Rex Clementine  at Dambulla

The New Zealand cricket team took a breather, immersing themselves in the natural splendor of Minneriya, where they witnessed the breathtaking ‘Gathering’ — a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle where elephants congregate around the Minneriya Reservoir during the dry season. It’s a sight to behold, one of the world’s most captivating wildlife events, and a must-see for nature lovers.

But today, the Kiwis will shift their focus back to the pitch, preparing to face Sri Lanka in a two-match T20 series kicking off at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Riding high on a stunning Test series triumph over India, where they handed the hosts a 3-0 whitewash, the Kiwis have shaken the foundations of Indian cricket. The loss has sent shockwaves through Indian cricket circles, with many demanding the heads of captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir, and even the illustrious Virat Kohli hasn’t escaped criticism.

Despite New Zealand’s momentum, Sri Lanka will step onto the field as the firm favorites. The islanders blanked the Kiwis 2-0 in last month’s Test series, and with several top New Zealand players focused on their upcoming home Test series against England, this white-ball squad looks somewhat underpowered. The Kiwis’ World Test Championship hopes were dashed after the drubbing in Sri Lanka, but cricket has a way of flipping the script, as they showed by turning the tables on India in their own backyard. No wonder reputed cricket writer Rajan Bala called cricket the game of glorious uncertainties.

In the absence of regulars, New Zealand will be under the leadership of left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, one of their standout players in the series against India.

Since taking charge, Sanath Jayasuriya has set his sights on two goals: lifting Sri Lanka’s rankings from the bottom rungs and clinching overseas victories. With a laser-like focus, he’s making strides on both fronts. Sri Lanka recently downed the third-ranked West Indies in a T20 series, coming from behind to seal the win. Given that T20 is Sri Lanka’s lowest-ranked format, Jayasuriya is eager to propel the team upward. If eighth-ranked Sri Lanka can topple fifth-ranked New Zealand, they’ll surely gain ground.

Both T20 matches will be held at Dambulla, with the venue also hosting the first ODI. The series will then move to Kandy for the remaining two ODIs.

Milo Schools Netball Championship concluded with Maliyadeva Balika Kurunegala winning the overall title of the annual event at Matara on Wednesday. Displaying their trophies here are the most outstanding players of the four age categories. Incidentally, the most outstanding player titles in the Under 13, 15 and 19 age groups were won by players from Maliyadeva Balika.

From left Sheyara Dahamdi Wijesuriya (U13), Senumi Vimansa (U15), Ayodya Alawattegama (U17) of Mahamaya B.V. Kandy and Bhashini Udagedara (U19) pose with the presentation party.

(Pic by Nishan S Priyantha)

Damsath Peiris and Yudheerya Atapattu are set to compete for the Under 14 boys’ title today after they secured victories in the semi-finals of the ATF Under 14 week two tournament at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association courts yesterday.

In the girls’ final Annaya Norbet will meet Diya Ravikumar after the Sri Lankan edged out India’s Sanvi Reddy 6-4, 7-5 in the semi-final. In the other semi-final Ravikumar (India) beat Mithravinda  Sathis of USA) 6-3, 6-0.

In the boys’ semi-finals Peiris beat Dexter Yu of Hong Kong 6-3, 6-0 and  Yudheerya Atapattu beat  Thuvakar Sathiees.

The tournament which commenced on November 4 will conclude on November 10.