Athapaththu’s 64*, Madara’s 3-wicket debut guide Sri Lanka to victory

Debutant right-arm fast bowler Malki Madara delivered an impressive spell, taking 3 for 14, while skipper Chamari Athapaththu smashed an unbeaten 64 off 48 balls as Sri Lanka Women secured a 7-wicket victory over New Zealand Women in their first T20I in Christchurch yesterday.

This was Sri Lanka’s first-ever T20I win in New Zealand and their second victory overall against the White Ferns in this format.

New Zealand opted to bat first but struggled to build momentum as Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept them in check, bowling them out for 101 in 18.5 overs. The visitors then chased down the target in just 14.1 overs, with Athapaththu leading from the front, smashing 9 fours and 2 sixes in her match-winning knock.

Young opener Vishmi Gunaratne was dismissed early for 7 off 11 balls, with fast bowler Jess Kerr providing New Zealand with an early breakthrough. However, Athapaththu took full responsibility and guided her team to victory, securing a 1-0 series lead with 35 balls to spare.

Earlier, Emma McLeod was New Zealand’s top scorer. The number three batter hit three fours in her knock of 44 off 46 balls before becoming the final wicket to fall, as debutant Madara wrapped up the innings. Skipper Suzie Bates (21 off 14) was the only other player to reach double figures for the hosts.

Sri Lanka started with two spinners, Sugandika Kumari and Inoshi Priyadharshani, before introducing Madara as the fourth bowler. She did the damage with a 3.5-over spell, while Kavisha Dilhari (2/18) and Priyadharshani (2/25) provided solid support. Wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani was brilliant behind the stumps, completing three stumpings.

Madara was named Player of the Match on her T20I debut, while Manudi Nanayakkara, Sri Lanka’s Under-19 skipper, also made her senior debut in this game.

The two teams will meet again in the second T20I on Sunday (16) at the same venue.

Chief scores

New Zealand Women’s 101 all out in 18.5 overs Suzie Bates 21, Emma McLeod 44, Jess Kerr 10, Sugandika Kumari 1/16/Inoshi Priyadharshani 2/25, Malki Madara 3/14, Chamari Athapaththu 1/10, Kavisha Dilhari 2/18

Sri Lanka Women’s 102 for 3 wickets in 14.1 overs Chamari Athapaththu 64*, Kavisha Dilhari 12, Nilakshika Silva 12*, Jess Kerr 2/18.
Read More

Liyanage (51) and Bandara (84*) guide Jaffna to 227/7

Jeffrey Vandersay, the leg-spinner, took impressive figures of 6 for 86 as Colombo were all out for 386 in their first innings, while Jaffna reached 227 for 7 wickets at the close of the second day’s play in their NSL Four-Day Cricket fixture at Galle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

At one stage, Jaffna were struggling at 41 for 4 wickets, but skipper Janith Liyanage played a crucial knock of 51 in 105 balls, with 3 fours. Wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara also fought hard, remaining unbeaten on 84 from 214 balls, with 7 fours and a six. Despite their efforts, Jaffna still trail by 159 runs in the first innings. Colombo’s off-spinner, Nishan Peiris, was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 55.

Mendis’ 122 leads Galle to 602/9d

Meanwhile, Galle scored a massive total of 602 for 9 wickets declared in their first innings, while Kandy were 52 for 1 wicket at the close of the second day in their NSL Four-Day match at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota yesterday.

Galle’s overnight batter, Nipun Dhananjaya, who scored 135 on the first day, added just two more runs before being dismissed by Chamika Gunasekara. Deputy skipper Ramesh Mendis, who came in at number 7, played a superb knock of 122 in 199 balls with 10 fours. This marked his 11th first-class century. Dilum Sudeera provided excellent support, scoring an unbeaten 80 in 164 balls with 7 fours, marking his career-best first-class knock. Ramesh and Dilum added 139 runs for the 9th wicket to build their innings.

Kandy had a poor start in their first innings. Opener Pathum Nissanka hit a boundary off the first ball he faced but was dismissed off the next ball by Dilshan Madushanka. Lahiru Udara (36) and Kamil Mishara (10) remained unbeaten, adding 48 runs for the second wicket at the close of the day.

