Cricket srilanka

02/01/2023

02/01/2023

Sri Lanka to play inaugural Test against Ireland in April

Sri Lanka are scheduled to play only five Tests for the year 2023 which sees the next fifty-over World Cup scheduled to take place in India in October, and also the Asia Cup in Pakistan preceding it.

Of the five Tests, two are against New Zealand in March which will complete Sri Lanka’s cycle of matches in the ICC Test Championships.

Sri Lanka are currently placed third in the standings and need to win both Tests to be played in New Zealand if they are to progress further up the ladder and make it to the top two to qualify for the Test Championship final which is scheduled to be played at the Oval, London in June next year.

Australia and India are currently the top two teams in the standings, with a host of teams on their trail, hoping to surpass them on the table. Australia has a points percentage of 78.57%. followed by India on 58.93%. Australia and South Africa will also clash against each other in a three-match series in the current cycle in December-January, which could have a big bearing on the final points table.

Sri Lanka (53.33%), SouthAfrica(50), and England (44.44%) round up the top five of the standings. With many series still to go in the current cycle, there could be many twists and turns in the points table before the two finalists are decided.

The year will also see the inaugural Test match between Sri Lanka and Test newcomers Ireland who are scheduled to make a short tour to the country in April. Ireland are due to play a one-off Test and two T20 Internationals.

The venues and dates have yet to be finalised, but there is a likelihood that all matches may take place in Colombo, if not, only the Test match in Galle and the white ball games in Colombo.

Ireland has played Sri Lanka only in white ball format – four ODIs and three T20Is, all of which they have lost. Since attaining Test status in June 2017, Ireland has played three Tests against Pakistan, Afghanistan and England and have lost all of them.

The only other Test series Sri Lanka will be involved in during 2023 according to the Future Tours Program (FTP) is when Pakistan make a tour here for two Tests in July. Pakistan made a short tour of Sri Lanka in July this year as well to play two Tests which was part of the ICC World Test Championships. The series ended in a one-all draw.

Other than these five Tests, Sri Lanka have a rather lean year whereas red ball cricket is concerned. It is a pity that Sri Lanka are not playing more Test matches, but have given more weightage to white ball cricket, which of course is a money-spinner compared to the established game. Cricket is not all about money, although you need it to sustain the game at all levels, but there should be a fair distribution of all three formats when drawing up international cricket fixtures.

After all, we fought for 17 long years to achieve ICC Test status, and once that had been achieved, we have simply forgotten from where we first began. It is also hard and unfair on the players who play only Test cricket to keep themselves motivated throughout a year just to play five Test matches. It is simply not cricket.

Like 2022 when the Asia Cup (played in T20I format) was followed by the T20 World Cup, 2023 will also see a similar practice with the Asia Cup to be played in ODI format (50 overs) in September in Pakistan and followed by the 50-over World Cup in India in October. Sri Lanka has six ODIs against India and New Zealand and the Asia Cup to prepare for the World Cup. They are also scheduled to play eight T20Is against India, New Zealand and Ireland during 2023.

02/01/2023

SLC hires Chris Clarke-Irons as Lead Physiotherapist for two years

Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed Chris Clarke-Irons as the Lead Physiotherapist of the National Team, with effect from January 1, 2023.

Chris is on a two-year contract with Sri Lanka Cricket and his first official tour with the Sri Lanka National Team will be the Sri Lanka Tour of India 2022–2023.

Chris, who holds a BSc (Hons) Degree in Physiotherapy obtained from the University of East London and an MSc in Advanced Physiotherapy from Kings College, London, was the Head of Science and Medicine and also the Lead Physiotherapist of the Essex County Cricket Club, before joining Sri Lanka Cricket.

He also held stints with the England Men’s Team during an ODI Tour of Australia and also functioned as the physiotherapist for the ECB’s Senior Men’s Pace Program.

02/01/2023

Dasun desired Mathews making a comeback

Sri Lanka white-ball captain Dasun Shanaka conceded he would have liked former captain Angelo Mathews making a comeback after months into a 50-over squad while also placing the ball on the selectors’ court.

Mathews being excluded from the 50-over side, has raised many an eyebrow as many believe the 35-year-old could offer lot more to the team. Sri Lanka must play a qualifying round to earn one of the two remaining slot at the 10-team tournament which will be played later this year in India.

