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Nissanka and Avishka blitz Afghanistan in Sri Lanka’s clean sweep
Sri Lanka made light work of a potentially tricky target of 267, running it down in just 35.2 overs as they completed a dominant seven-wicket win in the third and final ODI in Pallekele, and with it secured a 3-0 whitewash of the series.
Pathum Nissanka recorded his second century in three games to become the highest run-scorer in a three-match series for Sri Lanka with 346 runs. Here he racked up a 101-ball 118, and in the process became the fastest Sri Lankan to 2000 ODI runs, achieving the feat in 53 games – 11 games quicker than next fastest Upul Tharanga.
But for much of his innings, Nissanka was content to play the supporting role as Avishka Fernando broke the spine of the chase during a belligerent 66-ball 91. Having offered up his customary early chance – an inside edge on 10 that Ikram Alikhil not only failed to hold on to, but one that ended up injuring his finger and ruling him out of the game entirely – Avishka proceeded to punish the Afghans in an innings that included 10 fours and five sixes.
Afghanistan did themselves few favours, straying short of a length for four of those five sixes as Avishka disdainfully picked them up over the leg side. His mistimed drive to extra cover saw him fall nine runs short of a fourth ODI ton, but by then Sri Lanka had piled on 173 runs – their second 150-plus opening stand of the series.
The onslaught though only continued following his dismissal as Nissanka duly upped his scoring rate and Kusal Mendis joined in on the festivities. Their stand of 78 came off just 55 deliveries, though neither was able to see the chase through to the finish, falling in quick succession.
That honour went to Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama, who ran down the 14 runs with little fuss as Sri Lanka won with 88 balls to spare.
Brief Scores:
Afghanistan 266 all out, 48.2 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 48, Rahamat Shah 65, Azmatullah Omarzai 54, Ikram Alikhil 32; Pramod Madushan 3-45, Dunith Wellalage 2-38, Asitha Fernando 2-44, Akila Dananjaya 2-54) lost to Sri Lanka 267/3 in 35.2 overs (Pathum Nissanka 118, Avishka Fernando 91, Kusal Mendis 40; Qais Ahmad 2-46) by 7 wickets (with 88 balls remaining)
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Level III landslide warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
The Level III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale by the Landslide Early Warning Center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] have been extended until 1600hrs tomorrow [10th December 2025].
Accordingly,
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Division and surrounding areas of Panvila, Udapalatha, Minipe, Poojapitiya, Gangawata Korale, Thumpane, Doluwa, Pathadumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Harispattuwa, Akurana, Ududumbara, Pathahewaheta, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Deltota, Medadumbara, Udunuwara, Kundasale and Pasbage Korale in the Kandy district, Yatiyanthota, Rambukkana, Aranayaka, Warakapola, Galigamuwa, Mawanella and Bulathkohupitiya in the Kegalle district, Mallawapitiya, Rideegama and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Ukuwela, Pallepola, Rattota, Matale, Laggala Pallegama, Yatawatta, Naula, Ambanganga Korale and Wilgamuwa in the Matale district have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Division and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Hali_Ela, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Kandeketiya, Bandarawela, Soranathota, Ella, Haputhale, Lunugala, Welimada, Haldummulla and Passara in the Badulla district, Ruwanwella, Dehiowita, Kegalle and Deraniyagala in the Kegalle district, Alawwa and Polgahawela in the Kurunegala district and Nuwara Eliya, Nildandahinna, Thalawakele, Kothmale West, Mathurata, Ambagamuwa Korale, Hanguranketha, Walapane, Kothmale East and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district, and Kahawaththa, Kolonna and Godakawela in the Ratnapura district have also been extended.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Mirigama, Divulapitiya and Attanagalla in the Gampaha district, Narammala in the Kurunegala district, and Kiriella, Balangoda, Kuruwita, Openayake, Nivithigala, Kaltota, Pelmadulla, Kalawana, Eheliyagoda, Elapatha, Ayagama, Imbulpe and Ratnapura in the Ratnapura district.
The Ministry of Education has announced that the .postponed subjects of the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination will be conducted from 12 – 20 January 2026,
The Situation Report issued by the Disaster Management Center at 06:00 AM today [09th December] confirms that 635 persons have died due to floods and landslides that took place in the country within the past two weeks. The number of persons that are missing is 192.
Timely and accurate data essential for effective decision making – PM
Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation donates Rs. 250 million to the Government for national recovery after the emergency situation
Level III landslide warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination will resume on 12th January 2026
The aim of the Government is to ensure a safe life for every citizen -President
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‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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