Chief scores

* At Galle International cricket stadium. Colombo 374/ 7 continued and 386 all out (Dushan Hementha 31, Murvin Abhinash 2/93, Jeffrey Vandersay 6/86). Jaffna 227 for 7 wickets at close (Shevon Daniel 13, Ravindu Rasantha 13, Janith Liyanage 51, Anjala Bandara 84*, ,Chamika Karunaratne 29, Jeffrey Vandersay 18, Nishan Pieris 3/55)

* At Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium Hambantota. Galle (resumed at 336 /4) and 602 for 9 wickets declared Nipun Dhananjaya 137, Dunith Wellalage 38, Ramesh Mendis 122, Nisala Tharaka 13, Dilum Sudeera 80*, Dilshan Madushanka 21*, Chamindu Wickrmasinghe 3/90, Ravindu Fernando 2/121 , Nuwanidu Fernando 2/59 Kandy 52 for 1 wicket at close (Lahiru Udara 36*, Kamil Mishara 10*).
Read More

Bloomfield all but assured SLC Major Club League title

.Vandersay, Ravindu bowl NCC out for 312
.Udara fights lone battle with 145

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Bloomfield had one hand on the SLC Major Club League title when they dismissed NCC for 312 in reply to their massive total of 508, to gain a first innings lead of 196 on the third day of the four-day final played at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Bloomfield did not enforce the follow-on but decided to bat a second time and finished the day on two without loss, stretching the overall lead to 198 going into the fourth and final day today. If the match ends in a draw, which looks a more likely result at this stage, the team that gains the first innings lead will be declared the winner.

NCC, who began their reply yesterday, lost the wicket of Niroshan Dickwella early for seven in the second over, but Lahiru Udara and Pathum Nissanka put them on course with a second wicket stand of 91. Following Nissanka’s dismissal for 29, a further partnership of 111 developed between Udara and Kamil Mishara (40) that placed NCC in a strong position at 209-2.

But Sri Lanka leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who had taken the wicket of Nissanka, broke the NCC middle order batting by dismissing Mishara and skipper Sahan Arachchige (4) within the space of 11 balls, which proved a big setback.

When off-spinner Ravindu Fernando accounted for Udara’s wicket, trapping him lbw for 145, NCC had lost their last ray of hope. Udara had held the innings together, hitting 14 fours and 3 sixes in a spirited knock that lasted 191 balls.

There was hardly any resistance forthcoming from the rest of the batting, apart from Kavin Bandara’s 36 off 63 balls. NCC’s innings folded up quickly, with the last five wickets falling for 26 runs.

Vandersay (4/64) and Fernando (3/84) shared the spoils with seven wickets between them.

Scores: 

Bloomfield 508 and 2-0 at close

NCC 312 (Lahiru Udara 145, Pathum Nissanka 29, Kamil Mishara 40, Kavin Bandara 36, Jeffrey Vandersay 4/64, Ravindu Fernando 3/84)
Read More

India, Sri Lanka, South Africa to play women’s ODI tri-series in April-May

Sri Lanka will host India and South Africa for a women’s ODI tri-series in April and May, the Sri Lanka Cricket [SLC] announced on Thursday. This tri-series was not part of the Future Tours Programme originally.

Each team will play the others twice – making it four matches per team – before the top two teams play the final. The series will start with hosts Sri Lanka taking on India. All of them will be day games, played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo from April 27 to May 11.

Sri Lanka are currently on a white-ball tour of New Zealand,  while most of India’s players are participating in the WPL at home. Some South African players are also at the WPL. Until this tri-series was announced, South Africa’s next international assignment was a tour of the West Indies in June.

This tri-series will give the three teams extra prep time in the lead up to the ODI World Cup in October this year in India.

Sri Lanka are currently the Asia Cup champions, while South Africa had reached the semi-finals of the last ODI World Cup, in 2022, after knocking India out in the league stages. India are, however, the highest-ranked of the three at third – South Africa are fourth and Sri Lanka seventh – in the ICC ODI rankings.

