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Murali backs Sri Lanka to stump top-ranked Australia

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Muttiah Muralitharan

Sri Lanka’s spin wizard and the world’s highest wicket-taker, Muttiah Muralitharan, has thrown his weight behind the home side, backing them to turn the tables on number one ranked Australia in the upcoming two-match Test series. Despite the series being a dead rubber – given that the finalists for the World Test Championship are already decided – Sri Lanka are eager to reclaim the Warne-Murali Trophy, which slipped through their fingers in 2019.

Muralitharan, who is set to grace Galle and hand over the coveted trophy named after himself and the late spin maestro Shane Warne, believes Sri Lanka’s recent resurgence bodes well for their chances.

“I’ll be in Galle for the last two days of the series, and I strongly believe Sri Lanka can win. Our track record in Galle speaks for itself, and more importantly, the team has turned a corner in recent months,” Murali told Telecom Asia. “Since Sanath Jayasuriya took over as Head Coach, they’ve addressed crucial shortcomings and started winning consistently. Even in defeat, they put up a fight, which is a clear sign of progress. It’s refreshing to see.”

Murali pointed to Sri Lanka’s biggest trump card – the spinning tracks in Galle – where the home side knows the terrain like the back of their hand.

“The pitch will turn, and that plays right into our strengths,” Murali noted. “However, my only concern is if it starts spinning from ball one, the toss could become the ultimate decider. That shouldn’t be the case – cricket is a game of skill, not a lottery. If the pitch behaves, Sri Lanka have the ability to take the game deep and outlast Australia. It’s going to be an exciting battle.”

Muralitharan also took a walk down memory lane, reflecting on his famous rivalry and friendship with Shane Warne. The two legendary tweakers were locked in a gripping race to 500 Test wickets, with Warne reaching the milestone first in Galle in 2004, while Murali followed suit just a week later in his hometown of Kandy. Debuting in 1992, Warne bid farewell to the game in 2007 with 708 wickets to his name, while Murali – three years his junior – pressed on until 2010, finishing with a jaw-dropping 800 Test wickets. They remain cricket’s two leading wicket-takers in the longest format.

In 2007, Cricket Australia and Sri Lanka Cricket immortalized their legacy by naming the bilateral series in their honour. Australia held onto the trophy until Sri Lanka’s emphatic 3-0 whitewash in 2016, but the Aussies wrestled it back in 2019 and managed to hold on after a 1-1 stalemate in 2022.

“For Warnie, Sri Lanka was always close to his heart,” Murali reminisced. “He reached his 500th wicket here in 2004, and when the tsunami struck later that year, he didn’t hesitate to fly down and see the devastation firsthand. He toured with me, spreading awareness through the Foundation of Goodness, which saw funds pouring in to rebuild shattered lives. Sri Lankans will always be truly grateful for Warnie’s generosity.”

Warne’s brother, Jason, who visited Sri Lanka during the last series to commemorate the legendary leggie, echoed similar sentiments. He recalled how Shane held Sri Lanka in high regard, having taken giant strides in his career on these shores. As a raw youngster on his first overseas tour, Warne announced himself by spinning Australia to a thrilling 16-run victory, defending a modest target of 181 in Colombo – a moment that kick-started his illustrious career.

Courtesy: Telecom Asia



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Clash of the Sisters set for October 4

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Past students of eight schools will come together in the inaugural 'Clash of the Sisters.'

The St. Lawrence’s Convent Past Pupils Association will bring together former students from several leading schools for a day of cricket and camaraderie when the ‘Clash of the Sisters ’26’ takes place at the Wesley College Grounds, Campbell Park, on Sunday, October 4.

The tournament will feature a series of fast-paced 10-over softball cricket matches, with past pupils renewing old friendships while representing their respective schools in a spirit of friendly rivalry.

The women’s competition will feature teams representing St. Lawrence’s Convent, St. Bridget’s Convent, Holy Family Convent, St. Anne’s BMV Wattala, Ave Maria Convent Negombo, Ladies’ College, Musaeus College and Methodist College.

A men’s invitational exhibition match will also be staged, with the Old Wesleyites Sports Club taking on the S. Thomas’ College OBA.

Organisers are also planning a carnival atmosphere away from the cricket, with food stalls, games, entertainment and other activities lined up for alumni, families and visitors.

The event is being organised by the St. Lawrence’s Convent Past Pupils Association 2026/27 with the aim of bringing together different alumni communities and strengthening ties between past pupils through sport.

With eight schools involved in the women’s competition and an exhibition fixture adding further interest, organisers expect the event to provide a lively mix of cricket, fellowship and school spirit.

