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All-round Chase, effective Motie seal West Indies’ T20I series win over South Africa

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Roston Chase hit his first T20I half-century (Cricinfo)

West Indies sealed the three-match T20I series against South Africa, with a match to spare, and successfully defended 208 in front of enthusiastic Sabina Park supporters. With all the fixtures in this series being played at the same venue in Jamaica – which will not host any T20 World Cup games – the weekend crowd were out in full force on a Saturday afternoon to enjoy another strong performance from their side.

After choosing to bat, West Indies started slower than the first match (where they had reached 100 runs by the halfway mark) but paced their innings well. They accelerated in the middle and latter period, thanks to a 56-run fourth-wicket stand off 36 between Roston Chase and Andre Fletcher and a 63-run fifth-wicket stand, off only 25 balls, between Chase and Romario Shepherd. In the process, Chase scored his first T20I fifty.

Anrich Nortje returned to the South African side after almost nine months on the sidelines as he recovered from a lower back stress fracture and was expensive on his return. His four overs cost 47 runs, and he went wicketless. The star of South Africa’s bowling was debutant Nqabayomzi Peter who took 2 for 32, but is not in the T20 World Cup squad.

In response, South Africa were quick out of the blocks and brought up 100 in eight overs but no-one could kick on after Quinton de Kock’s 41. The middle-order were particularly disappointing and folded from 113 for 2 to 167 for 7, losing 5 for 54. South Africa may not be too concerned because none of Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs and David Miller were all not involved in this series and all four will return for the T20 World Cup.

Still, South Africa have not won a T20I series since August 2022, and have lost four of their last five series. Their ability against spin remains a concern and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie benefited most from that. He picked up career-best figures of 3 for 22 and has taken three wickets in each of his last three matches.

Little more than a year ago, Peter was a net bowler, without a domestic contract, bowling to South Africa’s batters in their preparation for a home series against West Indies. Now, after finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker at the CSA T20 Challenge for the title-winning Lions, he made his international debut at Sabina Park and immediately impressed.

Brought on to bowl just after the Powerplay, he tempted West Indies’ stand-in captain Brandon King into a big shot with his fourth ball that was full and wide outside off. King slapped it across the line but could not clear Wiaan Mulder at long-on, who took the catch over his head to give Peter the biggest name on debut. In his next over, Peter was not put off by Kyle Mayers hitting his googly for six and bowled it again. Mayers pulled to the area between deep square leg and fine leg, where Ryan Rickelton ran around to take the catch. Peter finished with 2 for 32 in his four overs.

Roston Chase has played high-level cricket for a dozen years but this is only his 13th T20I and before today, he had yet to score a half-century. That changed with an innovative innings that held West Indies together and ensured they accelerated in the second half of their innings. Five of Chase’s six fours were scored behind square and his two sixes were big ones, both off short balls. The second, off Lungi Ngidi, sailed over the stands and broke a window of one of the parked cars, as he brought up fifty off 30 balls.

Quinton de Kock has not been at his most fluent since retiring from ODI cricket at last year’s fifty-over World Cup but showed signs of returning to his best as he gave South Africa a speedy start. De Kock pulled the first ball he faced to fine leg and beat Kyle Mayers to find the boundary and went on to hit four fours and as many sixes in the 17 balls he faced. The shots of his knock were back-to-back sixes off Akeal Hosein, the first off a full ball that he slammed over mid-on, and the second off a short ball that he pulled over long-on. He was bowled in the same over but was still the major contributor to South Africa’s highest Powerplay score of 85 for 2.

Andile Phehlukwayo was promoted to No.6, above Wiaan Mulder, and was called on with eight overs left, and South Africa still 84 runs away from the target. They had not hit a boundary since the eighth over, and Phehlukwayo had no choice but to try and get one when Gudakesh Motie offered one full and wide. Phehlukwayo attempted a shot go over cover but Shamar Joseph moved to his right and dived diagonally to take an amazing catch in the deep. Two overs later, Akeal Hosein, at long-off, timed his jump well to end Rassie van der Dussen’s innings on 30, and with it South Africa’s hopes.

Brief scores:
West Indies 207 for 7 in 20 overs (Brandon King 36, Kyle Mayers 32, Roston Chase 67*, Andre Fletcher 29, Romario Shepherd 26; Lungi Ngidi 2-41, Bjorn Fortuin 1-21,  Nqabayomzi Peter 2-32, Andile  Phehlukwayo 2-51) beat  South Africa 191 for 7 in 20 overs (Reeza hendicks 34, Quinton de Kock 41, Rassie van der Dussen 30; Roston Chase 1-26, Akeal Hossain 1-45, Gudakesh Motie 3-22, Romario Shepherd 1-23) by 16 runs

(Cricinfo)



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Pathirana set to sling his way into Kiwi hearts

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Matheesha Pathirana will relish the challenge on the green tops of New Zeal

by Rex Clementine

Traveling to New Zealand feels like a journey to the ends of the earth. First, there’s the four-hour flight to Singapore, and from there, another ten hours to Auckland or Christchurch. But once you land, the long haul feels worth its weight in gold – New Zealand is an absolute gem, especially during Christmas.

The moment you step out of the airport and take that first breath, the air hits you like a tonic – fresh, crisp, and rejuvenating. The landscape is a symphony of green, and the people are as warm and welcoming as an open hearth on a chilly day. For a nation spanning over 260,000 square kilometers but housing just five million people, it’s nothing short of extraordinary what they’ve achieved on the global stage, especially with their beloved All Blacks.

