Sports
Lions ready to roar against Kiwis in Dambulla showdown
Rex Clementine at Dambulla
The New Zealand cricket team took a breather, immersing themselves in the natural splendor of Minneriya, where they witnessed the breathtaking ‘Gathering’ — a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle where elephants congregate around the Minneriya Reservoir during the dry season. It’s a sight to behold, one of the world’s most captivating wildlife events, and a must-see for nature lovers.
But today, the Kiwis will shift their focus back to the pitch, preparing to face Sri Lanka in a two-match T20 series kicking off at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Riding high on a stunning Test series triumph over India, where they handed the hosts a 3-0 whitewash, the Kiwis have shaken the foundations of Indian cricket. The loss has sent shockwaves through Indian cricket circles, with many demanding the heads of captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir, and even the illustrious Virat Kohli hasn’t escaped criticism.
Despite New Zealand’s momentum, Sri Lanka will step onto the field as the firm favorites. The islanders blanked the Kiwis 2-0 in last month’s Test series, and with several top New Zealand players focused on their upcoming home Test series against England, this white-ball squad looks somewhat underpowered. The Kiwis’ World Test Championship hopes were dashed after the drubbing in Sri Lanka, but cricket has a way of flipping the script, as they showed by turning the tables on India in their own backyard. No wonder reputed cricket writer Rajan Bala called cricket the game of glorious uncertainties.
In the absence of regulars, New Zealand will be under the leadership of left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, one of their standout players in the series against India.
Since taking charge, Sanath Jayasuriya has set his sights on two goals: lifting Sri Lanka’s rankings from the bottom rungs and clinching overseas victories. With a laser-like focus, he’s making strides on both fronts. Sri Lanka recently downed the third-ranked West Indies in a T20 series, coming from behind to seal the win. Given that T20 is Sri Lanka’s lowest-ranked format, Jayasuriya is eager to propel the team upward. If eighth-ranked Sri Lanka can topple fifth-ranked New Zealand, they’ll surely gain ground.
Both T20 matches will be held at Dambulla, with the venue also hosting the first ODI. The series will then move to Kandy for the remaining two ODIs.
Gaby Lewis has been rested for Ireland’s upcoming T20I tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies at home in Clontarf as she recovers from a recent leg injury but has been named captain – for the first time at a global event – for the T20 World Cup in June-July in England.
Orla Prendergast, the vice-captain for the World Cup, will lead the side in the tri-series in Lewis’ absence. No vice-captain has been named for the tri-series.
In terms of ins and outs, Jane Maguire, the right-arm medium pacer, has been ruled out of contention with an injury, but her sister Aimee Maguire, the left-arm orthodox spinner, has returned from her own injury and has been included in both squads. Apart from the missing Lewis, there are no changes from the squad for the tri-series, which is a 14-member line-up, for the World Cup.
At the T20 World Cup, Ireland have been grouped with tournament hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, Scotland, Sri Lanka and past winners West Indies.
Ireland are ranked ninth in the format, ahead of only Scotland (11th) among the teams in their group, and will start their World Cup campaign on the second day of competition, against Scotland in Manchester.
Ireland were most recently in action at the T20 World Cup qualifiers played in Nepal in January-February this year, and finished second to Bangladesh.
Lewis’ fitness will be key for Ireland at the World Cup, with her being their top-ranked batter, currently at joint-14th on the ICC T20I rankings. She was also the top run getter at the qualifiers with 276 runs in seven innings, scoring her runs at a strike rate of 119.48.
Prendergast is the next best at No. 26, followed by Amy Hunter at No. 29. Prendergast is also the seventh-ranked allrounder in women’s T20Is.
Ireland squad for women’s T20 World Cup
Gaby Lewis (capt), Orla Prendergast (vice-capt), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell
Ireland squad for tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies
Orla Prendergast (capt), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell
[Cricinfo]
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has issued a statement approving the members nominated for the new Selection Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
The appointments have been made by the Sports Minister in accordance with the powers vested under Section 39 (1) of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973 and the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2437/24 dated May 21, 2025.
The members of the new selection committee are:
Kapila Wijegunawardena – Chairman
Amal Silva – Member
Brendon Kuruppu – Member
Waruna Waragoda – Member
Vanessa De Silva – Member
PM meets academic experts from the British Council
Gaby Lewis to lead Ireland at T20 World Cup
PM meets Sri Lankan community living in London
Kapila Wijegunawardena to head SLC’s new selection committee
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