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New Zealand demolish Sri Lanka despite Theekshana’s hattrick
Maheesh Theekshana’s hattrick was in vain as New Zealand sealed the three-match series against Sri Lanka with another massive 113-run victory in a rain-curtailed second ODI in Hamilton. After a lengthy rain delay, Rachin Ravindra (79) and Mark Chapman (62) hit half-centuries to propel the hosts to 255 for 9 with Theekshana tying up the lower-order. However, barring Kamindu Mendis, neither of the Sri Lankan batters stepped up as the visitors folded for just 142 in reply.
After pre-toss showers delayed the start of proceedings, Sri Lanka opted to bowl first in order to make the most of the conditions on offer. But an early wicket of Will Young is all they could manage in the PowerPlay before the two half-centurions combined for a century stand.
Both Ravindra and Chapman looked flawless at the crease in their 112-run partnership for the second wicket. Both were equally aggressive, but it was the opener who got to his fifty first – with a six off Wanindu Hasaranga straight down the ground – in 43 deliveries. Chapman followed soon enough, and also with a maximum – off Eshan Malinga – as New Zealand cruised to a comfortable 143 for 1 in the 20th over until Theekshana struck on the last ball.
This was the start of a spin-inspired late comeback from the visitors as Ravindra lasted only a little longer. He did hit three boundaries in a quick timeframe to take the hosts past 150, but Hasaranga took him out at the end of the 23rd. Daryl Mitchell’s run-a-ball 38 was well complemented by skipper Mitchell Santner’s quick cameo of 20 in 15 deliveries – where he took Asitha Fernando to the cleaners – before Sri Lanka came back to clip their wings. Theekshana dismissed Santner in the very next over, followed by Nathan Smith and then Matt Henry at the start of his next – and final over – to complete a hattrick. He finished with overall figures of 4 for 44 in eight overs, playing a major hand alongside Hasaranga in restricting the hosts who looked set, at one point, to post 280+.
But Sri Lanka’s top-order woes continued for a second successive game. They were reduced to 23 for 4 in the first ODI, and 22 for 4 today courtesy Jacob Duffy’s twin early strikes and a run-out of their captain. Kamindu fought a lone battle from there on. He led two useful partnerships – worth 57 with Janith Liyanage (22 off 31) and of 47 runs with Chamindu Wickramasinghe (17 off 27). However, the latter’s run-out also came at a crucial juncture to douse any hopes.
Kamindu reached his half-century in the 24th over, with back to back fours off Daryl Mitchell. However, William O’Rourke sent him packing soon after on 64. He was the eighth batter dismissed, reducing Sri Lanka to 131 for 8 and the tall pacer cleaned up the tail too all by himself to shoot down the visitors inside 31 overs and secure a big win.
Brief scores:
New Zealand 255/9 in 37 overs (Rachin Ravindra 79, Mark Chapman 62; Maheesh Theekshana 4-44, Wanidu Hasaranga 2-39) beat Sri Lanka 142 all out in 30.2 overs (Kamindu Mendis 64; Janith Liyanage 22; William O’Rourke 3-32, Jacob Duffy 2-30) by 113 runs – match reduced to 37 over per side due to rain
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 17 April 2026, valid for 18 April 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Being a key frontline stakeholder in the national mission, ‘A Nation United,’ the Navy continues to maintain a vigilant maritime shield to eradicate the drug menace from society.
During yet another successful operation on the high seas south of Sri Lanka, the Navy intercepted a local multi-day fishing trawler and apprehended four suspects in connection with the
smuggling of a stock of suspected narcotics.
The intercepted trawler, along with the suspects, was escorted to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour today, (17 April 2026).
During a special inspection at the fisheries harbour, the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) confirmed the presence of over 161kg of heroin.
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekera (Retd), and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, to inspect seized narcotics.
Addressing the media, the Deputy Minister emphasized that drug trafficking has long persisted as an organized and sophisticated criminal enterprise. He highlighted that under the current government’s national mission, ‘A Nation United,’ a robust state mechanism is now in motion, integrating the Tri-Forces, Police, Special Task Force, PNB, and international agencies to dismantle these networks.
Underscoring the Navy’s operational success, the Deputy Minister revealed that in 2025 alone, the Navy seized narcotics valued at over Rs. 75,000 million. In the first four months of 2026, the momentum has continued with nearly Rs. 50,000 million worth of drugs intercepted and produced for legal action.
During this short period, 14 local multi-day trawlers and 127 suspects have been apprehended. He issued a stern assurance that seized drugs would never find their way back into society, as they are systematically destroyed under strict protocols.
“Human capital is our nation’s most vital asset,” the Deputy Minister noted, adding that a healthy population leads to a quality workforce and a resilient economy. He further remarked that the vision of a “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”, extends beyond financial stability to include the dignity, discipline, and mindset of the citizenry.
“On the instructions of the President, new legislation is being drafted for Parliamentary approval to further empower this national mission and ensure a law-abiding, civilized society for future generations”, he stated.
Concluding the briefing, the Deputy Minister lauded the media for their role in drug prevention and urged continued responsible journalism to educate the public on the dangers of narcotics.
Meanwhile, the apprehended suspects, the multi-day trawler, and the 161kg heroin shipment were handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for onward investigation and legal proceedings.
Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody and Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala have resigned from their respective positions today (17)
Ex-lawmakers group calls for IPU’s intervention to check “irregularities” in Parliament
Power and Energy Minister, Ministry Secy resign over coal probe
President appoints Commission to probe irregularities in coal imports from inception of Norochcholai
Heroin haul transported on 50-million-rupee contract
Kongahage and another released on bail
SriLankan ex-CEO refused bail
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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