As the curtains rise on a fresh cycle of the World Test Championship at the iconic Galle International Stadium today, hosts Sri Lanka are likely to roll the dice on two debutants — both heavy hitters in the domestic scene who’ve been knocking on the selection door with bat and ball for quite some time.

Opening batsman Lahiru Udara, a run-machine for NCC and Sri Lanka ‘A’, looks set to finally don the coveted Test cap. At 31, Udara isn’t exactly wet behind the ears, but having piled up mountain after mountain of runs, the selectors can no longer look the other way. Time may not be his best friend, but form certainly is.

Joining him in what could be a double debut delight is off-spinner Tharindu Ratnayake, a late bloomer from Tamil Union, who at 29, has spun his way into contention. A proud product of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, Ratnayake has caught the eye not just for his consistency, but for his rare ambidextrous ability — a skill that allows him to bowl with both arms. That party trick appears to have tilted the scales in his favour over the more experienced Akila Dananjaya in the final XI.

The pace attack, too, sees a changing of the guard. All-rounder Milan Ratnayake has been recalled ahead of the seasoned Kasun Rajitha — a move that raised a few eyebrows, considering Rajitha’s recent purple patch with Essex in County cricket. But in a game of fine margins, all-round versatility seem to have won the day.

Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva, speaking to the media on the eve of the Test, stressed the importance of a strong start.

“We had a real shot at the WTC final in the last cycle but let it slip through our fingers due to some crucial errors,” de Silva admitted. “We had a chat this morning — about learning from the past and setting the tone from game one. Home series like these are where we must cash in.”

Sri Lanka, for all their potential, have hit a rough patch in the longest format — losing their last four Tests on the bounce: a pair each against Australia at home and South Africa away. The wounds are still fresh, and nothing would heal them better than a series win over Bangladesh.

The tourists, meanwhile, are entering uncharted waters. “I’ve played in Kandy before, but this will be our first time in Galle,” said Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. “We know the conditions will challenge us — especially the spinners will come into play early. But we’re ready for the challenge.”

History hasn’t been too kind to Bangladesh in this rivalry. Of the 26 Tests between the two nations, Sri Lanka have emerged victorious in 20. Five games were drawn, and Bangladesh’s solitary win came in 2017.

The match will also mark the final bow in whites for Sri Lanka’s warhorse, Angelo Mathews — the man who carried the middle order on his broad shoulders for over a decade. With 8000-plus Test runs under his belt — third only to Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene — Mathews’ swansong will be an emotional affair.

“I’m full of gratitude,” said Mathews, visibly moved. “It all began here in Galle, and to finish at the same venue after over 100 Tests is something special. I would’ve liked to contribute more in recent games, but I walk away knowing the future of Sri Lankan cricket is in safe hands.”

Weather, however, might play spoilsport. Galle has been drenched over the past few days and interruptions are expected. But as history shows, games at this fortress usually produce results — rain or shine.

Sri Lanka (Probable XI):

Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper), Milan Ratnayake, Tharindu Ratnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando.

Bangladesh (Probable XI):

Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das (Wicketkeeper), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Murad, Hasan Mahmud.

Rex Clementine
in Galle

Billie Jean King Cup Asia Oceania Group 3 Tennis tournament commenced with a participation of seven teams at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association clay courts on Monday.

The tournament which concludes on June 21 is taken part by Pakistan, Nepal, Turkmenistan, Qatar, Tajikistan, Myanmar and hosts Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka represented by Dinara de Silva, Akeesha Silva, Oneli Samarawickrama, Inuki Jayaweera and Tuvini de Alwis will battle it out to secure promotion to Group 2. Thangarajah Dineshkanthan is the captain.

Teams:

Sri Lanka:

Tuvini Seyara de Alwis (Methodist College), Inuki Jayaweera (Musaeus College), Dinara de Silva (St. Bridget’s Convent), Akeesha Silva (Newstead College Negombo), Oneli Samarawickrama (Newstead College). (Captain: Thangarajah Dineshkanthan)

Myanmar:

Htay Htay Myint, Nilar Win, Thire Zoun, Ei Phyu (Captain: Kyi Mya Zaw)

Nepal

Abhilasha Bista, Shivali Gurung, Sunira Thapa, Swastika Bista (Captain: Krishna Raj Ghale)

Pakistan

Ushna Suhail, Amna Ali Qayum, Meheq Khokhar, Sheeza Sajid (Captain: Sara Mansoor)

Qatar

Mubaraka Al-Naimi, Hind Al-Mudahka, Dana Khalifa (Captain: Mubaraka Al-Naimi)

Tajikistan

Saiyora Rajabalieva, Anisa Yakhyaeva, Sumaya Tukhtaeva, Anastasiya Tashlintseva (Captain: Dalerjon Qurbonov)

Turkmenistan

Ilima Guseynova, Aynur Movlyamova, Leyli Esenova, Jennet Orazalyyeva (Captain: Gurbanberdi Gurbanberdiyev)

Referee:

Charles Lau (Hong Kong)

Assistant Referee:

Anjana de Silva (Sri Lanka)

Tournament Director:

Nithiyanathan Sylan (Sri Lanka)

Chief umpire:

Sarangan Jayachandrirun (Sri Lanka)

Gateway College’s Under-14 netball team successfully defended their title at the TISSL Netball Tournament at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, with an inspiring display of teamwork, strategy, and determination.

Organised by Asian International School, the event saw strong competition from leading international schools across the country, but Gateway’s young athletes rose to the challenge, emerging undefeated champions for the second consecutive year.

Despite being the top seeds, Gateway was drawn into the most competitive pool: Group A, alongside formidable opponents. Undeterred, the team set the tone early by defeating Lyceum Nugegoda 8–5 and Horizon College International 7–3, topping their group with confidence and composure.

In the quarterfinals, they dominated hosts Asian International School with an emphatic 11–0 victory. The semi-final clash with Lyceum Wattala, was anticipated to be tough. However, Gateway’s well-coordinated formations and disciplined approach saw them through with a solid 8–2 win.

The final against ILMA International School proved to be a tactical and hard-fought battle. Though the final score read 8–3, it barely reflected the intensity of the encounter, with both sides showcasing high-quality netball. Gateway, however, maintained its composure to secure a well-earned victory and the championship trophy once again.

Leading the team with grace and grit was Captain Adeeba Fareen, whose leadership has been a pillar of strength throughout the tournament. Vice-Captain Shenali Wanigasekara was outstanding in defense and was rightfully named Best Defensive Player. Rayani Gunathileke, known for her relentless energy and precision, walked away with the Best Shooter award, while Griyada Hapukotuwa, consistent and dependable in every match, was crowned Netball Queen.

Coached by Jayanthi Somasekaram, Head of Sports, and assisted by Samuddhi Abeygunawardene and Achini Madhushika, this victory marks not just a championship win but a celebration of skill, spirit, and the power of teamwork.

Shenali Wanigasekara, Rayani Gunathileke and Griyada Hapukotuwa won individual awards.

Adeeba Fareen (Captain)