Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando have been ruled out of Sri Lanka’s upcoming T20I series against England,  with the SLC saying that the two were “still undergoing rehabilitation” after injuries picked up at the 2026 Lanka Premier League.

The update came just over a day after the two were named in the 16-member squad, with Kusal retained as captain of both the T20I and the ODI sides.Charith Asalanka, who had returned to the vice-captain’s position for the series, will now lead the side in the T20Is. Though Kusal hasn’t been ruled out of the ODIs just yet, were he to miss out, Asalanka, as the designated vice-captain, might step in there too.

Kusal has been out of action since July 19 with a right hamstring injury, while Binura hasn’t played since August 5, SLC putting his absence down to a back injury.

Pavan Rathnayake, the 24-year-old top-order batter, has replaced Kusal in the T20I touring party, while Dilshan Madushanka, the fast bowler who was in the squad for the Tests against India recently but didn’t get to play, has come in for Binura.

(Cricinfo)

‎Devapathiraja College, Rathgama came up with a strong all-round performance to defeat Royal College, Colombo by 33 runs and secure the Under-15 Division I cricket title at the Ananda College Grounds on Thursday.

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‎Chasing 193 to win, Royal looked well placed thanks to a determined 78 off 105 balls from Ramiru Thiranagama who scored eight boundaries. Herschel Dan chipped in with 33 off 69 balls and Ravinu Ranathunga made a brisk 22 off 21, but the middle and lower order struggled as Devapathiraja’s bowlers took wickets at regular intervals. After being 126 for three wickets at one stage, Royal lost their last seven batsmen for 33 run to be bowled out in the 44th  over.

‎Diyath Sanjitha led the bowling attack with three for 47, ably supported by Deneth Dinuka’s three wickets, while Meneth Sankalana and Gauthem Surya picked up two apiece.

‎Batting first after winning the toss, Devapathiraja posted 192 for nine in their 49 overs. Shanidu Sineth Mikeshara anchored the innings with a patient 51 off 126 balls, while Gauthem Surya provided the acceleration with 45 from 56 deliveries, striking six fours and a six. Himansa Elithpriya (20), Denuwan Yositha (19) and an unbeaten 16 from Sineth Madhusanka helped push the total to a competitive mark.

‎Mahima Silva was Royal’s most economical bowler, returning figures of two for 22 from nine overs, while Wishmida Fernando also picked up two wickets.

‎The victory capped a successful campaign for Devapathiraja, who have now confirmed that they have formidable teams in each of the top three age categories. [RF]

Smriti  Mandhana filled her batting coffers with her second T20I century, along the way surpassing Mithali Raj for the record for most runs in women’s internationals, to help India secure a second straight win on Thursday night in Dubai.

Hong Kong’s nerves showed on the field when they fell flat at the first sign of attack from India’s batters, and their timid approach in the chase further exposed the gulf in quality and experience. In the end, they lost by 137 runs – 13 more than what Mandhana managed on her own.

A second straight loss meant Hong Kong will only have some pride to play for, as a berth in the next round is now out of the equation.

India’s cautious start

At the end of five overs, India were 38 without loss – not concerning, but not dominating enough either. They took a while to suss up the lack of pace from the bowlers. Mandhana hogged much of the strike; Shafali Verma faced just six balls in the first five overs. Hong Kong couldn’t have been happier at having kept a lid on the scoring.