Latest News

Rashid Khan, Sam Curran hobble London Spirit for 80

Published

4 months ago

2025/08/6

Priyan

Rashid Khan claimed constricting figures of 3 for 11 [Cricinfo]

Oval Invincibles brushed London Spirit aside with ease in the opening game of the men’s Hundred as they began their bid to win the title for the third year in a row.

Sam Billings’ side, who lifted the trophy in 2023 and 2024, are backing themselves for a ‘three-peat’ and the manner of their victory in the competition opener bodes well, a comfortable six-wicket stroll past a London Spirit side who never seemed at the races.

Spirit batted first and were soon in trouble – Keaton Jennings, Kane Williamson and David Warner all back in the pavilion with the score on only 26. It wasn’t to get any better for Justin Langer’s side, who could only limp to 80 all out, undone by the combined guile of Sam Curran (3 for 16) and Rashid Khan (3 for 11), Rashid impressing on debut for the Invincibles.

“It was nice to get that start, with the win most importantly and then to perform for the team was amazing,” Rashid said. “It’s been a good start for me. I’ve been out of the game for the last two months but it’s nice to get back and get back with a win.

“The break [since the IPL] has really helped. Physically but also mentally, to get ready for the next competition. The IPL is three months, it’s a long competition, and I needed a break mentally as well and that’s really helped. I’m quite happy with today.”

Needing just 81 under the lights, Oval used the chase as a chance for more batting practice – Billings and Donovan Ferreira unbeaten and unfussed at the end, with Ferreira ending proceedings with a mighty six – the only one of the match – into the Tavern Stand.

Rashid defended the quality of the pitch, and said: “It was a good surface. Spin was there but the length you bowled was really important today. When I bowled it was just in my mind to hit the right areas consistently, to bowl a good line and length, and it went really well.”

Brief scores:
Oval Invincibles 81 for 4 in 69 balls (Will Jacks 24, Twanda Muyeye 18, Sam Curran 14; Daniel Worrall 1-21, Liam Dawson 2-09, Ashton Turner 1-07) beat London Spirit 80 in 94 balls (Wayne Madsen 10, Ashton Turner 21, Ryan Higgins 12; Jason Behrendorff 1-17, Jordan Clerk 2-08, Rashid Khan 3-11, Sam Curran 3-18, Nathan Sowter 1-10) by six wickets

[Cricinfo]

All News Advertisement

Latest News

Sri Lanka grateful for the support extended by the United States and other friendly nations following the recent disaster – President

Published

19 mins ago

2025/12/11

Priyan

During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat today (11), Ms. Allison Hooker, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, expressed her confidence in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership in steering Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. She affirmed that the United States stands ready to provide any necessary support to assist Sri Lanka’s recovery.

Ms. Hooker also conveyed her condolences to the families of the victims of the disaster and expressed satisfaction at being able to extend assistance during this challenging period.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conveyed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the President of the United States and the government in dispatching various relief teams to the country during this challenging period. The President also acknowledged the sincere support offered to Sri Lanka by all friendly nations globally, including the United States.

President Dissanayake highlighted that Sri Lanka encountered this disaster while the nation’s economy was on the path to stabilization and economic indicators were showing improvement. He emphasized the need for future focus on enhancing the livelihoods of those affected and on the long-term development of infrastructure facilities.

The President stated that restoring infrastructure, including highways and railways, as well as key income sources such as agriculture, livestock and small to medium-sized enterprises, which have been devastated by floods and landslides, will require time. He also expressed the expectation of support from all friendly nations in this effort.

The Under Secretary of State emphasized that the United States has drawn its attention to restarting discussions regarding US tariffs. Additionally, she expressed support for enhancing tourism between the United States and Sri Lanka, as well as for the growth of trade and maritime operations between the two nations. Furthermore, she highlighted U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s initiatives to combat drug-related issues.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that a significant number of American tourists have visited the country recently and that Sri Lanka anticipates a continued increase in such arrivals. He acknowledged the support of the U.S. government in assisting the Sri Lankan people to overcome the ongoing disaster and improve their quality of life.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and members of the U.S. diplomatic mission, including U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ms. Julie Chang.

Latest News

Malwatta, Asgiriya deputy registrars and Diyawadana Nilame meet President

Published

24 mins ago

2025/12/11

Priyan

The Deputy Registrars of Malwatta and Asgiriya chapters commended the government, led by the President, for its initiative to rebuild the lives of the people and restore the country following the recent disaster, expressing their blessings for these efforts.

The remarks were made by Deputy Registrar of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya, Rajakiya Panditha Darshanapathi Venerable Mahawela Rathanapala Thero, Deputy Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya & Chief Incumbent of the historic Badulu Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, Ven. Dr.Muruddeniye Dhammarathana Thero and Diyawadana Nilame of the historic Kandy Sri Dalada Maligawa, . Nilanga Dela, during a meeting with the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (11).

The discussions focused on relief and resettlement activities for communities affected in the Kandy district.

The Diyawadana Nilame highlighted the role that the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic can play in supporting resettlement efforts.

In support of the rebuilding initiative, the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa also made a financial contribution to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund.

Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, was also present at the meeting.

Latest News

Ticket sales announced for 2026 T20 World Cup

Published

31 mins ago

2025/12/11

Priyan

Jasprit Bumrah with the trophy after India won the 2024 T20 World Cup [Cricinfo]

Tickets for the 2026 T20 World Cup will go on sale at 18.45 IST and Sri Lanka time (13.15 GMT) on December 11, with the tournament slated to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

Prices for phase one of the ticket sales start at INR 100 (USD 1.1) at some venues in India and LRK 1000 (USD 3.2), the ICC said on Thursday. The dates for phase two of the ticket sales will be announced soon. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.cricketworldcup.com.

“Phase I of ticket sales is an important milestone in our journey towards delivering the most accessible and global ICC event ever staged,” ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said. “Our vision for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is clear: every fan, regardless of background, geography or financial means, should have the chance to access an in-stadia experience of world-class marquee cricket.

“With tickets starting from just INR 100 and LKR1000, we are putting affordability at the centre of our strategy. This is about opening the gates wide and inviting millions to be part of a global celebration of cricket, not as spectators from afar, but as active participants in the energy, emotion and magic that only a stadium can offer.”

The 2026 T20 World Cup will be contested by 20 teams and comprises 55 matches. The games start at 11am (0530 GMT), 3pm (0930 GMT) and 7pm IST (1330 GMT). The format for the tournament is the same as the previous edition in 2024, where the teams were divided into five groups of four each.

The first-round groups are as follows:

Group A: India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia
Group B: Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman
Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy
Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE

The top two teams from each of the groups progress to a Super Eight phase, where they will be further divided into two groups of four each.

The Super Eight groups are as follows, assuming these teams qualify from the first round; if another team qualifies, they will take the place of the team from their group that failed to make it:

Super Eight Group 1: X1 (India), X2 (Australia), X3 (West Indies), X4 (South Africa)
Super Eight Group 2: Y1 (England), Y2 (New Zealand), Y3 (Pakistan), Y4 (Sri Lanka)

Each team will play the other three in their Super Eight group, with the top two from each group qualifying for the semi-finals. The two semi-finals are in Kolkata – or Colombo if Pakistan qualify – on March 4, and Mumbai on March 5. The final of the tournament will be played in Ahmedabad on March 8 – if Pakistan qualify, it will be held in Colombo.

[Cricinfo]