Sports

Sri Lanka to mend fences with veterans

Published

2 years ago

2024/12/20

Thilina Walpola

Upul Tharanga

by Rex Clementine

In recent years, Sri Lanka Cricket has wielded the axe on senior players with an almost clinical ruthlessness, but the tide seems to be turning. Current Chairman of Selectors, Upul Tharanga, has hinted at a more measured and amicable approach, emphasizing dialogue and mutual understanding with the seasoned campaigners before making any decisive moves.

Last month, Sri Lanka embarked on a tour of South Africa sitting pretty in third place on the World Test Championship (WTC) table, with a golden ticket to the final at Lord’s next June tantalizingly within reach. But the tour ended in a crushing 2-0 series loss, punctuated by an ignominious collapse in Durban, where the team was skittled out for a paltry 42 runs in just 14 overs—their lowest total in Test cricket history.

The fallout from the debacle turned the spotlight on former captains Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews. Mathews scratched together 102 runs in four innings without a single half-century, while Karunaratne fared even worse, amassing a dismal 27 runs and falling to Kagiso Rabada in all four innings—a true case of a rabbit caught in the headlights.

At 36, Karunaratne’s form has been on the wane, with a barren streak stretching to 19 innings without a century this year. Mathews, a year older at 37, has managed just one hundred in 18 innings. Yet, their illustrious careers speak volumes: Mathews’ 8042 Test runs place him third among Sri Lanka’s all-time leading scorers, while Karunaratne’s 7165 runs earn him the fourth spot.

With Sri Lanka’s WTC hopes now hanging by a thread, some voices argue it’s time to turn the page and invest in youth to lay the foundation for the next WTC cycle.

“We’ll have a conversation with them to understand their future plans,” Tharanga said. “Yes, it’s a home series, which presents a great opportunity to blood young talent. But at the same time, Dimuth and Angelo are seasoned campaigners who’ve been pivotal for us over the years.”

Both Tests against Australia are slated for Galle, a venue where the duo have a stellar track record. Tharanga believes their experience could still tip the scales. “Even though our position in the WTC isn’t ideal, there’s the motivation to reclaim the Warne–Murali Trophy. Both players bring a wealth of experience and can still contribute.”

Tharanga also pointed out that Karunaratne is on the brink of a major milestone: 100 Test matches. “Dimuth has been a true servant of Sri Lankan cricket, and reaching 100 Tests is a rare feat. It’s only fair to give him the chance to achieve that landmark.”

When Tharanga took the reins this year, Sri Lanka Cricket was in shambles. The team had hit rock bottom, finishing the 2023 World Cup in ninth place and missing out on the Champions Trophy for the first time in history. It was a bitter pill to swallow for a nation that had been part of every ICC tournament since 1975.

But with meticulous planning and backing the right players, Tharanga and his panel have sparked a remarkable turnaround. In 2024, Sri Lanka notched up wins over heavyweights New Zealand and West Indies in white-ball cricket, broke a 27-year drought by winning an ODI series against India, and secured a rare Test victory in England after a decade.

“We’re pleased with the strides we’ve made,” Tharanga reflected. “We’ve had to make some tough calls, but it’s rewarding to see the batters stepping up to finish games and the bowlers improving their fitness, which has been instrumental in winning matches. Fielding, too, has seen a marked improvement. That said, we could’ve done better in the T20 World Cup in the USA, and missing out on a WTC final spot stings, especially after the South Africa tour.”

One of Tharanga’s boldest moves was backing Kamindu Mendis. The left-hander has been nothing short of sensational, becoming one of only six players to cross the 1000-run mark in Tests this year. In the process, he matched the legendary Don Bradman as the third-fastest batter to reach the milestone.

“That was a calculated gamble that paid off,” Tharanga admitted. “We were leaning heavily on Sadeera Samarawickrama, but a few wicketkeeping issues forced us to rethink. Kamindu’s consistency across all three formats caught our eye, and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. His performances in Tests have been extraordinary this year. In white-ball cricket, he has room to grow, and his bowling – both off-spin and left-arm orthodox – adds crucial balance to the side.”

While Sri Lanka have shored up their performances at home, the real test lies overseas. The upcoming tour of New Zealand looms large, presenting a chance to prove they can win in foreign conditions.

“We’ve laid a solid foundation, but the journey is far from over,” Tharanga said. “Winning overseas is the next frontier, and we’re determined to take that challenge head-on.”

Courtesy: telecomasia.net

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Sports

Fifty days in Pakistan

Published

3 hours ago

2026/10/6

Sahan Weerasooriya

Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan is one of the longest undertaken by the team in recent years. The team will spend 50 days in Pakistan and will play two Tests, three T-20Is and an ODI tri-nation series with England being the third team.

by Rex Clementine

England legend Sir Ian Botham’s famous quip that Pakistan is the sort of place to send your mother-in-law on an all expenses paid holiday was rather unkind. Touch down in Pakistan and you are greeted instead by warmth and affection, with people going out of their way to make you feel at home. Tell them you are from Sri Lanka and more often than not, the conversation quickly begins with one word ‘brother’.

That same hospitality greets you even at the Pakistan High Commission on Buller’s Lane when you turn up for a visa. The first question is not about the purpose of your visit or how long you intend to stay. It is much simpler: tea or coffee?

The Sri Lankan team that flew out to Pakistan on Sunday will experience plenty of that warmth during what promises to be a lengthy stay. It is one of the longest tours undertaken by the national side in recent years, with those involved in all three formats, along with the coaching staff, spending up to 50 days in Pakistan.

The tour comprises three T20Is, a tri-nation ODI series with England as the third participant and two Test matches. There is also a three day warm up game in Islamabad ahead of the Tests.

