Sports
Tharanga vows overhaul as Sri Lanka seek T-20 revival ahead of World Cup
Sri Lanka’s Chairman of Selectors Upul Tharanga has vowed to fix the team’s chronic batting failures in T20 cricket, after their humiliating series defeat to Bangladesh – their first ever against that opposition in the shortest format.
Tharanga, a former skipper himself, has overseen steady progress in Tests and ODIs since taking the reins as chief selector. But in T20 Internationals, Sri Lanka remain a work in progress – and time is ticking fast, with the island set to co-host the next ICC Men’s T20 World Cup alongside India in early 2026.
The scars from last week’s debacle still sting. After cruising in the series opener, Sri Lanka suffered a calamitous collapse in Dambulla, shot out for just 94 – their lowest total at home – before limping to 132 in the Colombo decider, surrendering the series 2-1.
“Our batting unit has been far too inconsistent,” Tharanga told Telecom Asia Sport. “We’ve tried various combinations, but it’s time to inject fresh blood. Players like Nuwanidu Fernando and Pawan Rathnayake have been banging on the selection door and deserve a look-in.”
Another player in the spotlight is Janith Liyanage, a dependable presence in ODIs at number six, now being considered for a similar role in the T20 setup.
“He’s someone who takes a bit of time to settle, but once he’s in, he adds real value – not just with the bat but as a top-class fielder,” Tharanga added. “We might tweak a few things, but he’s got the temperament to do the job in T-20 cricket.”
While Sri Lanka boasts a pool of seamers, selection headaches persist with only two pacers likely to feature in the playing XI which means bowlers with extra pace like Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera have to sit out. Tharanga hinted at a rotation policy to manage workloads and maintain variety.
But the elephant in the room remains power-hitting – or rather, the lack of it.
“Even in our title-winning campaign in 2014, we didn’t rely on big hitters,” Tharanga said. “What we had was smart cricket – finding the gaps, rotating strike, reading the situation. Unfortunately, our current middle order has lost that plot.”
To plug that gap, Sri Lanka has enlisted the services of English power-hitting coach Julian Wood on a short-term deal. Wood, a former Hampshire player, has worked with IPL franchises and international teams on improving strike rates and clearing the ropes.
“That’s a step in the right direction,” Tharanga said. “I hope the boys make the most of his expertise.”
Sri Lanka’s lead-up to the World Cup includes T20 series against England, Pakistan and Zimbabwe, with the Asia Cup also pencilled in. There’s also a potential home series against India next month – a golden chance to test combinations and iron out creases.
(Telecom Asia Sport)
Gaby Lewis has been rested for Ireland’s upcoming T20I tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies at home in Clontarf as she recovers from a recent leg injury but has been named captain – for the first time at a global event – for the T20 World Cup in June-July in England.
Orla Prendergast, the vice-captain for the World Cup, will lead the side in the tri-series in Lewis’ absence. No vice-captain has been named for the tri-series.
In terms of ins and outs, Jane Maguire, the right-arm medium pacer, has been ruled out of contention with an injury, but her sister Aimee Maguire, the left-arm orthodox spinner, has returned from her own injury and has been included in both squads. Apart from the missing Lewis, there are no changes from the squad for the tri-series, which is a 14-member line-up, for the World Cup.
At the T20 World Cup, Ireland have been grouped with tournament hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, Scotland, Sri Lanka and past winners West Indies.
Ireland are ranked ninth in the format, ahead of only Scotland (11th) among the teams in their group, and will start their World Cup campaign on the second day of competition, against Scotland in Manchester.
Ireland were most recently in action at the T20 World Cup qualifiers played in Nepal in January-February this year, and finished second to Bangladesh.
Lewis’ fitness will be key for Ireland at the World Cup, with her being their top-ranked batter, currently at joint-14th on the ICC T20I rankings. She was also the top run getter at the qualifiers with 276 runs in seven innings, scoring her runs at a strike rate of 119.48.
Prendergast is the next best at No. 26, followed by Amy Hunter at No. 29. Prendergast is also the seventh-ranked allrounder in women’s T20Is.
Ireland squad for women’s T20 World Cup
Gaby Lewis (capt), Orla Prendergast (vice-capt), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell
Ireland squad for tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies
Orla Prendergast (capt), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell
[Cricinfo]
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has issued a statement approving the members nominated for the new Selection Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
The appointments have been made by the Sports Minister in accordance with the powers vested under Section 39 (1) of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973 and the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2437/24 dated May 21, 2025.
The members of the new selection committee are:
Kapila Wijegunawardena – Chairman
Amal Silva – Member
Brendon Kuruppu – Member
Waruna Waragoda – Member
Vanessa De Silva – Member
PM meets academic experts from the British Council
Gaby Lewis to lead Ireland at T20 World Cup
PM meets Sri Lankan community living in London
Kapila Wijegunawardena to head SLC’s new selection committee
Afghanistan refugee women’s team set for England tour under ECB initiative
DR Congo cancels World Cup training camp over Ebola outbreak
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