Cricket

We have opportunity of securing spot in WTC final – Sanath

Published

1 year 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

Kingswood College ends 68-year wait with historic victory

Published

16 hours ago

March 22, 2026

Editor

Kingswood College, Kandy, ended a 68-year wait with a historic triumph at the 119th Battle of the Maroons, defeating Dharmaraja College by 148 runs.

It was their first victory in the annual ‘Big Match’ since 1958, a moment that will be remembered as one of the school’s greatest cricketing achievements.

Kingswood set the tone with a first-innings total of 226 before dismissing Dharmaraja for 160 to secure a 66-run lead. In the second innings, a bold declaration at 248/4 left the Rajans chasing a steep target. The pressure proved too much, and Dharmaraja collapsed for 166, sealing Kingswood’s emphatic win.

The dominant performance brought the T.B. Tennakoon Trophy back to Randles Hill, ending nearly seven decades of anticipation and marking a new chapter in Kingswood’s cricketing legacy.

Cricket

Naqvi: PCB to Take Action Against PSL Players Opting for IPL

Published

17 hours ago

March 22, 2026

Editor

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has vowed to enforce disciplinary measures against players who abandon the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the last minute to join the Indian Premier League (IPL). With the two tournaments overlapping for a second consecutive year, tensions are rising over player commitments.

Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka is the latest to withdraw, leaving Lahore Qalandars to join Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran. Qalandars have named Australia’s Daniel Sams as Shanaka’s replacement. Earlier, Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani pulled out of the PSL after signing with Kolkata Knight Riders.

Naqvi made his stance clear:

“We will take action against those players according to the rules. There was a case last year too [Corbin Bosch, banned for one year], and the same thing will happen this time.”

Bosch, a diamond pick for Peshawar Zalmi, had switched late to Mumbai Indians in the IPL last season.

Despite the clash with the IPL, Naqvi insisted the PSL would not be rescheduled:

“Clashing with the IPL is not an issue because if players are going there, we’re getting excellent players coming here as well. We could not afford to postpone the PSL because we have no other window all year.”

Withdrawals and Scheduling Challenges

Several other players have also withdrawn from PSL 2026, including Gudakesh Motie, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Ottneil Baartman, and Spencer Johnson, though most cited personal reasons.
The PSL is scheduled to begin on March 26, just two days before the IPL kicks off. Due to an ongoing oil crisis linked to the West Asia conflict, Naqvi confirmed the tournament will be played behind closed doors. Venues have also been reduced from six to two: Lahore and Karachi.

Cricket

Matheesha Pathirana Set for Delayed IPL 2026 Return

Published

22 hours ago

March 22, 2026

Editor

Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana is expected to miss the opening matches of the IPL 2026 season, with his return likely only around mid-April. The update was confirmed by Abhishek Nayar, head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders.

Pathirana has been sidelined due to a calf strain that also forced him out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 earlier this year. The young pacer managed to feature in just three matches during the global tournament before suffering the injury. He was visibly in discomfort and had to be assisted off the field during Sri Lanka’s clash against Australia.

Currently undergoing rehabilitation, Pathirana’s recovery is being closely monitored, with team management keen to ensure he regains full fitness before returning to competitive cricket. His absence will be a setback for Kolkata Knight Riders, given his reputation as a specialist death-over bowler with a unique sling action.

The franchise is expected to manage his workload carefully once he rejoins the squad, especially with a long tournament ahead. Pathirana’s return in the latter half of the competition could prove crucial as teams push for playoff positions.

For now, both Sri Lanka and KKR will be focused on his complete recovery, with hopes that the talented speedster will soon be back delivering his trademark yorkers on the big stage.