Sports

Team first for selfless Kamindu Mendis

Published

2 years ago

2024/10/2

Sahan Weerasooriya

Kamindu Mendis

by Rex Clementine

Former captain Angelo Mathews, during the second Test, was asked what set prolific run-maker Kamindu Mendis apart from his contemporaries. Mathews, known for his measured words, pointed to the 26-year-old’s maturity as his defining trait. This maturity shone brightly once again during the post-match press briefing after Sri Lanka’s dominant series win, when the topic of the declaration came under the spotlight.

Sri Lanka had stormed to a resounding victory by an innings and 154 runs with over four sessions to spare. Yet, many wondered if Kamindu should have been given the chance to reach his maiden double hundred.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva, however, was unwavering in his stance. He insisted that the declaration was the right call, noting that milestones are mere footnotes when team victories are at stake. Even Kamindu, far from holding a grudge, stood by his captain’s decision with no axe to grind.

When Kamindu took the mic, his words reflected the wisdom of a seasoned campaigner, one who sees the bigger picture rather than getting bogged down by personal accolades.

“We had piled on the runs in the first innings. By lunch, I was sitting pretty on 139, but the plan was to bat briefly after lunch and declare,” Kamindu explained. “I think it was the right call. We all know Galle can be a minefield in the final hours of a game.”

He added, “The timing of the declaration was crucial. We managed to grab two crucial wickets late in the evening and then bowled them out for a paltry 88 the next morning. Sometimes, you’ve got to sacrifice the personal milestones for the greater good. That’s just part of the game.”

Kamindu went on to share some insights about the game. “After lunch is the best time to bat in Galle. The fielding side tends to wilt a little in the afternoon heat. But in Test cricket, you can’t afford to drop your guard for even a single session. You’ve got to be firing on all cylinders at all times, although yes, batting in the afternoon does give you a slight edge,” he said with a knowing smile.

Kamindu, clearly, has hit a rich vein of form. He was the leading run-scorer during the Bangladesh tour, the top run-getter in England, and again dominated against the Kiwis. Over the course of just three innings, he compiled a mammoth 319 runs, guiding Sri Lanka to their first Test series win against New Zealand in 15 yeears.

In doing so, Kamindu also crossed the 1000 Test run mark in just 13 innings, smashing records along the way. He is now the fastest Sri Lankan to reach the milestone, and the quickest Asian to do so, overtaking Roy Dias, who took 23 innings to reach the same mark in 1985, long before Kamindu was even born. He even outpaced India’s Vinod Kambli, who got there in 14 innings in 1993.

Kamindu now finds himself in esteemed company, tied with none other than Sir Don Bradman as the joint third-fastest to 1000 Test runs. With such accolades under his belt, the weight of expectations is bound to grow. Yet Kamindu, ever the calm and collected figure, is ready to face it head-on.

“The expectations of others are beyond my control,” he said, shrugging off the pressure like water off a duck’s back. “All I can do is stick to my routine, and I’m confident the runs will come.”

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Sports

Fifty days in Pakistan

Published

9 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

9 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

9 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)