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Australia on brink as Sri Lanka eye Super Eights spot

Published

4 weeks ago

2026/02/15

Priyan

Travis Head led Australia in Mitch Marsh's absence [Cricinfo]

Australia have no room for error now. Mathematically they won’t be eliminated with a defeat against ri Lanka, but it would leave them needing something close to a miracle. For Sri Lanka, the stakes aren’t quite as high, but with a confident Zimbabwe as their last opposition in the group stage they would ideally not want to leave their fate uncertain. A win would lock them into the Super Eights.

T20 World Cups hold an odd position in Australia men’s cricket. Poor ones, of which there have been a few over the years, don’t really lead to calls for wholesale changes that defeats in marquee Tests can do or underperforming ODI World Cup campaigns (as rare as they are). But it’s fair to say, more people are now engaged with Australia’s fortunes following the ;oss to Zimbabwe. A group stage exit would be a significant failure.

The initial fallout to that loss has raised questions about both the batting and bowling. Only taking two wickets has shone a light on a lack of strike power, particularly when Adam Zampa is kept quiet, but in truth Australia should still have been able to chase 170 given their whole T20 philosophy over the last 18 months has been the depth and power of the order. With form questions over a few players coming in, and lack of cricket for others, the injury to Mitchell Marsh was especially untimely.

Sri Lanka had enough to get past Ireland (aided by the latter’s fielding) and were comfortably too strong for Oman. That contest was a nice ego boost for the batting with Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake and the under-pressure captain Dasun Shanka flaying half-centuries. In their opening game, Kamindu Mendis had produced an eye-catching display. They certainly have the tools to cause Australia’s undermanned attack problems.

These two sides have not played each other in a T20I since the 2022 World Cup when Marcus Stoinis hunted down the target with an 18-ball 59. And while no one is really an unknown in international cricket these days given the franchise game and accessibility of footage, it is worth noting Australia have never faced Matheesha Pathirana, this generation’s slinger, although in all T20s only Marsh from a potential top order has been dismissed by him. Glenn Maxwell has 26 runs off ten balls against him, Tim David 21 off 12.

Left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Sunith Wellalage has yet to play a T20I against Australia, but in ODIs he has had quite the time of it with 16 wickets at 20.12 from eight matches which included making his debut as a 19-year-old in 2022. Eleven of those wickets have come at the Premadasa, in five matches, compared to four in two games at Pallekele, but Australia have not always combated left-arm spin well. He has started the tournament with tidy figures of 1 for 28 and 1 for 17. He shapes as even more important given the tournament ending injury to Wanidu Hasaranga and the uncertain form of Dushan Hemantha who went for 45 against Oman.

Tim David’s elevation up the order was a key part of Australia’s planning for this tournament during 2025 when their T20 game clicked nicely. But the hamstring injury he picked up on Boxing Day for Hobart Hurricanes put a spanner in works because it has left David short of match time. He wasn’t ready for the series in Pakistan and was left out against Ireland. Facing Zimbabwe, he picked out short fine leg second ball as part of the powerplay collapse. If Australia are to go deep in this tournament, David will need to fire.

Sri Lanka have a couple of issues to ponder. One is whether they stick with Hemantha or bring in an extra seamer, Pramod Madushan. Another option would be to alter the balance of the side and include Charith Asalanka as a spin-bowling allrounder. Kamil Mishara’s spot could be under pressure after a couple of low scores with Kusal Perera an alternative.

Sri Lanka (possible) Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha/Charith Asalanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana

The word from the Australia camp is that Marsh has improved and could come into contention but he will have to get through training on Sunday. Stoinis has avoided serious injury after the blow to the hand while bowling against Zimbabwe. Steven Smith is now with the squad but has not been officially added, although there is still time before facing Sri Lanka. If Marsh is fit, a big call will need to be made on who misses out given Matt Renshaw has impressed. It could come down to between Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green unless the selectors opt for just three specialist bowlers.

Australia (possible) Mitchell Marsh (capt), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matt Kuhnemann

[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

7 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)

Latest News

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

7 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.