News

Zimbabwe stun Sri Lanka for the first time in T20I’s

Published

2 years ago

January 17, 2024

Editor

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

Wanindu Hasaranga Faces Inquiry After Missing Mandatory Fitness Test

Published

16 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka’s premier leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is under scrutiny after failing to attend a scheduled fitness test, raising fresh concerns over compliance with national selection standards.

Sources within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed that selectors have formally escalated the matter to the High Performance Center, overseen by Jerome Jayaratne, along with senior board officials. The incident has drawn attention due to SLC’s increasingly strict enforcement of fitness protocols.

Hasaranga, who missed Sri Lanka’s campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year with a hamstring injury, is believed to have fully recovered. Despite this, he has yet to complete the mandatory fitness assessment required for national selection and overseas participation.

Under SLC’s revised policy, centrally contracted players must meet defined fitness benchmarks before receiving clearance to compete in franchise tournaments such as the Indian Premier League.

The situation is particularly significant given Hasaranga’s recent signing by the Lucknow Super Giants during the mini-auction for his base price of INR 2 crore.

Thushara Ruled Out, Pathirana Awaiting Clearance

In a related development, Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of the upcoming IPL season after failing to meet fitness requirements.

Thushara reportedly did not pass his initial fitness test and was granted a second opportunity, which he also missed. As a result, SLC declined to issue him the required NOC, effectively ending his participation hopes.

Despite being injury-free and available to bowl, Thushara is understood to have fallen short of the board’s prescribed fitness standards. He had been signed by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for approximately INR 1.6 crore and was expected to bolster their pace attack.

Meanwhile, young pacer Matheesha Pathirana remains in contention but is yet to complete his fitness test. Officials indicate he is likely to join his IPL franchise once he clears the required assessments. Pathirana had previously been sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
IPL 2026 Underway

The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League officially commenced on March 28 and is scheduled to run through the end of May, with franchises finalizing their squads amid strict fitness and regulatory oversight from national boards.

Football

Late heartbreak ends Sri Lanka’s semi-final hopes

Published

2 days ago

March 28, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka’s journey at the SAFF U-20 Championship 2026 came to a dramatic and painful end after a last-gasp goal handed Bhutan a 1-0 victory in their decisive group-stage clash in Malé, Maldives.

With a place in the semi-finals on the line, the match carried high stakes for both sides. Sri Lanka entered the contest knowing only a positive result would keep their campaign alive, and they responded with a disciplined and energetic performance. The young Sri Lankan side showed composure in defense while attempting to build attacking momentum against a well-organized Bhutan team.

Chances, however, were at a premium. Sri Lanka managed to create a few half-opportunities but were unable to convert, as the Bhutanese defense held firm. As the match wore on, tension grew, with both teams aware that a draw would not be enough to secure progression.
Just as it seemed the game would end in stalemate, Bhutan struck a decisive blow in stoppage time. Forward Dhendup Gyeltshen capitalized on a momentary lapse in the Sri Lankan defense to score in the 90+2 minute, silencing hopes of a late turnaround and sealing all three points for his side.

Cricket

Sri Lanka U19 Women’s Team Set for Australia Tour 2026 Tri-Nation Series

Published

3 days ago

March 27, 2026

Editor

The Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s Cricket Team is set to tour Australia in April 2026 for an exciting tri-nation series that will also feature England. This tour represents an important opportunity for the young Sri Lankan players to gain international exposure and compete against strong opposition in both limited-overs formats. The team is scheduled to depart on 3rd April 2026 and will play a total of six matches during the tour, including two 50-over games and four T20 matches.

The series will begin on 7th April 2026 with a 50-over match against England at Ian Healy Oval in Brisbane, starting at 9:30 AM. Sri Lanka will then face Australia in another 50-over encounter on 8th April 2026 at the same venue and time. The action will shift to the Gold Coast for the T20 leg of the tour, where Sri Lanka will meet England on 12th April 2026 at Bill Pippen Oval at 9:00 AM, followed by a match against Australia on 13th April 2026 at the same ground and time. The final phase of the tour returns to Brisbane, with Sri Lanka playing England on 17th April 2026 and Australia on 18th April 2026 in two early morning T20 matches at Ian Healy Oval, both starting at 5:30 AM.

Match Schedule
•⁠ ⁠7th April 2026 – Sri Lanka vs England (50-over)
Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane – 09:30 AM
•⁠ ⁠8th April 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Australia (50-over)
Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane – 09:30 AM
•⁠ ⁠12th April 2026 – Sri Lanka vs England (T20)
Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast – 09:00 AM
•⁠ ⁠13th April 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Australia (T20)
Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast – 09:00 AM
•⁠ ⁠17th April 2026 – Sri Lanka vs England (T20)
Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane – 05:30 AM
•⁠ ⁠18th April 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Australia (T20)
Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane – 05:30 AM