The current crop of selectors have been largely conventional in their approach, but some of their choices for the white ball squads suggest they are prepared to bare their teeth when required.

The boldest call has been to leave out star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, until recently one of the first names on the team sheet. The writing had been on the wall for Hasaranga for some time and it has now emerged that his omission has little to do with injury or form. Instead, the message from those running the show appears fairly straightforward: get your act together.

Pathum Nissanka was overlooked for the T20Is but has been named in the ODI squad subject to fitness. Charith Asalanka has been left out of both formats following a poor run of form, while a couple of youngsters have forced their way in on the back of impressive returns in domestic cricket.

More changes are in store for the two match Test series. ‘The Island’ learns that Dhananjaya de Silva is set to lose the Test captaincy following an unimpressive stint at the helm during the recent home series against India.

Kusal Mendis is expected to take over the Test side on an interim basis, giving him leadership responsibilities across formats, before the selectors settle on a long term choice.

Sports

Sebs keep alive hopes, Joes commence campaign with crushing win

Published

3 hours ago

2026/10/6

Sahan Weerasooriya

by Reemus Fernando

‎

St. Joseph’s College, Darley Road commenced their campaign with a crushing 124 runs win over Gurukula College, Kelaniya while St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa scored vital eight wickets win over Maris Stella College Negombo to keep alive their hopes in the Under-19 Division I Tier A Limited Overs Tournament.

‎The Joes posted a competitive 208 for eight in their allotted 50 overs, before Vigneswaran Akash, Vishwa Peiris and Nushan Perera joined to rattle Gurukula for 84 runs.

‎For St.Joseph’s Aveesha Samash top-scored with 43 rune (off 74 balls) including four boundaries, while Dilpa Maduranga contributed 30 off 38 balls.

‎The innings gained momentum towards the latter stages, with Nimthaka Goonewardena striking a brisk 28 off just 22 deliveries, including three fours. Pamoda Dalpadado made 23 off 21 balls.

‎Gurukula’s bowlers were led by Shan Jumath, who claimed three wickets for 32 runs in his full 10-over spell.

‎Gurukula never threatened the target and were bowled out in the 31st over. Shan Jumath offered the only significant resistance with a top score of 41 from 67 balls.

‎Vigneswaran Akash was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for just 12 runs from 7.2 overs. Vishwa Peiris also claimed three for 21, while Nushan Perera returned impressive figures of two for 11 from six overs.

‎‎St. Sebastian’s keep alive hopes

‎‎It was St. Sebastian’s third outing. They suffered two wickets defeat at the hands of Richmond in their first match. Then they bounced back to beat D.S. Senanayake in the second match. With only two teams advancing to knockout stage from the five-team group they came to yesterday’s match needing victory to keep alive their hopes. At the must win game they registeted an eight-wicket victory over Maris Stella, Negombo to make it two wins after three outings.

‎Maris Stella were bowled out for 145 in 38.4 overs after struggling to build substantial partnerships. Kavith de Silva top-scored with 35 off 57 balls, including three fours and two sixes, while Ameesha Fernando struck a brisk 31 off 31 balls with three sixes. Sathmira Silva added 22 and Gaveesha Induwara made 21.

‎St. Sebastian’s bowlers shared the workload effectively, with Risinu Prabesh, Thejan Bandara, Lashen Fernando and Chamath Wellalage claiming two wickets each. Prabesh was particularly economical, conceding just 12 runs in six overs.

‎The hosts made light work of the modest target, reaching 147 for two in just 21.4 overs. Lashen Fernando led the successful chase with a blistering unbeaten 61 off 38 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 160.53.

‎Hirusha Perera remained unbeaten on 37 off 42 balls, while Meshone Ferdinando and Thivanka Fernando contributed 25 and 24 respectively.

‎They will now meet Sri Sumangala Panadura in their last group match. A victory there is likely to guarantee Sebs a place in the knockout stage.

Sports

Musaeus sweep all age category titles

Published

3 hours ago

2026/10/6

Sahan Weerasooriya

Musaeus College, Colombo won all three age category titles at the All-Island Schools Games Badminton Championship 2026. Their Under 20 team are pictured here.

All Island Schools Games-Badminton

Musaeus College, Colombo, accomplished a remarkable achievement capturing all three girls’ team titles in the Under-16, Under-18 and Under-20 categories at the 40th All-Island Schools Games Badminton Championship 2026.

‎Conducted by the Ministry of Education, the championship was held from October 2 to 4 at the Hormus Indoor Stadium in Malabe, with 150 teams representing all nine provinces.

‎Musaeus dominated the girls’ competition, winning ahead of Sujatha Vidyalaya, Matara, and Southlands College, Galle, to win the Under-16 title. They continued their winning run in the Under-18 category, with Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Colombo, finishing runners-up and Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda, third.

Thidasa Weragoda of St. Benedict’s College and Thenuki Ayansa de Silva of Sanghamitta Balika Vidyalaya, Galle were adjudged the best players of the Badminton 2026.

‎The Colombo school completed its unprecedented clean sweep by securing the Under-20 crown ahead of Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya, Badulla, while Sujatha Vidyalaya took third place.

‎In the boys’ events, St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, won the Under-16 title, Dharmaraja College, Kandy, emerged Under-18 champions, while Ananda College, Colombo, claimed the Under-20 crown.

‎W. M. Thidasa Weragoda of St. Benedict’s College and M. G. Thenuki Ayansa de Silva of Sanghamitta Balika Vidyalaya, Galle, were adjudged the best schools badminton players of 2026 based on their performances in the Under 20 age category. (RF)