Sports

Pathum delivers a knock for the ages

Published

12 months ago

2025/04/6

Pathum Nissanka’s batting brilliance reminds us that form is temporary but class is permanent. His double hundred in the NSL has put Kandy in the hunt for the finals.

There are few sights in cricket more pleasing to the purist’s eye than Pathum Nissanka in full flow – batting as if he were painting strokes on a canvas. Last year, the elegant right-hander had a breakthrough season, making headlines and turning heads. But 2025 hadn’t been kind to him until now. After a barren patch where his bat was quieter than a library on a Sunday, Nissanka has found his rhythm once more.

He started last year with a bang – quite literally – blasting his way past Sanath Jayasuriya’s long-standing record for the highest individual score by a Sri Lankan in ODIs. But he didn’t just break the record; he smashed it to smithereens and went on to notch up the country’s maiden double century in ODI cricket. For a nation that had graced three World Cup finals and boasted of batting luminaries like Aravinda de Silva, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and T.M. Dilshan, it was almost unbelievable that no Sri Lankan had reached that landmark before.

Yet, the true turning point came in London six months later. With Sri Lanka two-nil down in the Test series after painful losses at Old Trafford and Lord’s, the third Test at The Oval was played for pride. The ball was seaming around like a drunk staggering through a winding road. In those conditions, even someone like Nishantha Ranatunga – whose bowling could usually be charitably described as dibbly-dobbly – might have looked like Michael Holding reincarnated.

That’s when Pathum produced a gem – an innings so perfectly constructed, it belonged in a museum. For the first 40 runs, he played with the straightest of bats, tighter than a miser’s purse. Then, as he started seeing the ball well, the cover drives started flowing like fine wine. Once past the century, he hooked with intent and class, showing he was no one-trick pony.

It was a statement knock, from a player who had previously been pigeonholed as a white-ball specialist. That innings nailed his place back in the Test side and brought Sri Lanka their first win in England in a decade – a victory as rare and precious as a blue moon.

Naturally, fans and pundits thought Nissanka would go from strength to strength. Scoring a ton away from home, especially with the Duke’s ball and against top-tier bowling, is no mean feat. It requires skill, temperament and a touch of steel.

But from that high, it was a steep fall. A string of failures followed – at home against New Zealand and Australia, and away in South Africa. Across five Tests, he mustered just one half-century, the rest of his innings no more than brief cameos that flattered to deceive.

That solitary fifty came at Port Elizabeth, where he looked in complete control – until a rush of blood had him dancing down the track to Keshav Maharaj. He missed, the stumps didn’t. Bowled for 89, with a century there for the taking. It was a golden chance squandered and few Sri Lankans have joined the elusive club of Test centurions on South African soil. That miss stung.

Word has it that the Head Coach didn’t utter a word to him for a fortnight. That Test was within Sri Lanka’s grasp and Pathum’s dismissal tilted the scales.

The lean patch bled into domestic cricket. The runs dried up like a well in a drought. For NCC, he was a passenger and for Kandy in the ongoing NSL, he barely made a ripple in the first few matches. The vultures began to circle.

Meanwhile, openers like Lahiru Udara and Ron Chandraguptha were cashing in, piling on runs and banging loudly on the selection door. For Pathum, the writing was on the wall. It was now or never.

Just when it looked like he was heading back to the pavilion for good, he came up with an innings for the ages – a double century that not only turned heads but kept Kandy’s hopes of making the final alive. It was the cricketing equivalent of a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Pathum is cut from rare cloth. He shares traits with the great Sangakkara – particularly that unrelenting hunger for big runs. He doesn’t stop at three figures; he builds monuments. And when he does, the team usually ends up with totals that put the opposition under the pump.

Another feather in his cap is the pace at which he scores. He’s no stonewaller; instead, he unfurls an array of shots that are as delightful as they are destructive. At times, though, that flamboyance is his undoing.

What separates him from the rest is his work ethic. When others are hitting the snooze button, Pathum is hitting the nets. He’s willing to put in the hard yards, and that dedication is the backbone of his resurgence.

