by Rex Clementine

The Sri Lankan cricket camp breathed a collective sigh of relief yesterday as middle-order batter Kamindu Mendis was given the all-clear for the upcoming two-match Test series against Australia. However, the news wasn’t as encouraging for top-order batter Pathum Nissanka, whose participation in the first Test in Galle remains hanging by a thread.

Kamindu had split the webbing on his hand while attempting a catch during the First-Class encounter between CCC and SSC at Maitland Place. Meanwhile, Pathum is still on the mend after sustaining a groin strain during the final ODI against New Zealand in Auckland.

Should Nissanka fail to prove his fitness, Oshada Fernando is expected to fill his place. The right-hander has been in fine fettle, earning a call-up to the senior squad after his match-winning century against South Africa ‘A’. However, he has been warming the bench so far, with the selectors opting to stick with a settled batting unit in their quest for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Kamindu’s availability is a timely boost for the team, given his prolific run-scoring exploits. Last year, he joined an elite club, becoming one of just six batters to notch up over 1,000 Test runs, rubbing shoulders with modern greats such as Joe Root and Kane Williamson.

Meanwhile, The Island understands that selectors are set to hold discussions with former captains Angelo Mathews and Dimuth Karunaratne this week regarding their future. With Mathews turning 38 this year and Dimuth closing in on 37, the selectors have a tough call to make as they look ahead to the new WTC cycle. The burning question remains – will they stick with these battle-hardened warhorses, or will fresh legs be drafted in after the Australia series?

The upcoming series could well be the duo’s swansong. The second Test in Galle will mark a significant milestone for Dimuth, as he is set to play his 100th Test. However, his form has been under the scanner; since scoring a century against Ireland in April 2023, the left-handed opener has been starved of three-figure scores, going through a lean patch that has now stretched to 23 innings.

Dimuth’s numbers in the current WTC cycle don’t paint a rosy picture – 525 runs at a modest average of 25, with four half-centuries to his name. Mathews, though unable to reach the elusive hundred, fared slightly better, accumulating six half-centuries and averaging 35.

Meanwhile, back-to-back half-centuries in the domestic circuit have seen all-rounder Sonal Dinusha earn a spot in the Test squad. The left-arm spinner has been turning heads with consistent performances both in domestic cricket and for Sri Lanka ‘A’, making a strong case for selection.

Under 19 Division I Cricket

by Reemus Fernando

Isipatana concluded the group stage of the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘B’ cricket tournament as leaders of their group after the rain hampered encounter against Dharmaraja ended in a no decision at Colts ground on Monday.

The team captained by Lesandu Kalpage ended up with an aggregate of 93.31 points after their eighth and final group match produced no result. The no decision in their last encounter will however leave them in danger of losing the top position as Sri Sumangala and St. Aloysius’ who are following them closely have at least one more match in the tournament.

During the tournament proper, Isipatana beat St. Anthony’s Wattala by nine wickets, beat St. Sylvester’s by an innings and 44 runs and beat Wesley by nine wickets. Their other results included a first innings win against De Mazenod, a first innings defeat (Sri Sumangala) and a six wicket defeat at the hands of St. Aloysius’. Their match against Devapathiraja too ended in a no decision.

By finishing as table leaders, the team coached by Heshan Thilakaratne are certain of a quarter-final place.

The final match saw skipper Kalpage producing his best performance with the bat in the tournament as he top scored with 80 run for them to post 251 runs. In their essay Dharmaraja were 124 for four wickets at stumps.

One of Sri Lanka’s leading freight forwarding and logistics companies CL Synergy Limited has come forward as the principal sponsor of the CL Synergy SSC Open 2025 Tennis Championships. The SSC Open 2025 which commenced on Friday (17th January) at the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) tennis courts is a major open ranking tennis tournament and a Category 1 event. It is the first event of the calendar year, with over 800 players takjng part

The Principal Sponsor CL Synergy Limited’s Managing Director, Mr. Roshan Silva, had this to say regarding the prestigious tournament and the company’s commitment to elevating and encouraging the growth of Tennis in Sri Lanka: “as the principal sponsor of the CL Synergy SSC Open 2025, CL Synergy Limited takes immense pride in supporting this highly esteemed event. Just as in sports, success in the global logistics industry requires agility, strategic thinking, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. At CL Synergy, we strive to be leaders in our field, constantly innovating and adapting to the ever-evolving demands of international trade. We believe in fostering a competitive spirit and supporting initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and community engagement. We wish all participants the very best in this exciting competition.”

This championship is conducted under the supervision of the governing body of the sport, the Sri Lanka Tennis Association, and organized by the SSC Tennis House Committee. It continues to maintain the traditions and culture of the Singhalese Sports Club, a prestigious sporting entity that has contributed to the rise of multiple sporting stars throughout its 126-year journey.

The Chairman of the SSC Tennis House Committee Aasiri Iddamalgoda highlighted the historical significance of this tennis tourney which has gained prominence for its continued efforts to maintain standards.

“This highly sought after tournament, which has been around for over 50 years, has seen young talent showcase their potential in front of ardent crowds. Their victories have resulted in them being household names in the tennis community in Sri Lanka. Some have even used this as a stepping stone in moving on to test their abilities on the international stage. This has also been a platform for the junior players to prepare for their respective international tournaments such as the World Juniors, Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup.”

This year the Championship comprises girls and boys events from under 12 to under 18 (Singles and Doubles), Men’s and Women’s Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, and Veterans events for over 35, over 45, and over 55 age groups. Reigning national champion Apna Perera, former Men’s and Women’s National Champions Ashen Silva and Rukshika Weerasekara are among the top players to compete in this tournament.

Along with the Principal sponsor, CL Synergy Limited, 3 G Sports (HEAD Tennis Balls) and Perera and Sons (P&S) – long-standing supporters of the SSC Open Tennis Championships –– have continued their support as the Co-Sponsors for this event. YETI will be the official hydration partner and a Co-Sponsor of the event.

Shehara Medawala serves as the tournament referee with Aruna Seneviratne and Chammika De Silva serving as the Tournament Directors.