New Zealand is a land of two islands, each with its own charm. The North Island, home to the bulk of the population, boasts bustling cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Hamilton. The South Island, on the other hand, is a visual feast – think scenic vistas straight out of a travel brochure – with cities like Christchurch, Dunedin, and the adventure capital, Queenstown.

For Sri Lankans, New Zealand holds a treasure trove of cricketing memories. None shine brighter than Aravinda de Silva’s majestic 267 in 1991 – his career-best innings, still celebrated to this day. His sister, Araliya, lived in New Zealand back then, and Aravinda fondly recalled how she’d whip up mouthwatering meals whenever he visited. However, her strict advice to return early to the team hotel often left him restless. One day, he broke free, stayed out late, and the very next day, he unleashed his full wrath on the Kiwis. That knock remains the highest score by an overseas player in Wellington – a testament to Aravinda’s maverick spirit. There won’t be another like him. Not in our lifetime.

New Zealand has been a happy hunting ground for Sri Lanka in more ways than one. It was here, in 1995, that Sri Lanka notched up their first-ever Test win against the Kiwis, a landmark moment in the island’s cricketing history.

Fast forward to 2024, and all eyes are on young Matheesha Pathirana, who looks poised to write his own chapter in this storied rivalry. New Zealand has always been kind to sling-arm pacers; it was here that Lasith Malinga announced himself to the world, leaving Kiwi batsmen – and umpires – scrambling for answers. The umpires even had to take a step back on the request of the batsmen for they had issues sighting the ball. Such was the shock factor of Malinga’s whippy, hard-to-pick action.

While many have tried to mimic Malinga, few – if any – have come close to matching his success. Pathirana, however, is cut from a different cloth. His blistering pace is what sets him apart from the dime-a-dozen Malinga copycats.

Although Pathirana has been in the spotlight for two years, his outings have mostly been limited to subcontinental conditions or slower wickets in places like Dubai, Bangladesh, and the USA. But New Zealand is a different ballgame – fast, seaming tracks with plenty of movement could prove to be his playground. These fresh wickets are the stuff pacers dream of, and they might just bring out the best in him.

Already a sensation in South India, Pathirana’s exploits for the Chennai Super Kings have made him a household name. Fans in Chennai practically worship him, thanks to his match-winning spells in the IPL. The franchise, owned by former ICC boss N. Srinivasan, didn’t hesitate to retain Pathirana’s services, opting to keep him rather than break the bank in the auction to buy him back.

Now, he has a chance to win over the hearts of Kiwi fans. Don’t be surprised if, by the end of this tour, Pathirana has the entire nation singing his praises. Sri Lanka’s New Zealand campaign kicks off with a warm-up game in Lincoln on Monday, with the first T20 International scheduled for January 28th at Mount Maunganui.

The stage is set, the spotlight is on, and Pathirana has all the tools to steal the show. Let’s hope he turns this trip to the land of the long white cloud into his own field of dreams.

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Lanka Chess Mart felicitates top chess players 

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Lanka Chess Mart felicitated four outstanding chess players in recognition of their dedication and achievements in Sri Lanka and abroad. The first chess themed shop in the country,  Lanka Chess Mart felicitated IM Ranindu Liyanage, WIM Devindya Oshini Gunawardena, WCM Dahamdi Sanudula and Thehas Rithmitha Kiringoda in the presence of the Head of the Russian House, Maria Popova, first secretary of the Russian Embassy and Buddhapriya Ramanayake, Chief Executive Officer of the Russian House.

In the picture from left are IM Ranindu Liyanage, WIM Devindya Oshini, Maria Popova, Director of Russian House in Colombo, Suneetha Wijesuriya,  Fide Trainer and Director, Lanka Chess Mart, Buddhapriya Ramanayake, Chief Executive Officer of Russian House, Nishantha Withanage, Manager of Lanka Chess Mart, WCM Dahamdi Sanudula and Thehas Kiringoda, (World Under 9 schools champion -2023)

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SLC enacts historic constitutional reforms

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SLC President and newly elected Asian Cricket Council President Shammi Silva addresses the EGM held on Friday in Colombo flanked by SLC Vice-President Jayantha Dharmadasa and Acting Secretary Chryshantha Kapuwatte.

Voting membership reduced from 147 to 60

In a landmark move aimed at promoting good governance and efficiency, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has approved significant amendments to its constitution during an Extraordinary General Meeting held on Friday.

The most notable change involves a drastic reduction in the number of voting members, from 147 to 60. Under the new structure, voting rights will be allocated based on the level of cricket played by each member club, with each qualified club or association being entitled to just one vote. This change is seen as a vital step toward equitable representation and streamlined decision-making within the organization.

In a bid to enhance financial transparency, SLC members also approved the formation of three key committees: the Audit Committee, the Investment and Budget Committee, and the Related Party Transactions Committee. These bodies are expected to play a critical role in improving financial oversight and accountability.

SLC stated that these constitutional changes reflect a commitment to fostering professionalism, inclusivity, and meritocracy. The reforms are expected to create a more level playing field for cricketing stakeholders, ensuring representation is tied to tangible contributions to the sport’s development across Sri Lanka.

Additionally, the Extraordinary General Meeting saw the appointment of the Election Committee for 2025, chaired by retired Court of Appeal Judge Malanie Gunaratne. The committee, comprising four other members, will oversee preparations for the SLC elections scheduled for next year.

These sweeping changes underline SLC’s determination to pave the way for the holistic growth of cricket in Sri Lanka, combining transparency, merit, and inclusivity at every level of its governance.

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