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Asalanka century negated by Taskin four-for as Bangladesh knock Sri Lanka out for 244

Published

11 months ago

2025/07/2

Priyan

Charith Asalanka made 106 off 123 balls (Cricinfo)

Sri Lanka 244 in 49.2 overs (Charith Asalanka 106, Kusal Mendis 45, Janith Liyanage 29, Milan Rathnayake 22, Wanindu Hasaranga. Taskin Ahmed 4-47, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 3-46) vs Banglades

Charith Asalanka played a lone hand to drag Sri Lanka to 244 before they were all out in 49.2 overs in the first ODI against Bangladesh. The Sri Lankan captain reached his fifth ODI century, his second against these opponents, but the rest of the batters couldn’t quite support him with a substantial score or a 100-plus partnership.

Bangladesh would be confident chasing the 245-run target after their bowlers kept them in the game with a disciplined effort. Taskin Ahmed, returning to competitive cricket after three months, was the best bowler on show, with his four-wicket haul.

Asalanka fell in the last over of the innings, having made 106 off 123 balls, including six fours and four sixes. He crossed 1,000 runs at the R Premadasa Stadium where he stands level with Sanath Jayasuriya, Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar after scoring his fourth century at the venue.

Taskin’s verve made sure that Bangladesh got off to a strong start with the new ball, reducing Sri Lanka to 29 for 3 in the seventh over. Pathum Nissanka, who was in great form in the Tests, fell to a wayward drive against Tanzim Hasan Sakib, before Nishan Madushka dragged Taskin’s outswinger on to his stumps.

Kamindu Mendis then fell trying to drive Taskin, for a duck. Kusal Mendis and Asalanka added 60 runs for the fourth wicket, with Mendis dominating proceedings. He struck six fours and a six in his 45, before he fell lbw to the newcomer Tanvir Islam. The dismissal was confirmed on the umpire’s call upon review by Mendis.

Asalanka added 64 more runs for the fifth wicket with Janith Liyanage, who contributed 29 off 40 balls. He struck some attractive shots but fell to the part-timer Najmul Hossain Shanto in the 32nd over.

Asalanka though forged along, hitting some nice shots but mostly batting as the innings anchor. He added 39 runs for the sixth wicket with Milan Rathnayake, who was on ODI debut and made 22.

Wanindu Hasaranga tried to push the scoring rate but fell for a run-a-ball 22, becoming Taskin’s third wicket in the 46th over. Taskin removed Maheesh Theekshana later in the same over. Tanzim then finished off the innings with Asalanka’s wicket in the last over, before Eshan Malinga was run out in the following delivery.

Taskin’s four wickets apart, Tanzim took three wickets while Tanvir and Shanto took one each.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka 244 in 49.2 overs (Charith Asalanka 106, Kusal Mendis 45, Janith Liyanage 29, Milan Rathnayake 22, Wanindu Hasaranga. Taskin Ahmed 4-47, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 3-46) vs Bangladesh

(Cricinfo)

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Gaby Lewis to lead Ireland at T20 World Cup

Published

5 hours ago

2026/05/21

Priyan

Gaby Lewis is Ireland's best batter and key to their chances at the T20 World Cup [Cricinfo]

Gaby Lewis has been rested for Ireland’s upcoming T20I tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies at home in Clontarf as she recovers from a recent leg injury but has been named captain – for the first time at a global event – for the T20 World Cup in June-July in England.

Orla Prendergast, the vice-captain for the World Cup, will lead the side in the tri-series in Lewis’ absence. No vice-captain has been named for the tri-series.

In terms of ins and outs, Jane Maguire, the right-arm medium pacer, has been ruled out of contention with an injury, but her sister Aimee Maguire, the left-arm orthodox spinner, has returned from her own injury and has been included in both squads. Apart from the missing Lewis, there are no changes from the squad for the tri-series, which is a 14-member line-up, for the World Cup.

At the T20 World Cup, Ireland have been grouped with tournament hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, Scotland, Sri Lanka and past winners West Indies.

Ireland are ranked ninth in the format, ahead of only Scotland (11th) among the teams in their group, and will start their World Cup campaign on the second day of competition, against Scotland in Manchester.

Ireland were most recently in action at the T20 World Cup qualifiers played in Nepal in January-February this year, and finished second to Bangladesh.

Lewis’ fitness will be key for Ireland at the World Cup, with her being their top-ranked batter, currently at joint-14th on the ICC T20I rankings. She was also the top run getter at the qualifiers with 276 runs in seven innings, scoring her runs at a strike rate of 119.48.

Prendergast is the next best at No. 26, followed by Amy Hunter at No. 29. Prendergast is also the seventh-ranked allrounder in women’s T20Is.

Ireland squad for women’s T20 World Cup

Gaby Lewis (capt), Orla Prendergast (vice-capt), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell

Ireland squad for tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies

Orla Prendergast (capt), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell

[Cricinfo]

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Kapila Wijegunawardena to head SLC’s new selection committee

Published

6 hours ago

2026/05/21

Priyan

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has issued a statement approving the members nominated for the new Selection Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

The appointments have been made by the Sports Minister in accordance with the powers vested under Section 39 (1) of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973 and the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2437/24 dated May 21, 2025.

The members of the new selection committee are:

Kapila Wijegunawardena – Chairman

Amal Silva – Member

Brendon Kuruppu – Member

Waruna Waragoda – Member

Vanessa De Silva – Member

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Afghanistan refugee women’s team set for England tour under ECB initiative

Published

6 hours ago

2026/05/21

Priyan

The visiting Afghanistan women's team will also attend the final of the Women's T20 World Cup

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will host an Afghanistan Refugee Women’s Team for a tour beginning on June 22. The programme will include T20 matches and high-performance training opportunities and will be delivered in partnership with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and the MCC Foundation. The visiting players will also attend the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Lord’s, scheduled to be held on July 5.

The tour is significant because the visiting squad comprises former Afghanistan women cricketers who had to leave the country following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, after which women were effectively excluded from sport and public life. Many of the players eventually resettled in Australia, where they have continued to pursue cricket. An Afghanistan women’s team played against a ‘Cricket Without Borders XI’ at the Junction Oval in January 2025 ahead of the Women’s Ashes Test at the MCG, a game that was streamed by Cricket Australia.

The ECB said the tour aimed not only to provide competitive opportunities but also to reaffirm cricket’s commitment to inclusivity. “Since being displaced from Afghanistan in 2021, these players have shown extraordinary resilience in continuing their cricket journeys, in incredibly challenging circumstances,” Clare Connor, ECB Deputy CEO and Managing Director of England Women, said.

“We have worked with It’s Game On to build an itinerary and a set of experiences that we hope will be enjoyable and memorable. We are also delighted that the squad will attend the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

“Cricket has a responsibility to stand for inclusion and opportunity, and we are proud to be hosting this tour and supporting the players in deepening their connection to the game.”

The relocation and continued support of the players has been facilitated in part by It’s Game On, a global sports consultancy co-founded by former Australia cricketer Mel Jones and Emma Staples, along with Dr Catherine Orway. Jones, in particular, played a pivotal role in helping the players relocate to Australia. Her organisation has worked with international sporting bodies on initiatives centred around equity and opportunities for displaced female athletes.

“This tour is a major step forward, but also highlights how much work remains,” Jones said.

“These players have shown extraordinary courage and commitment to the game, despite everything that has been taken from them. They deserve more opportunities like this; they deserve to be recognised as part of the global cricket community. Moments like this matter, but we need to see plans for sustained and meaningful action beyond this year.”

[Cricbuzz]