News

West Indies level series

Published

11 months ago

June 26, 2024

Editor

West Indies Women’s tour of Sri Lanka 2024

West Indies Women’s team showcased an exceptional performance in the second T20I against Sri Lanka, leading them to a well-deserved 6-wicket victory. This victory helped them level the series 1-1, after facing a clean sweep in the ODI series and losing the first T20I. The match, which took place at Hambanthota International Cricket stadium, was affected by rain but that didn’t hinder the West Indies’ dominance.

Sri Lanka, batting first, managed to post a score of 89-4 before rain interrupted the game in the 15th over. In response, the West Indies successfully chased down the revised target of 99 runs in 15 overs with 5 balls to spare.

The hosts had a promising start with a 44-run opening partnership between their captain, Chamari Athapattu, and Vishmi Gunaratne. However, Athapattu’s dismissal by Afy Fletcher’s exceptional delivery turned the tide in favor of the West Indies. Sri Lanka struggled to maintain a good scoring rate and faced difficulties in making clean contact with the ball.

To add to their woes, Sri Lanka lost their second wicket when Imesha Dulani was bowled by Afy Fletcher once again. This put them in a precarious position with a score of 2-52 in 10 overs. Despite their efforts to accelerate the scoring, Sri Lanka faced another setback when Harshitha Samarawickrama was caught at mid-on in the 13th over. Shortly after, Vishmi Gunaratne was caught LBW, further weakening their position.

However, Kavisha Dilhari’s counter-attack in the death overs provided some momentum for Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, rain interrupted play at a score of 89-4 in 15.2 overs, and Sri Lanka’s innings couldn’t be resumed. As a result, the West Indies were given a revised target of 99 runs, which they successfully achieved.

During the pursuit, Taylor and captain Hayley Matthews got the visiting team off to a great start, scoring 44 runs in 6.5 overs. This ensured that West Indies maintained a lead over the DLS-par score. After Matthews was dismissed by a Sachini Nisansala arm ball, Taylor took on the responsibility of leading the chase. In a partnership with Shemaine Campbelle, Taylor played a supporting role by giving strike to her more aggressive partner, who scored 16 runs off 13 balls. Despite the subsequent dismissals of Campbelle, Qiana Joseph, and Chedean Nation, West Indies maintained a positive approach and the required run rate was always manageable. Aaliyah Alleyne then sealed the victory for West Indies with three boundaries off Kavisha Dilhari in the second-to-last over of the innings.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka 89-4 (Chamari Athapaththu 26, Vishmi Gunaratne 24, Afy Fletcher 4-23)

West Indies 99-4 (Hayely Matthews 29, Stafanie Taylor 28*, Chamari Athapaththu 1-18, Sachini Nisansala 1-18)

Cricket

Kusal Mendis Falls Short in High-Stakes IPL Eliminator Clash

Published

43 minutes 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.

News

Awareness Media Briefing on New Sports Regulations

Published

1 day ago

May 30, 2025

Editor

A special media briefing on the new regulations under the Sports Act was held on May 30, 2025, at the Department of Government Information, with the aim of raising public awareness on the upcoming changes to Sri Lanka’s sports governance framework.

The event featured key officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, including:

Sunil Kumara Gamagedara – Minister of Youth and Sports
Sugath Thilakaratne – Deputy Minister of Sports
Aruna Bandara – Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports
Shemal Fernando – Director General of Sports
Priyantha Ekanayake – Chairman, National Sports Council

These leaders addressed the media on the impact, scope, and enforcement of the new regulations, highlighting their importance in ensuring transparency, accountability, and modernization in Sri Lanka’s sports sector.

Cricket

Nuwan Thushara Shines as RCB Storms into IPL 2025 Final

Published

2 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.