News
Zimbabwe stun Sri Lanka for the first time in T20I’s
Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka (2nd T20I)
Zimbabwe scirpted history when they edge Sri Lanka by a thrilling 4 wicket in the second T20I worked off at R.Premadasa stadium, Colombo on Tuesday (16).
The win also registered as the first victory for Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka in T20I’s.
After being put in to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a decent score of 173/6 in their allotted 20 overs thanks to half-centuries from Charith Asalanka and Angelo Mathews. In reply, Zimbabwe chased down the target in 19.5 overs and levelled the three-match series 1-1.
Earlier Sri Lanka’s one of major concern their top order once again failed to deliver as they were reduced to 26-4 in 4.4 overs.
The host commenced there innings in the worst possible way when they lost Pathum Nissanka (1) in the second over of the day.
Nissanka was followed by three more wickets that of Kusal Perera (0), Kusal Mendis (4) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (16) to put Sri Lanka in some sort of trouble.
However when the chips were down, Charith Asalanka along with experience campaigner Angelo Mathews turn things around as the duo engaged in a massive 118-run stand off 79 balls for the fifth wicket.
Charith Asalanka led the charge from the front with a blistering knock of 69 runs until Luke Jongwe gave the breakthrough to send the left hander back to the pavilion.
With the damage already done former skipper Dasun Shanaka arrived at the crease and score quick 9 runs including two boundaries to entertain the crowd.
However the former skipper bit the dust when he skied one straight to Ryan Burl who was at mid off.
Despite two quick wickets Angelo Mathews launched a late surge with back to back boundaries as he went onto score 66 runs off 51 deliveries and guiding his team to a decent score of 173-6 in their allotted 20 overs.
During the chase it was the same scenario for Visitors as well wehere their top order failed to click.
Despite wickets falling at one end Craig Ervine kept Zimbabwe in the hunt, top scoring with 70 runs off 54 balls with six fours and two sixes.
At the half way mark Zimbabwe revived their innings to a certain extent but their saviour Craig Ervine bit the dust when Wanindu Hasaranga delivered to send Ervin back to the pavilion after he was caught near the boundary line.
Visitors reeling at 143-6 after 18 overs required to maintain at-least 15 runs per over to end on the winning side.
They required 30 runs from the last two overs, which turned into 20 off the final over.
Angelo Mathews was given the ball in the last over with Luke Jongwe and Clive Madande but the veteran failed to live to the expectations as Zimbabwe did the unthinkable in style.
It was a day to forget for Angelo Mathews as Jongwe smashed the first ball of the final over for six over long-on — and Mathews had overstepped as well, so the equation came down to 13 off six balls.
Next, Jongwe managed a boundary off the free hit, before smashing a six off the next delivery — making it three runs required off four balls.
Mathews managed a dot ball next. Then, to make matters worse, Jongwe was dropped off the next delivery and the batters completed a single.
Clive Madande was on strike for the penultimate ball, and as Mathews missed the yorker, he swept it for six to finish the match in style.
It also should be mentioned that the host were sloppy in the field, dropping a couple of catches as well.
With the three match series now levelled at 1-1 the decider will be played on Thursday at the same venue.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka 173/6 in 20 overs (Charith Asalanka 69, Angelo Mathews 66*; Richard Ngarava 1-30, Blessing Muzarabani 2-36, Luke Jongwe 2-32, Wellington Masakadza 1-25)
Zimbabwe 178/6 in 19.5 overs (Craig Ervine 70, Brian Benett 25, Luke Jongwe 25*; Dilshan Madushanka 1-24, Maheesh Theekshana 2-25, Dushmantha Chameera 2-30, Wanidu Hasaranga 1-31)
Cricket
Dinesh Chandimal Joins Quetta Gladiators as Replacement for Bevon Jacobs in PSL Boost
Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Chandimal is set to join the Quetta Gladiators, stepping in as a replacement for Bevon Jacobs, who has departed the squad to fulfill national team commitments. The experienced cricketer brings valuable international exposure and stability to the Gladiators as they prepare for the next phase of the Pakistan Super League.
Chandimal is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan shortly, with expectations high that he will integrate quickly into the team environment. His inclusion comes at a crucial time in the tournament, where consistency and depth in the batting lineup can make a significant difference.
Known for his composure under pressure and ability to anchor innings, Chandimal is likely to strengthen both the batting order and the wicketkeeping department. The Gladiators will be hoping his presence adds balance to the squad as they aim to improve their standing in the competition and push for a strong finish in the league.
Cricket
Benedictines retain the Luke Shield for the fifth consecutive year
St.Benedict’s College maintained stranglehold on the prestigeousLUKE SHIELD beating Wesley College by four wickets at the Singhalese Sports Club grounds recently.
This limited over encounter between 2 of the Oldest and Prestigeous Christian Schools in the country has been vigorously fought over , since it’s inception in 2022 and the Benedictines have won it each time , indicating it’s clear superiority over Wesley in this format of the game.
The match winner for St.Benedict’s was undoubtedly their opening batsman Tehan Bitar, who played a brilliant chanceless innings of 111 not out and steered his team to victory in the penultimate over of the game.He deservedly won the Best Batsman’s Award and coveted Player of the Match Award , which included a handsome cash prize.Batting first , Wesley were restricted to 193 runs, thanks mainly to a tight and accurate spell of 3 wickets for 25 runs in 10 overs by left arm spinner Vihanga Ratnayake .This effort earned him the Best Bowlers Award.
The fielding of Benedictines was neat, with wicket keeper Mario Fernando being exceptional.Wesley captain Rashmika Ameraratne top scored for Wesley , with a fighting knock of 43 not out , unfortunately missing out on a well deserved half century.The Best Fielder’s Award was won by S.Thilakasan of Wesley College and the Best Emerging Player Award went to R.Pieris of St.Benedict’s College.
The Benedictines were captained by 5th year ColoursmanMevan Dissanaike and coached by former Benedictine Opener S.K.Perera and guided by energetic Master in Charge Mr.AsankaWanninayake.This annual encounter is being played in true spirit of sportsmanship and enjoyed by students, staff and old boys of both Schools.This eagerly awaited event each year has become a meeting point and a place of celebration, revelry and cameraderie for Old Boys of both Schools with hundreds turning up from all parts of the world , specially for this friendly encounter.Annual Bens Wesley are also staged in many cities like Melbourne, Sydney , Auckland , London , Toronto and in the United Arab Emirates .
News
Nadeesha Gayanthi Shines Internationally with Double Medal Triumph in England
Sri Lanka’s badminton scene received a major boost as experienced shuttler Nadeesha Gayanthi delivered an impressive performance at a prestigious international championship in England, bringing home both gold and silver medals.
Competing at the 108th edition of the All England Senior Badminton Championship, Gayanthi stood out among a highly competitive field that featured nearly 400 players from 25 countries. The tournament, held in London from April 10 to 12, attracted seasoned athletes from across the globe, making her achievement even more remarkable.
Gayanthi dominated the over-40 women’s singles category, securing the gold medal with a series of strong performances. She further showcased her versatility by advancing to the finals in the mixed doubles event, where she claimed the silver medal, completing a successful campaign on the international stage.
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