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Bangladesh aim to put collapse behind them and challenge Sri Lanka

Published

8 months ago

2025/07/5

Priyan

Bangladesh suffered a collapse of 7 for 5 in the first ODI against Sri Lanka (Cricinfo)

These are probably some of the self-soothing platitudes those in the Bangladesh camp might be telling themselves after their calamitous display with the bat in the first ODI against Sri Lanka. Seven wickets for five runs, from 100 for 1 to 105 for 8 – a simple fact that there is no hiding from. But for that self-soothing to truly take effect, they might need to pick themselves off the mat, take a cold and hard look at their performance, and maybe understand that there was more good than bad.

Or rather, understand that on most days, the bad will never be quite as bad. After all, they had restricted a fairly robust Sri Lanka batting line-up to just 244 – a score that needed yet another rescue act from ~~captain cool Charith~~ Asalanka to attain, and one that seemed at least 40 runs below par. Then with the bat, Tanzid Hasan, during his 61-ball 62, made the surface look what it was: a bit sticky but any demons firmly in slumber.

In truth, this was simply something that happens in sport every once so often, where one team performs at a level well above average, and another plunges to new depths of mediocrity; Sri Lanka were electric in the field, while some Bangladesh batters missed straight deliveries. That is the barebones reality.

So while Bangladesh might do well not to dwell too much on their performance, Sri Lanka would do similarly well not to get carried away. The emphatic nature of the end result obscured some less-than-illustrious batting from the top order, while their bowling – particularly from the seamers – lacked the menace and tenacity of their Bangladesh counterparts.

Sri Lanka may also wonder why the promised seamer- and-batter-friendly surface in Colombo never transpired. They had stacked their side with three seamers, but by the end of the game, both of Kamindu Mendis’ arms were getting more of a workout than any of Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando or Eshan Malinga.

Bangladesh, too, had opted for three seamers, and it will be interesting to see if both sides persevere with that strategy. But in any eventuality, a reversion to the mean for one – or both – of these sides, might mean that the second ODI on Saturday might just end up being the close contest the first had promised for long periods, before veering off the rails so dramatically.

On the fourth ball Kamindu Mendis faced in the first ODI on Wednesday, he looked to drive Taskin Ahmed on the up, only to end up chipping a simple catch to mid-off. Fast forward a few hours, and off the fourth delivery he bowled, Kamindu snuck one through Towhid Hridoy’s defences before proceeding to grab two more wickets to instigate Bangladesh’s collapse. Those three wickets also came courtesy both arms, and considering the action he was imparting on the ball, it seems Kamindu has been working on his bowling a little more as of late. In a format where versatility is so crucial, Kamindu’s increasing ability to impact in every area of the game could prove invaluable.

During his knock of 51 from 64 balls, with just the tail for company, Jaker Ali may have, for a fleeting moment, thought about achieving an impossible chase. In the end, he fell short, but for the hour or so that he was out in the middle, Sri Lanka – despite being so close to victory – couldn’t rest easy. But in taking on the bowling as comfortably as he did, Jaker once again showcased his ability to take hold of a game regardless of match state. For Bangladesh, the goal now should be to give him a platform to not just pull the side out of the mire, but also propel their innings to the types of totals modern ODIs demand.

Sri Lanka are likely to go with same XI, though Dunith Wellalage could come in for Milan Rathnayake if the pitch looks to support spin similar to the first game.

Sri Lanka (probable): Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (capt), Janith Liyanage, Milan Rathnayake/Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando

Rishad Hossain missed the first ODI with fever, and could be back in contention. If so, he might replace Tanvir Islam, who seemed to be struggling with his calf.

Bangladesh (probable): Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Jaker Ali, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Tanvir Islam/Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman

(Cricinfo)

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Bahrain & Saudi Arabia Grands Prix to be cancelled

Published

6 hours ago

2026/03/14

Priyan

The grands prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were scheduled for next month (BBC)

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix that were scheduled for next month are set to be cancelled as a result of the war in the Middle East.

A formal decision to call off the races has not yet been made but is expected before the end of the weekend.

Freight would need to start being shipped to the Middle East in the coming days. With no sign of the conflict between the US/Israel and Iran coming to a conclusion, holding the races would put personnel at too great a risk.

Neither event will be replaced, with the season being cut to 22 grands prix and F1 taking a commercial hit of more than £100m, given Bahrain and Saudi Arabia pay two of the highest hosting fees.

The race in Bahrain was scheduled to be on 12 April with Jeddah the following weekend.

Consideration was given to holding events at Portimao in Portugal, Imola in Italy or Istanbul Park in Turkey.

But it was accepted that the time to organise a race at any of those locations was too short, and there was little chance of securing a hosting fee.

The decision will mean there is a five-week break between the Japanese Grand Prix on 29 March and Miami on 3 May.

(BBC)

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Promoting Local Industries is a key priority of the Government – PM

Published

6 hours ago

2026/03/14

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that promoting the local industrial sector is one of the key priorities of the Government.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the official opening ceremony of the INCO 2026 Industrial Exhibition on 13 th of March, which is being held for the 20th consecutive year at the BMICH Exhibition Center.

The INCO 2026 Industrial Exhibition, organized by the Institution of Incorporated Engineers, Sri Lanka (IIESL), will be held from March 13 to 15.

Addressing at the event, Prime Minister stated:

“The engineering sector is a key driving force in addressing practical challenges faced by a country while enhancing efficiency and safety. In particular, the contribution extended by exhibitions of this nature encourages the student community to engage in innovation.

The Government has implemented several measures to accelerate the country’s industrial development. Notably, the National Industry Information System (NIIS) has established a centralized digital platform to collect data related to the country’s economic and industrial activities. The Government is also taking steps to provide necessary financial support to industrialists through Revolving Funds.

It is also noteworthy that this year’s exhibition has attracted international participation, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs to explore new markets and gain exposure to international technologies. With the participation of engineers, students, and entrepreneurs, this exhibition marks an important step toward the country’s industrial future”.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the Export Development Board Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the National Paper Company Limited Upali Rathnayake, President of the Institution of Incorporated Engineers, Sri Lanka Engineer Ananda Gunawardena, along with local and foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and industrialists.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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Heat Index at caution level at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala, Mannar and Vavuniya districts

Published

6 hours ago

2026/03/14

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 13 March 2026, valid for 14 March 2026.

The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at
some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala, Mannar and Vavuniya districts.

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 . For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.