Sri Lanka women’s tri-series schedule
April 27, Sri Lanka vs India
April 29, India vs South Africa
May 1, Sri Lanka vs South Africa
May 4, Sri Lanka vs India
May 6, South Africa vs India
May 8, Sri Lanka vs South Africa
May 11, final
Read More

India, Sri Lanka, South Africa to feature in women’s ODI tri-series in Colombo

India, Sri Lanka and South Africa are all set to feature in a women’s ODI tri-series, to be held entirely at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo from April 27 to May 11, said Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

The opening game of the tri-series will be played between Sri Lanka and India on April 27. Each team will play four games, with the top two sides to qualify for the final to be played on May 11. SLC added that all the matches will be played as day games.

The tri-series serves as welcome development for India to finetune its preparation for the 13th edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup, which they are slated to play on their home soil later this year. This will be the last time of the tournament having eight teams, with Australia entering the competition as defending champions.

India will host the Women’s ODI World Cup for the fourth time after 1978, 1997 and 2013. India will also be hosting its first global women’s ICC tournament since 2016 T20 World Cup, which ran parallelly with the men’s event.

India’s last ODI assignment was hosting Ireland for a three-match series at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, which they won 3-0 in January. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are currently touring New Zealand for a three-match ODI series, with the opening game being washed out due to rain.

Women’s ODI Tri-Series schedule:

April 27 - Sri Lanka vs India

April 29 - India vs South Africa

May 1 - Sri Lanka vs South Africa

May 4 - Sri Lanka vs India

May 6 - South Africa vs India

May 8 - Sri Lanka vs South Africa

May 11 – Final
Read More

Viknaraj wins South Asian Cross Country C’ship

Sri Lankan Viknaraj Vakshan won the senior category of the South Asian Cross Country Championship held in Islamabad, Pakistan yesterday.

This is Vakshan’s first international experience representing the Sri Lanka Army. The 27-year-old   athlete is a product of Talawakele Tamil MV.

In the under-20 junior category, a Pakistani athlete won the title while the silver medal went to Sri Lankan 19-year-old Shivagaran Thudiharshithan of Matale Hindu College who also took part in his first international event.

The Sri Lankan junior team also finished as the runner-up in the junior category.

Read More

England smashes record for highest total ever in ICC Champions Trophy history

England set a new record for the highest team total in ICC Champions Trophy history when it racked up 351 for eight in 50 overs against Australia at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday.

England surpassed New Zealand’s 347 for four, set against USA back in 2004 at The Oval. England’s stellar batting performance was powered by opener Ben Duckett’s 143-ball 165. The left-handed opener registered the highest individual score in the history of the tournament, going past Nathan Astle’s unbeaten 145.

Duckett was well-supported by Joe Root’s 78-ball 68 and the duo put on a crucial 158-run stand for the third wicket to put England on course for a big total.

Jofra Archer, who remained unbeaten on 21 off 10 balls, smashed 12 runs off the last three balls of the innings to take England past the previous record.

Highest totals in ICC Champions Trophy history

• 351/8 (50) - England vs Australia - Lahore - 2025

• 347/4 (50) - New Zealand vs USA - The Oval - 2004

• 338/4 (50) - Pakistan vs India - The Oval - 2017

• 331/7 (50) - India vs South Africa - Cardiff - 2013

• 323/8 (50) - England vs South Africa - Centurion - 2009

• 322/3 (48.4) - Sri Lanka vs India - The Oval – 2017

Read More

Sachin, Yuvraj reunite as Indian Masters take on Sri Lanka in IML T20 opener

In a spectacle set to reignite nostalgia and cricketing rivalries, Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh will return to the field as they lead India Masters in the opening clash of the inaugural International Masters League (IML) T20 2025 against Sri Lanka Masters at DY Patil Sports Academy here on Saturday.

The much-anticipated encounter brings together some of the finest cricketers from the past, rekindling the storied rivalry between India and Sri Lanka. With over 34,000 international runs and 100 centuries to his name, Tendulkar is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Despite his dominance across formats, he featured in just one T20 International for India, making this return in the shortest format a special occasion.

Yuvraj, a key contributor to India’s triumphs in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and 2007 T20 World Cup, expressed excitement about donning the Indian colours again. “India versus Sri Lanka has always been an intense battle, and this match will be no different. Playing alongside legends, especially with Sachin Paaji leading us, is a thrilling experience. The fans are in for a treat,” the star allrounder said.

Reflecting on the occasion, Tendulkar remarked, “Playing against Sri Lanka has always been special, with the 2011 World Cup final being one of the most memorable moments of my career. This tournament gives us an opportunity to relive those rivalries and bring joy to cricket fans once again.”