Mathews was among several seniors who were axed from white-ball cricket as part of a major overhaul when Pramodya Wickremasinghe led selectors assumed duties in April in 2021.

“I would have liked to have him in the side, but it’s up to the selectors”, Shanaka said ahead of team’s departure to India last evening for a six-match white-ball series.

Apart from that itself, Mathews featuring in the team, for his heaps of exposure would have settled an unsettled middle-order. Mathews has featured in 218 ODIs for Sri Lanka, scoring 5835 runs at 41.67–the second best average among Sri Lankan batters. Legendary Kumar Sangakkara is the only one with a better average, scoring his 13975 runs at 41.96 in a career-spanning over one and half decades.

Mathews played his last ODI in March, 2021, but he played a significant role as a middle-order batter for Colombo Stars during the recent Lanka Premier League (LPL). For an ageing Mathews, another World Cup four years from now, doesn’t remain likely.

Thus, his return for the series in India would have only presented a golden opportunity as a dress rehearsal ahead of a World Cup. This all-white-ball tour will also test the leadership skills of Wanindu Hasaranga, a vice captain debut for him in the national squad, and only a second time deputy in Kusal Mendis.

“I have always been getting good support from them. They are seasoned cricketers and this (leadership appointments) are future investments. Hence, they would serve in good stead and is the correct decision,” Shanaka told reporters on New Year’s eve, ahead of their departure to India.

“Wanindu did a good job in the LPL. So he got the potential. Kusal Mendis has been in the system. We have been discussing before they were appointed as vice captains”, Shanaka backed his deputies and said the three of them have been getting on well and have a good understanding.

The tour, consisting six matches, three T20s and as many ODIs, opens with the T20s, at the Wankhade, Mumbai, three days into 2023. However, the spotlight is focused on the 50-over leg, the same format for the World Cup to be played in India later in 2023.

“Beating India in India is always a daunting challenge. However, we beat them in the Asia Cup, hence we’ll be banking on that. We have given a good fight to them in the past”.

“It’s a very important tour. But still we played well last year, so hopefully we have been looking forward to winning the series. Actually, it is a good team. We have been training and playing at length”.

02/01/2023

Top run scores in all formats

02/01/2023

Nuwanidu, Avishka and Sadeera in Sri Lanka squad for India

for the forthcoming Indian cricket tour which consists of three T-20s and 3 ODI’ s .The squad is subject to approval by the Sports Minister said a senior official of Sri Lanka Cricket.

Sri Lanka squad is expected to leave for India on January 1 and they will have their practices from today to December30 at the R.Premadasa International cricket stadium and Max cricket Academy Indoor nets under the supervision of head coach Chris Silverwood and Assistant coach Naveed Nawaz.

Two specialist ODI players Nuwanindu Fernando and Jeffery Vandersay will replace two T 20 specialist players Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Nuwan Thushara after the first three T20 matches.

Uncapped Nuwanidu Fernando the top order batter from SSC has earned his first ODI call-up for this series has recently performed well as a batter during the domestic tournaments as well as LPL tournament and this was the main reason to include him in the squad . He is yet to make his Sri Lanka debut.

23 year old right hander Nuwanindu a product from St Sebastian Moratuwa has played 31 first class matches scoring 1771 runs with an average of 40.25 with six centuries and 7 half centuries .He normally bats at as an opener or number three and he is a good choice for Sri Lanka top order . Sri Lanka top order did not perform well at last T20 world cup and Selectors tried out new players like Nuwanindu Fernando and ,Sadeera Samarawickrama and they have recalled Avishka Fernando who was the man of the final at the recently concluded LPL . Avishka Fernando underwent surgery in Australia and now recovered to play white ball format while Sadeera Samarawickremhe the wicket keeper batter has been included in both ODI and T20 sides for the six-match series against India.The 27 year old former St Joseph’s skipper last played for National team in 2017 and after a lapse of five years has been recalled for the National side and experienced Dinesh Chandimal couldn’t secure his place for this series. Samarawickrama has already played 4 tests, ODI 7 and T20 9 matches and was among the runs during the domestic tournaments and was named player of the series at the recently concluded LPL .He has ability to play as a top order batsman in addition to wicket keeping skills.