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Play cricket with passion, Madugalle tells youngsters

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Ranjan Madugalle delivering the key note address

by Rex Clementine

Former Sri Lanka captain Ranjan Madugalle urged the next generation of cricketers to wear the national colours with passion and pride, reminding youngsters that there is no greater honour in the game than representing their country.

The ICC’s Chief Match Referee was speaking at a ceremony at the P. Sara Oval where Tamil Union’s players and coaching staff were felicitated following their triumph in the domestic T-20 competition a fortnight ago.

“I hear that four players from this team will be travelling to Japan tomorrow to represent Sri Lanka at the Asian Games. That’s a very good achievement for any club and I urge you to play with passion and be committed. There is no bigger honour than representing your country,” Madugalle said.

Madugalle, who charmed cricket lovers with his elegant stroke play during his playing days, held the gathering spellbound with an eloquent address that also took him on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

“I have many fond memories of P. Sara Oval. I walked into this ground as an 11-year-old to watch the Royal-Thomian. I played our inaugural Test here, but above all, my most memorable moment at this ground was when we won our maiden Test against India in 1985.”

The P. Sara Oval occupies a special place in Sri Lankan cricket history. It hosted the country’s inaugural Test against England in 1982 and, three years later, the island’s maiden Test victory when Sri Lanka stunned India.

Madugalle also paid tribute to several Tamil Union stalwarts who had played an influential role in his cricketing journey.

“This club has several stalwarts of the game and there are three people I looked up to. One was Sathi Coomaraswamy, who invited me into the dressing room when I was a kid and ignited the passion in me for the game. Then, of course, there are other gentlemen like Chandra Schaffter and T. Murugaser, who were managers when I was representing the Sri Lankan team.”

Madugalle, a former Head Prefect of Royal College, received a prolonged ovation at the conclusion of his address. Also present was another former Royal Head Prefect, Eran Wickramaratne, who represented Tamil Union in First Class cricket and currently heads Sri Lanka Cricket.

Tamil Union’s championship winning players and coaching staff were felicitated during the ceremony, while club patron Chandra Schaffter made a personal donation of Rs. 1.5 million to the players.

SLC officials, Tamil Union members and several former presidents of the club, including S. Skandakumar, Dinal Philips, A.R. Rasiah, Selva Perumal, Kandos Kandasamy and N. Vasanthakumar, were among those present.

Tamil Union enjoyed a remarkable run in this season’s T-20 competition, winning nine matches on the trot before overcoming SSC in the final. The side was captained by wicketkeeper batter Minod Bhanuka.

The club had further reason to celebrate with four of its playersl Tharindu Rathnayake, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Binura Fernando and Sineth Jayawardene selected to represent Sri Lanka at the Asian Games in Japan.

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Mosvold Martinus Foundation Challenge Trophy on October 4

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Connaissance de Ceylan will be looking to defend their title

Mosvold Sri Lanka, whose portfolio includes Mosvold Villa Ahangama and Sundara by Mosvold Balapitiya, will stage the second edition of the Mosvold Sixes in partnership with the Mosvold Martinus Foundation on Sunday, 4th October 2026, at the Colombo Malay Cricket Club.

The six a side softball cricket tournament brings together twenty destination management companies from across the travel trade for a day of competition, networking and celebration ahead of the industry’s busiest months.

Play runs from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, with food and beer available throughout the day. Once the final match is done, the tournament moves into an evening of live music and an after party for players and guests.

Now in its second year, the Mosvold Sixes began as a way to bring the travel trade together as a season opener, a chance for agents, suppliers and partners to network, play cricket and unwind before the season ahead gets busy. Mosvold Sri Lanka says the longer term goal is to widen the tournament to foreign agents, giving international partners a firsthand look at how the local trade works, plays and welcomes visitors.

The tournament trophy, the Mosvold Martinus Foundation Challenge Trophy, is named after the Foundation by design. Giving back sits at the centre of the event, and the Foundation’s work spans education, women and community upliftment.

Twenty DMCs have confirmed for this year’s tournament: Tangerine Tours, Sri Lanka Tailormade, Olanka Travels, Antiquity Sri Lanka, Travel Trends Leisure, House of Travels & Tourism, NKAR Travels & Tours, Jetwing Travels, Walkers Tours, Connaissance de Ceylan, Delux Holidays, Ceylon Roots, Spiceland Holidays, Infinity Vacations, Tropiculture, Serene Travels, Authenticities, Red Apple Travel & Holidays Lanka, DTH Travel Lanka and Ceylon Tours.

Connaissance de Ceylan enters as the defending champions, having won the inaugural tournament last year.

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