The India Masters squad features other former international stars, including the Pathan brothers—Yusuf and Irfan—along with Stuart Binny, Dhawal Kulkarni, and Ambati Rayudu. The Sri Lanka Masters will be led by legendary wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Sangakkara and includes seasoned players like Upul Tharanga, Romesh Kaluwitharana, and Suranga Lakmal.

Kartikey Mishra, owner of India Masters, hailed the initiative as a celebration of cricket’s legacy. “The IML is about nostalgia, competition, and passion. These players have given us unforgettable moments, and this tournament is about bringing that magic back.”

The IML T20 2025 will feature six teams—India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, West Indies, and South Africa—competing across venues in Navi Mumbai, Vadodara, and Raipur. The semifinals and final will be held in Raipur, with the championship decider scheduled for March 16.

India Masters squad: Sachin Tendulkar (captain), Saurabh Tiwary, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Ambati Rayudu, Yuvraj Singh, Stuart Binny, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Pawan Negi, Naman Ojha, Abhimanyu Mithun, Dhawal Kulkarni, Rahul Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem, Vinay Kumar.

Sri Lanka Masters squad: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Lahiru Thirimanne, Upul Tharanga, Asela Gunaratne, Ashan Priyanjan, Chinthaka Jayasinghe, Chaturanga de Silva, Dilruwan Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Isuru Udana, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Seekkuge Prasanna, Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal.
Read More

Theekshana in ICC’s ODI Top Three Bowlers

Maheesh Theekshana reached a career-best third place in the ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings after taking seven wickets in the final two matches of their three-ODI series against New Zealand, with the Kiwis winning 2-1. The ICC released the latest player rankings yesterday.

He moved up four spots after taking 4 for 44 in the second match in Hamilton, where New Zealand won by 113 runs, and 3 for 35 in the third match in Auckland, which Sri Lanka won by 140 runs. He also took a hat-trick in the third game, becoming the seventh Sri Lankan bowler to do so in ODIs. Theekshana’s 663 rating points are just six less than top-ranked Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan (669) in a pack of four at the top, who are within seven points of each other. Indian Kuldeep Yadav is second with 665 points, while Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi follows the three spinners with 662 points.

New Zealand seam bowler Matt Henry returns to the top 10 after winning the Player of the Series award for taking nine wickets in the series, while left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner has moved up two places to 15th with three wickets in the last two matches.

Sri Lankan fast bowler Asitha Fernando’s Player of the Match performance of 3 for 26 in the final match has lifted him into the top 100.

In the Men’s ODI Batting Rankings, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra moved up 11 places to 39th with 79 in the second match, while Mark Chapman entered the top 100 with scores of 62 and 81. Janith Liyanage climbed 11 spots to 57th after scoring a half-century in the final match.
Read More

Lankan Under-19 Women go into WC with confidence

“Our preparation is very high, and we have a very strong squad taking part in the ICC Under-19 Women’s T-20 World Cup, which will commence on January 18 in Malaysia,” said Sri Lanka team’s skipper Manudi Nanayakkara.

“I have to play a key role as captain, and this is a new responsibility. Our team commitment is very high going into this major event,” added skipper Manudi Nanayakkara of Princess of Wales’ College, Moratuwa.

“In the last World Cup, I participated as a player, and this time I have an additional role as captain, which is a dream come true. We had a good preparation period to focus on this World Cup, while our last series against Bangladesh ended in a draw (2-2).

We have four players, including me, who played in the last T-20 World Cup, and we hope to move forward with more confidence. We also have good youngsters who need support from seniors.

“Compared to the other participating teams, we do have some changes, and we are quite focused on addressing those as we prepare for this event.”

“We know the World Cup is a major tournament, and all opponent teams came here to do their best. We are planning to go ahead with a good performance in Malaysia.”

Sri Lanka Under-19 women’s team head coach Mahesh Weerasinghe said the team is ready to take up the challenge. “We played Malaysia earlier in the Asia Cup, and we know our strength is spin bowling, which suits Malaysia’s conditions. The players had an early tri-series against England and Australia in Sri Lanka, as well as another tri-series against New Zealand and Australia in Australia, which gave good exposure before this World Cup.”