Whispers had begun that his place in the Test XI was hanging by a thread. But with a statement double hundred in the country’s premier domestic tournament, Pathum has silenced the doubters and booked his ticket for the Bangaldesh Tests.

by Rex Clementine

All News Advertisement

Sports

Unbeaten Joes take on resilient Petes

Published

12 hours ago

2026/03/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

St. Peter’s Team with officials

Seated (ffrom left) R.P.H.P. Perera (Trainer and Physiotheraphist), Nalin Wijesinghe (Head Coach), Rohan Fernando (MiC), Enosh Peterson (Captain), Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo (Rector), Rev. Fr. Praveen Wijesekara (Priest in Charge), Asadisa Thejana (Vice Captain), Thushara Madushan (Asst. Coach), Dinuka Godakanda (2nd XI Coach).

Second row (from left) Dineth de Silva, Tharin Senvidu, Hiruka Silva, Joshua Sebastian, Sadeesha Kariyawasam, Savi Fernando, Jason Fernando, Thareen Sanketh, Janith Panditharathne, Standing Yathindra Jayaweera. Back row (from left) Dinsara Rathnaweera, Shadeesha Silva, Thenura Dissanayake, Shavidu Silva, Dimalsha Jayawardana, Evan Joshua Rodrigo, Menura Dissanayake, Oshadha Akalanka.

By Reemus Fernando

‎

Unbeaten St. Joseph’s College will start as clear favourites when they meet arch-rivals St. Peter’s College in the prestigious “Battle of the Saints” Big Match, which gets underway at the SSC Grounds today.

‎Joes, led by Rishma Amarasinghe, arrive with an impressive unbeaten record this season and a well-balanced side that has shown both consistency and match-winning ability. With memories of their historic 2008 triumph still cherished, the Josephians will be determined to emulate that famous side led by Ruwantha Fernandopulle, which ended a 35-year drought. However, they too are currently in the midst of a long wait for another outright win in the series and will be eager to break that deadlock.

‎A major strength of the Josephian outfit lies in their formidable spin department. The inclusion of Sri Lanka Under-19 spinner Vigneswaran Akash further strengthens an already potent attack featuring Nushan Perera, who has claimed 69 wickets this season, and Vishwa Peiris with 50 scalps. Together, they form arguably the most dangerous spin unit in the schools circuit this year.

‎Their batting unit has also been equally impressive. Aveesha Samash has been the standout performer, amassing close to 800 runs, including a century and seven fifties. Skipper Amarasinghe has led responsibly, while Yenula Dantanarayana, Dilpa Maduranga and Senuja Wakunagoda have all made valuable contributions. This depth in batting, coupled with their bowling strength, makes Joes a formidable opponent.

‎In contrast, St. Peter’s College may not boast many outright victories this season, but they remain unbeaten thanks largely to a resilient and cohesive batting lineup. Led by skipper Enosh Peterson, who has found form at the right time with an average close to 40, the Petes will rely heavily on their batsmen to challenge the favourites.

‎Asadisa Silva has been exceptional, scoring 687 runs at an average of 53, including three centuries. He has been well supported by Joshua Sebastian, who averages 52, while Savi Fernando has accumulated over 500 runs. Jason Fernando has also contributed consistently, adding further stability to the lineup. The return of Thareen Sanketh from a shoulder injury is another positive, as he has shown signs of regaining form.

‎However, St. Peter’s face concerns in their bowling department. Off-spinner Sadeesha Silva, with over 40 wickets, and left-arm spinner Janith Panditharathna, who has claimed 27 wickets, have been the main contributors. Beyond them, the attack has lacked penetration, which could prove costly against a strong Josephian batting lineup.

‎It will also be interesting to see how both teams utilise the SSC conditions, particularly their pace bowlers, as neither side has seen significant impact from their seam attacks this season.

‎With Joes boasting superior balance and momentum, they will look to press for a rare outright victory. Meanwhile, the Petes, driven by their batting resilience, will aim to defy the odds and maintain their unbeaten run. The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in this historic rivalry.

St. Joseph’s Team with officials

Seated (from left) Lahiru Wickramasinghe (First XI Asst. Coach), Lakmal de Silva (First XI Head Coach), Nushan Perera, Asiri Caldera (First XI MiC), Rishma Amarasinghe (Captain), Rev. Fr. Samesh Anthony (Prefect of Games), Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi (Rector), Rev. Fr. Priyan Tissera (Vice Rector), Senuja Wakunagoda (Vice – Captain), Sanjeewa Fernando (Second XI MiC), Aveesha Samash, Pradeep Munasinghe (Second XI Coach). Hasith Dilhara (Fielding coach), Miranga Wickramage (First XI Asst. Coach)

Standing (from left) Chethina Kavinda, Mario Suraweera, Dilpa Maduranga, Vishwa Peiris, Dihen de Silva, Nimthaka Goonewardena, Yenula Dantanarayana, Chamath Perera, Nethula Damthusa, Nirwan Jayathilaka, Demion de silva, Pamoda Dalpadado, Disinu Samarasingha, Thisanga Perera, Vigneshwaran Akash.

