong playoff contenders once again.

Joining them on 8 points are Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). While DC has played only 5 matches, their solid NRR of +0.899 and form (4 wins from 5) show they’re a team to watch. RCB and PBKS have been steady with 4 wins out of 6, but their recent loss raises questions about consistency. LSG, despite also having 8 points, has played 7 matches, leaving them vulnerable with fewer games in hand.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), sitting at 6th place with 6 points, are still in the hunt but need to find consistency after 4 losses from 7 outings.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are in a precarious position. All four teams have only 4 points, but it’s CSK’s form that is most concerning. The five-time champions are languishing at the bottom of the table with 5 losses from 7 matches and a worrying NRR of -1.276. Despite flashes of brilliance from MS Dhoni and others, the team has failed to click as a unit.

SRH and RR also face an uphill climb with poor net run rates and inconsistency plaguing their campaigns. MI, despite some promise, has only managed two wins and will need a strong turnaround to stay in playoff contention.

Key Takeaways:

• Top 5 teams are locked at 8 points, making every upcoming match crucial.

• GT and DC appear the most balanced and dangerous sides so far.

• CSK and SRH face the biggest challenges with momentum against them.

• Net Run Rate will be a critical factor as the race to the top 4 tightens.

As the tournament moves past its halfway mark, fans can expect drama, surprises, and spectacular cricket as teams jostle for playoff positions in what’s shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable IPL seasons yet.

Cricket

Kasun Rajitha Joins Essex for County Championship Stint

Published

4 days ago

April 15, 2025

Editor

Sri Lankan fast bowler Kasun Rajitha has secured a short-term contract with Essex County Cricket Club to play in five upcoming Rothesay County Championship matches.

The 31-year-old right-arm seamer brings a wealth of experience, having represented Sri Lanka across all formats. Notably, Rajitha has played 18 Test matches, capturing 55 wickets at an average of 29.58. One of his standout performances came against Bangladesh in March 2023, when he picked up career-best figures of 5 for 56.

Rajitha made his Test debut in June 2018 against the West Indies and made an instant impact with a five-wicket haul across the match, dismissing top players like Jason Holder and Kraigg Braithwaite.

His stint with Essex reunites him with Chris Silverwood, Essex’s Director of Cricket and former Sri Lanka Head Coach, under whom Rajitha played between 2022 and 2024. Domestically, Rajitha has recently represented Colombo in Sri Lanka’s first-class circuit.

Chris Silverwood expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, stating, “Kasun brings quality and depth to our pace attack. I’ve seen firsthand what he can deliver and am confident he will be a valuable asset.”

Rajitha, set to don the number 65 jersey, is expected to debut for Essex in their upcoming match against Worcestershire this weekend.

He shared his excitement, saying, “It’s a proud moment for me to join a prestigious club like Essex. I look forward to contributing to the team and enhancing my game in English conditions.”

Cricket

Sri Lanka to Host 12th Indoor Cricket World Cup in 2025

Published

1 week ago

April 9, 2025

Editor

Sri Lanka is set to make history once again as the Ceylon Indoor Cricket Association (CICA) has been officially awarded the hosting rights for the 12th edition of the Indoor Cricket World Cup 2025 by the World Indoor Cricket Federation (WICF). This prestigious global tournament will be held across two top-tier venues – the Austasia Sports Complex and the newly constructed U Pro Arena in Thalawathugoda.

The event is scheduled to run from September 27 to October 5, 2025, bringing together nine international teams: Australia (defending champions), New Zealand, South Africa, India, England, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, the United States, and host nation Sri Lanka.

The tournament will feature four major categories:

• Men’s Open

• Women’s Open

• Under-22 Boys

• Under-22 Girls

This marks a significant milestone for the CICA, which successfully hosted the World Masters Series just five months ago. Their proven ability to organize world-class events has been a key factor in securing this global competition.

More than 1,000 participants and visitors, including players, coaches, and fans, are expected to attend, making it not just a sporting spectacle but also a boost for sports tourism in Sri Lanka.

This will be Sri Lanka’s second time hosting the Indoor Cricket World Cup, having previously organized it in 2004. The upcoming edition will be the third major international event hosted by CICA within a year, following the England Asia Cup and the World Masters Series.

Historically, Australia has dominated the Men’s division, clinching every title since the competition’s inception. New Zealand has consistently been a strong contender, finishing as runners-up on multiple occasions. In the Women’s division, Australia has also maintained a perfect record, with South Africa and New Zealand trailing behind as regular finalists.

With world-class facilities, strong organizational credentials, and growing international interest, Sri Lanka is poised to deliver an unforgettable edition of the Indoor Cricket World Cup 2025.