Ruwin Pieris, the batting specialist coach, and Omesh Wijesiriwardena, the bowling specialist coach, are also giving much-needed support for the young Sri Lanka women’s team, while Sri Lanka Cricket has provided all facilities for the team’s success, including more matches to gain experience. The team consists of several outstation players, including six from Devapathiraja College, Rathgama. Hiruni Hansika, Sumudu Nisansala, Rashmi Nethranjali, Shashini Gimhani, Sanjana Kavindi, and Shehara Induwari are from Devapathiraja, Rathgama. Former Sri Lanka skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan’s daughter, Limansa, is also in the Sri Lanka squad.

Skipper Manudi Nanayakkara, Rashmi Nethranjali, Sumudu Nisansala, and Dahami Sanethma have prior World Cup experience, while Shashini Gimhani, the wrist spinner who represented the senior national team, also has previous overseas experience, providing valuable insight to the Sri Lanka side.

Rural school players Pramudi Methsara from Uhana MMV, Chamodi Munasinghe from Pachachananda MV, Monaragala, and Vimoksha Balasuriya from Trincomalee Sinhala MC are included in the Sri Lanka squad.

The Sri Lanka team had two warm-up matches against Bangladesh and Samoa before the World Cup, and they will play their first World Cup game against Malaysia on January 19. The second game will be against the West Indies on January 21, followed by the third game against India, the defending champions, on January 23.

Ruwin Pieris, the batting specialist coach, and Omesh Wijesiriwardena, the bowling specialist coach, are also giving much-needed support for the young Sri Lanka women’s team, while Sri Lanka Cricket has provided all facilities for the team’s success, including more matches to gain experience. The team consists of several outstation players, including six from Devapathiraja College, Rathgama. Hiruni Hansika, Sumudu Nisansala, Rashmi Nethranjali, Shashini Gimhani, Sanjana Kavindi, and Shehara Induwari are from Devapathiraja, Rathgama. Former Sri Lanka skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan’s daughter, Limansa, is also in the Sri Lanka squad.

Skipper Manudi Nanayakkara, Rashmi Nethranjali, Sumudu Nisansala, and Dahami Sanethma have prior World Cup experience, while Shashini Gimhani, the wrist spinner who represented the senior national team, also has previous overseas experience, providing valuable insight to the Sri Lanka side.

Rural school players Pramudi Methsara from Uhana MMV, Chamodi Munasinghe from Pachachananda MV, Monaragala, and Vimoksha Balasuriya from Trincomalee Sinhala MC are included in the Sri Lanka squad.

The Sri Lanka team had two warm-up matches against Bangladesh and Samoa before the World Cup, and they will play their first World Cup game against Malaysia on January 19. The second game will be against the West Indies on January 21, followed by the third game against India, the defending champions, on January 23.

Sri Lanka’s Dedunu in Umpires’ Panel

Meanwhile, former Sri Lankan women’s opener and current umpire Dedunu de Silva is among the umpires’ panel in the T-20 World Cup, making her the only Sri Lanka official for this World Cup.

Competition Format

The 16 teams divided into four groups and will play once each other side in their group. The top three teams in each group will progress to the Super Six league stage where qualifying teams from group A will play against two of the qualifying teams from Group D and qualifying teams of Group B will play against two of the qualifying teams of Group C. Points from matches against teams that also qualified from the first group stage will be carried forward into the Super Six league stage.

The top two sides from each of the super six leagues will progress to the semi finals with the final taking place on February 2.

Under 19 women’s teams groupings at T-20 World Cup

Group A – India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, West Indies

Group B – England, Ireland, Pakistan, USA

Group C – New Zealand, Nigeria, Samoa, South Africa

Group D – Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Scotland
Read More

U19 squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, announced

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the U19 team for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which consists of six players from the Devapathiraja College in Rathgama, Galle.

According to a SLC statement, a 15-member squad has been selected for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup to be held in Malaysia.

The Sri Lanka team will leave for the World Cup tomorrow (Jan. 11).
Read More

New Zealand thrash Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI to win series

New Zealand mauled Sri Lanka by 113 runs in Hamilton tonight to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game series.

The match was reduced to 37 overs apiece after rain delayed the start at Seddon Park.