Sports

Sandeepa’s unbeaten ton powers Mobitel to mammoth win at DS ground on Saturday

Published

12 hours ago

2026/03/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

15TH STAFFORD MOTORS – MCA T20 LEAGUE CRICKET TOURNAMENT

A blistering unbeaten 105 off 38 balls with eleven boundaries and seven maximums by Sandeepa Halangoda was the highlight of Saturday’s matches of the 15th Stafford Motors – MCA G division T20 league cricket tournament.

Saturday’s matches were played at four venues, the MCA , D S Senanayake College ground, Dharmapala College ground and SLC ground Bandaragama.

In the morning games,

JF&I packaging defeated Pyramid Wilmar by four wickets despite Umeda Madushan’s three wicket haul at the MCA grounds.

In a low scoring game at Dharmapala College grounds in Pannipitiya, CDB ‘B’ restricted Jetwing Travels to 78 runs and won the game with six wickets in hand and 11 overs to spare.

In a one sided game at the D S Senanayake College ground, Emar Pharma registered their third win in four outings by annihilating Synergen Health by 162 runs. Dushyantha Darshana contributed with a half ton and Desha Fernando captured four wickets for the winners.

At the Sri Lanka Cricket [SLC] ground in Bandaragama Maliban Biscuits took the lead of group A of the tournament with a net run rate boosting win over WSO2 . Maliban restricted WSO2 to 103 runs and passed the target in 8.2 overs.

In the evening games,

At the MCA grounds, Future Life Holdings led group D with a close 14 run win over Singer Sri Lanka. Srimal Peiris and Mithun Jayawickrema shared seven wickets between them to restrict Future Life to 152/8 but Singer fell short of by 14 runs.

Alaris Lanka and Wiley Global shared points at the Dharmapala College grounds as their game was abandoned without a toss due to rain and wet ground conditions.

At the D S Senanayake College grounds, Mobitel powered by an unbeaten ton by Sandeepa Halangoda [105*]and half tons by Dasun Bandara [55] and Sachin Bulathsighala [64*] overcame 99X by 141 runs.

In a rain shortened ten over game at SLC ground Bandaragama LOLC Insurance overcame Regnis Appliances by 21 runs

At MCA grounds:JF&I Packaging by four wickets

Pyramid Wilmar

132/9 in 20 overs [Sahas Vihanga 35, Malintha Peiris 14, Umedha Madushan 19,Vishal Akash 20, Udara Athapttu 17*; Dihan Darshan 1-16, Isanka Lakshan 3-21, Chamath Yatawara 1-21, Gayan Hasanka 1-25, Dinesh Vishwajith 2-10]

JF&I Packaging

133/6 in 19.3 overs [Chamath Yatawara 16, Dhanushka Kevitiyagala 14, Sarinda Malavige 22, Tiran Dhanapala 26,Gayan Hasanka 25; Budhdhika Herath 1-32, Umeda Madushan 3-36, Udara Athapaththu 1-14, Chandimal Chanaka 1-21]

Future Life Holdings by 14 runs

Future Life Holdings

152/8 in 20 overs [Kavindu Ranahasa 60, Neluka Dilshan 13, Savindu Rodrigo28, Praveen Wanniarachchi 10; Mithun Jayawickrema 3-22, Gimhana Hettiarachchi 1-25, Srimal Peiris 4-34]

Singer Sri Lanka ‘B’

138/10 in 19.3 overs [ Sheyal Imesh 27, Ahamed Rifad 11, Mithun Jayawickrema 21, Akila Samarakoon 19, SajithSanjeewa 18; Tharuka Sooriyarachchi 1-19, Sahan Ranasinghe 2-14, Neluka Dilshan 1-22, Praveen Wanniarachchi 2-21, Malshan Lakshitha 2-32, Prabath Wijesinghe 2-08]

At Dharmapala College grounds:

