Cricket

We have opportunity of securing spot in WTC final – Sanath

Published

2 years 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

West Indies edge Sri Lanka to clinch series

Published

1 hour ago

June 15, 2026

Editor

West Indies held their nerve in a tense chase to defeat Sri Lanka by five wickets in the final T20I and seal the series at home on Sunday.

Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 169 all out in their allotted 20 overs after several batsmen made useful contributions. Opener Pathum Nissanka provided an early spark with 26 off 17 balls, while Kamil Mishara added 28 and Kamindu Mendis struck 20.

The innings was anchored by all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, whose aggressive 43 from 28 deliveries, featuring six boundaries and a six, lifted Sri Lanka during the closing stages. Wanindu Hasaranga also chipped in with a brisk 21 off 13 balls.

However, Sri Lanka lost wickets at crucial intervals and were unable to fully capitalize on a promising platform. Fast bowler Shamar Joseph starred for the hosts, claiming 5 for 33 in a match-winning spell. He received solid support from Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein and Roston Chase, who shared the remaining wickets.

Chasing 170, West Indies suffered an early setback when captain Shai Hope fell for a duck. Sri Lanka tightened their grip further by reducing the hosts to 53 for 4, with Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana applying pressure through the middle overs.

Shimron Hetmyer counterattacked with 32 off 19 balls before Rovman Powell contributed a valuable 33. The decisive partnership came through Sherfane Rutherford and Holder.

Rutherford remained unbeaten on 54 from 40 deliveries, striking three fours and four sixes, while Holder blasted an unbeaten 21 from just five balls, including three towering sixes.
West Indies reached 170 for 5 with two balls to spare, completing a memorable victory and securing the series after a hard-fought contest between the two sides.

Cricket

Kamil, Shanaka power Sri Lanka to series-levelling win

Published

1 day ago

June 14, 2026

Editor

A brilliant unbeaten half-century from Kamil Mishara and a destructive late cameo by Dasun Shanaka guided Sri Lanka to a convincing 37-run victory over West Indies and levelled the three match T20 series.

Sri Lanka recovered strongly after a shaky start to post an imposing 194 for 6. Pathum Nissanka fell early for seven, while captain Kusal Mendis made a quick-fire 31 off 19 balls before becoming one of three wickets claimed by Shamar Joseph. When Pavan Rathnayake was dismissed for one, Sri Lanka were struggling at 43 for 3 inside seven overs.
Mishara then steadied the innings with a mature knock, combining caution with aggression. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 61 from 40 deliveries, striking four fours and three sixes. Kamindu Mendis supported him with 24 before Shanaka launched a spectacular assault in the death overs.

The former captain hammered 58 from only 24 balls, smashing five boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate above 240. His 103-run stand with Mishara completely changed the complexion of the innings and propelled Sri Lanka close to the 200-run mark.

Chasing 195, West Indies suffered an early collapse as Brandon King and skipper Shai Hope were both trapped leg-before wicket inside the first two overs. Shimron Hetmyer (36) and Rovman Powell (43) threatened to keep the visitors in contention with an aggressive partnership, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers struck at regular intervals.

Dushmantha Chameera delivered a match-winning spell of 3 for 9, while Wanindu Hasaranga picked up three wickets despite conceding runs. Dunith Wellalage claimed two wickets and Maheesh Theekshana added one as West Indies were bowled out for 157 in 18.1 overs.

The victory ensured Sri Lanka squared the series and set up an exciting decider on Monday.

Cricket

Wyatt-Hodge Century Powers England Women to Crushing Win Over Sri Lanka

Published

2 days ago

June 13, 2026

Editor

England Women produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka Women by 87 runs in their opening game of the ICC T20 Cricket world cup 2026 posting a formidable 219 for 1 from their 20 overs.

Opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge starred with a magnificent unbeaten 105 off 62 balls, striking 13 fours and a six at a blistering strike rate of 169.35. She shared a match-defining 135-run opening partnership with Amy Jones, who contributed a fluent 53 from 38 deliveries. England accelerated further in the closing overs through captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, whose unbeaten 46 from just 22 balls helped the hosts finish with an imposing total.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge inspires perfect start at T20 World Cup to underline England evolution - Yahoo Sports

Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain England’s aggressive batting, with Malki Madara claiming the only wicket while conceding 51 runs from her four overs.

Chasing 220, Sri Lanka never recovered from an early collapse. Lauren Bell dismissed Vishmi Gunaratne before Charlie Dean removed captain Chamari Athapaththu, leaving the visitors under pressure. Harshitha Samarawickrama offered brief resistance with a quick-fire 29 off 18 balls, while Nilakshika Silva top-scored with 39 from 33 deliveries.

England’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings. Freya Kemp delivered the standout performance, taking 4 wickets for 22 runs, including three wickets in the space of four balls to derail Sri Lanka’s middle order.

Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean chipped in with two wickets each as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 132 on the final ball of the innings.