The Black Caps posted 255 for nine. Classy opener Rachin Ravindra shone with 79 and combined in a 112-run stand with Mark Chapman, who scored a brisk 62.

The visitors lost four quick wickets in pursuit and were eventually bundled out for 142.

Spinner Maheesh Theekshana snared a hat trick for Sri Lanka and finished with four for 44 in a fine display.

No-one seemed capable of reading his carrom ball which he employed with good success against the right-handers.

But it was New Zealand’s night. They dominated the fixture.

Opener Will Young looked to play with more freedom than he might usually approach the beginning of an ODI.

He looked in a hurry rather than the calm figure he usually presents.

But he got a cracker from Asitha Fernando on 16.

The right-armer jagged a delivery back and bowled Young through the gap between bat and pad.

He had launched into a drive and was stunned to hear his off stump tumble from its mooring.

Ravindra took revenge on Asitha Fernando. He sent back-to-back deliveries to the boundary with two delightful drives.

Chapman raced to 20-odd without looking in complete control.

The two lefties kept the pressure on, taking 11 runs off a Charith Asalanka over.

The milestones started tumbling.

Ravindra brought up his first ODI 50 on home soil in style. He danced down the wicket and dispatched Wanindu Hasaranga over his head for six.

Chapman was now in control as well and swung Eshan Malinga for six to bring up his half century.

That shot brought up the 100-run partnership as well.

Sri Lanka needed a wicket and Chapman obliged. He lofted a delivery from Theekshana straight to mid-off.

Ravindra continued to find the rope with some wonderful timing.

He is billed as Kane Williamson’s heir apparent and was living up to the hype until Asalanka intercepted a shot on the way to the boundary.

It was a tremendous diving catch in the covers.

Sri Lanka snuffed out more momentum when Tom Latham was run out moments later.

They also picked up the wicket of Glenn Phillips just as he twisted the throttle.

Daryl Mitchell (38 from 38 balls) threatened to get away but was kept pinned down.  Mitchell Santner clubbed 20 from 15 but the Black Caps let too many overs slide by at the death and finished shy of what they looked capable of reaching.

Theekshana claimed his hat trick late to help restrict New Zealand.

But his mates in the top order let him down.

The visitors slumped to 22 for four.

Otago seamer Jacob Duffy nabbed two quick wickets, Matt Henry accounted for Avishka Fernando and Asalanka ran himself out to leave the innings covered in vinegar.

Play and miss. Play and miss. Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis did plenty of that. They also middled some.

It was boundaries or dots for a period.

The partnership eclipsed 50 before a Nathan Smith delivery brushed the gloves of Liyanage and he had to go for 22.

The load fell on Kamindu Mendis. He blazed a half century from 58 balls and kept the pressure on, lofting a Smith delivery out of the ground.

But his effort ended on 64 when Daryl Mitchell dived forward at midwicket and scooped up a great catch.
Read More

Sri Lanka hope to stay in the hunt by winning today

The Sri Lanka team, led by Charith Asalanka, is expected to make a comeback in the second ODI against New Zealand, which will be played today at Seddon Park, Hamilton. This day/night game will commence at 6:30 a.m. (Sri Lanka time).

New Zealand made a comfortable nine-wicket win in the one-sided affair of the first ODI at Wellington, and they hope to win again to secure an early series victory. However, Sri Lanka want to level the series by winning this game and is determined to fight back and rectify their mistakes. The surface at Seddon Park in Hamilton is batting-friendly, and a high-scoring game is expected. The skipper winning the toss in this second game will most probably opt to bat first, while the weather in Hamilton is more favourable for the visitors, unlike in Wellington, which was very cold during the first ODI last Sunday.

Sri Lanka skipper Asalanka is expecting more contributions from the top-order batters. In the last game, the Black Caps put pressure from the beginning and took four early wickets during the power play. Sri Lanka is more concerned about the performance of their top-order batsmen. Opener Avishka Fernando was the only successful batter in the first ODI, having scored his ninth ODI half-century. He gave a good batting display to build up the innings with Janith Liyanage in a fifth-wicket 87-run stand. However, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, skipper Charith Asalanka, and Kamindu Mendis have big roles to play. Kamindu was unfortunately run out, while the New Zealanders demonstrated a good fielding display. Coach Sanath Jayasuriya pointed out that top-order batters have to stay at the wicket and finish the innings. However, that plan was not executed in the last game, and the early wickets posed a big challenge to the middle order.