CDB ‘B’ by six wickets

Jetwing Travels

78/10 in 19.5 overs [Budhdhika Chathuranga 17, Ranusha Pigera 16, Dinuka Peiris 17; Vishwa Rathnayake 1-07, Chathuranga Dikkumbura 1-13, Themira Niyomal 2-13, Dhanushka Dharmasiri 1-08, Isuru Jayaranga 2-12, Chamod Madushan 1-09]

CDB ‘B’

79/4 in 9.0 overs [Isuru Jayaranga 13, Themira Niyomal 14, Saman Ambilimeegama 22*, Dhanushka Dharmasiri 10*; Sanjeewa Prasanna 2-09, Dushantha Prasadh 1-22, Ashan Wijerathne 1-22]

At D S Senanayake grounds:

Emar Pharma annihilate Syngern Health by 162 runs

Emar Pharma

201/7 in 20 overs [Deshan Fernado 46, Dushyantha Darshana 63, Janith Jayasinghe 29, Devinda Ayesh 29; S Thuwaragashan 4-37, Isuru Weerasinghe 2-30]

Synergen Health

39/9 [all out] in 8.1 overs [Chanul Gawwrawamanna 07*; Deshan Fernando 4-20, Chandana Dodangoda 2-16, Devinda Ayesh 2-02]

Halangoda’s ton powers Mobitel to a 141 run win

Mobitl Pvt Ltd

249/3 in 20 overs [Krisha Santhusha 11, Dasun Bandara 55, Sachin Bulathsinghala 64*, Sandeepa Halangoda 105*; Saranga Liyanage 1-62, Arjuna de Silva 2-35]

99X

108/8 in 20 overs [Yasith Fernando 26, Sameera Piyasundera 22, Arjuna de Silva 29; Sachin Indrarathne 1-19, Sanesh Ekanayake 1-07, Rangana Rajapaksha 2-15, Budhdhika Hewa 1-18, Krishan Santhusha 1-21, Sandeepa Halangoda 1-05]

At SLC ground Bandaragama:

Maliban Biscuits by eight wickets

WSO 2

103/10 in 19.3 overs [Osanda Herath 47, Sasmitha Dilshan 10, Shan Anjana 12; Chamara Rathnayake 2-14, Dilip Sandaruwan 1-05, Chathuranga Dewapriya 3-21, Tharindu Siriwardena 2-21, Dilan Chathurng 1-22, Mohamad Shilmi 1-19]

Maliban Biscuits

107/2 in 8.2 overs [Tharindu Siriwardene 17, Gihan Anuruddha 2-44, Mohamed Shilmi 26*; Brian Benett 1-29, Shan Anjana 1-27]

LOLC Insurance by 21 runs in 10 over game

LOLC Insurance

108/6 in 10 overs [Tharindu Mohan 31, Asanka de Silva 14, Dinesh Chathuranga 34; Tharang Dammika 1-21, Asela Sanjeewa 1-24, Imalka Fernando 2-07]

Regnis Appiiances

87/5 in 10 overs [Gaveen Yatawara 26, Tharang Dammika 13, Yahal Samantha 17, Nimesh Madushanka 12*; Dinesh Chathuranga 2-20, Tharindu Mohan 1-17, Neranjaya Madushanka 1-10, Vishwa Kumara 1-03]

Latest News

CAF strips Senegal of AFCON title, Morocco declared African champions

Published

1 day ago

2026/03/18

Priyan

Senegal forward Sadio Mane holds up the trophy as he celebrates with his teammates after the AFCON final [File: Aljazeera]

African football’s governing body has stripped Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title they won in a chaotic final two months ago and declared Morocco the champions.

In a stunning decision, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said on Tuesday that its appeals board ruled that Senegal is “declared to have forfeited” the match, a 1-0 victory. The result, it said, was now “being officially recorded as 3-0” ‌in favour of host nation Morocco.

At the January 18 final in Rabat, Senegal’s players walked off the pitch, led by coach Pape Thiaw, in protest against a penalty awarded late in regulation time to Morocco.

When play resumed after a delay of about 15 minutes, Morocco forward Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved. In extra time, Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal that saw Senegal become champions of Africa for the second time.

The heated final also saw supporters trying to storm the field, players scuffling on the sidelines, reporters from the two countries fighting in media areas, and a bizarre sequence in which Moroccan ball boys tried to seize a towel being used by Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy – in an apparent bid to distract him and help their team win the continental title.

At a disciplinary hearing in January, CAF imposed fines of more than $1m as well as bans for Senegal and Morocco players and officials, but it had left the result untouched.

The case could go to a further appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

[Aljazeera]