The Sri Lanka team management discussed making a few changes in the middle order, with Nishan Madushka and young Dunith Wellalage fighting to enter the team, but they did not finalise their team yesterday and will do it after inspecting the wicket today. Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara are the three seamers, but they have to take early wickets to pose a good challenge, while Wanindu Hasaranga, the key leg spinner, will most likely retain his place. However, they might opt for a spin all-rounder instead of a fast-bowling all-rounder, and it could be either Wellalage or Wickramasinghe, but it is hard to say and will depend on the wicket today.

New Zealand is expected to deliver another strong all-round performance, as they have a solid batting lineup capable of putting up a good score once again. Rachin Ravindra and Will Young gave a sound start in the last game, and the Sri Lankan bowlers face a big challenge to dismiss them as early as possible.
Read More

Bimandee and Shafiullah Best Players of Junior TT Nationals

Bimandee Bandara, of Hillwood College Kandy and Shafiullah Akram of Trinity College emerged champions of the Junior National Table Tennis Championship concluded at Bandaragama Indoor Stadium.

Bimandee Bandara who was also the defending senior champion once again retained the junior title defeating Shamalsha Dewmi of Holy Cross College Gampaha in three straight sets 11/04, 11/06, 11/04 in the girls under 19 singles final.

Meanwhile the boys under 19 singles final saw more competition between Shafiullah Akram and Amila Udara of Maliyadeva College Kurunegala which extended to a five setter game. The first two sets were won by Shafiullah 11-9, 11-9 but Amila came back to win the third set 11-9. Two finalists had a tough fourth set which became a long battle finished in favour of Shafiullah 14-12 and continued his winning form in the final set 11-7.

Shafiullah partnered with Bimandee won the mixed doubles title and the experienced pair defeated Rehan Senanayake of Ananda College Colombo and Sadinthie Jayasinghe of Musaeus College in the final. Both junior National champions Bimandee and Shafiullah were named Best Players of the tournament.

Chanuki Akshana of Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda won both girls under 11 and 13 singles titles. She outclassed Aveesha Herath of St. Anthony’s College Kandy 11-7, 11-8, 11-8 to win the girls under 11 title while Chanuki made three setter game to beat Nisandi Nimthara of Southland College Galle in the girls under 13 final. Kenura Silva from Nalanda College Colombo showed his potential once again defeating Deranya Kesara, Dharmasoka to win the boys under 11 singles title while Sanon Duljith of Dharmasoka won the boys under 13 singles title defeating Yenul Abeywickrama of Ananda College Colombo.

In the girls under 15 final Yoshini Jayawardane of Mahamaya Girls College Kandy made four setter game to beat Muthuli Sahanya of Southland College Galle (11-7, 8-11, 11-7, 11- 5) while Akain Bojith, Dharmasoka won the boys under 15 title defeating his schoolmate Sanon Duljith.

The girls under 17 title was won by Tamadi Kavindya of Devananda College Ambalangoda defeating Shamalsha Dewmi of Holy Cross College Gampaha and the boys under 17 final was won by Diran Hamer of Royal Colombo defeating Shafiullah Akram of Trinity and this final went on to a five setter game 2-11, 11-08, 8-11, 12-10, 11-9. Divya Dharani and Lesnya Sethumadi the Dharmasoka pair won the girls doubles title when they defeated Bimandee Bandara (Hillwood) and Sadinthie Jayasinghe of Musaeus. The boys double title was won by Dewmeth Weerasena (Lyceum, Nugegoda) and Vinuka Gunawardane (Royal) defeating Trinity pair Shafiullah Akram and Akesh Dimantha and this final was also extended for a five setter game 10-12, 11-8, 12-10, 4-11, 11- 7.

The three day event was conducted by the Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka (TTASL).

This year’s tournament, held under the auspices of official equipment from Yinhe, saw over 500 young paddlers making it one of the most exciting and competitive championships in recent years.

The awards ceremony was graced by the chief guest Disna Jayasinghe, Divisional Secretary of Bandaragama, TTASL President Rahal Abeyratne, Secretary Kumudi De Silva, Vice President Chathura Jayandera and former TTASL President Chandana Perera.
Read More