Avishka Fernando the opener is in top form once again and really proved it at the LPL . Avishka played his last T 20 against Australia in Sydney and underwent surgery in Melbourne and missed T 20 world cup .The right hander Fernando has played 26 ODI ‘ s and 32 T20’ s and should do well in this India series .

Also back in the side are all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne (T20, ODI), Pramod Madushan (T20, ODI), Dilshan Madushanka (T20, ODI), Nuwan Thushara (T20) and Jeffrey Vandersay (ODI). Bhanuka Rajapaksa who was not in good form with the bat both at T20 world cup and last LPL once again gets a chance to play only T20’ s while Nuwan Thushara the right arm slinger action bowler who got injured has recovered to play for the T-20 side.

Meanwhile Chamika Karunaratne, who was embroiled in controversy following his alleged indisciplined conduct during the World T20 tournament, was dropped from the side for the series against Afghanistan but has been impressive during the LPL, playing for Kandy Falcons has been recalled for both ODI and T20 ‘ . .Promod Madushan and Dilshsn Madushanka come into the side after injury layoffs. Madushanka played only two LPL matches for Jaffna Kings while Spinner Dunith Wellalage has retained his place in both ODIs and T20Is.The 21 year old former St Joseph’s and National under 19 skipper with his ability of leg spin bowling ,batting in the middle order and fielding in any place paved the way to find a place in this white ball format.

Sri Lanka ODI/T20 squad for India series:( subject to approval from the Sports Minister)

Dasun Shanaka ( Capt),Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhannjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (T20), Ashen Bandara, Nuwanidu Fernando (ODI), Sadeera Samarawickrema (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Mahesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay (ODI), Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara (T20), Chamika Karunaratne, Avishka Fernando,Chris Silverwood (Head coach),Naveed Nawaz ( Assistant coach

05/10/2022

T20 WORLD CUPSRI LANKA
T20 World Cup 2022: Sri Lanka Schedule, Squad, Venue, Fixture, Dates, Best Playing XI, Players to Watch out for & Winning Prediction

The Sri Lankan team is possibly in the best frame of mind ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia. The team emerged victorious in the Asia Cup 2022 which was nothing short of a surprise to the entire cricketing world including themselves. The team has been displaying some high-quality performances against top-quality sides in recent times, therefore, setting examples for several others to follow. The team outplayed giant T20 sides like India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2022 to register a record 6th Asia Cup title in its history. After an emphatic Asia Cup win the team will be shifting its focus towards the big upcoming tournament – The T20 World Cup 2022.

The Sri Lankan team has seemed to be in absolutely zero trouble in the recent games. The team has been spot on in each aspect of the game. The team’s batting department has been rock solid against several top-notch bowling lineups. So is the case with the bowlers who have also given it their all to help their side choke the opposition in various circumstances of the match. The team’s major objective will be to carry forward this wonderful momentum of theirs into the World T20 as well

The Sri Lankan side will have to firstly participate in the qualifying round of the T20 World Cup along with 7 other teams which shall commence from the 16th of October onwards.The team’s campaign shall begin on 16th October itself in the first match of the qualifying round against Namibia. A finish in either of the top two positions in their group during the qualifying rounds shall provide Sri Lanka with a chance to feature in the Super 12 stage of the tournament.

In this article, we shall be discussing everything which you need to know about the Sri Lankan team ahead of the World T20 2022.
Dasun Shanaka
T20 World Cup 2022: Sri Lanka Players to Watch out for
1. Pathum Nissanka – Sri Lanka’s young opening batsman Pathum Nissanka has been a major part of the batting lineup for quite some time in the past. The 23-year-old has been highly impressive batting up the order for his side in white ball cricket in his short career so far. Nissanka who made his T20I debut only in 2021 has notched up remarkably good numbers in the shortest format of the game for his side.

With 801 runs in 28 T20I innings so far for Sri Lanka, the right-handed has been of great use to his side in crucial games. He played an important role with the bat in Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup victory last month. The youngsters scored 173 runs in 6 matches at an impressive average of 34.5. He will be expected to carry forward his brilliant performance with the bat in the T20 World Cup too.

2. Bhanuka Rajapaksa – Bhanuka Rajapaksa is another major player to watch out for in the World T20 in Australia. The left-handed has been brilliant with the bat in the middle overs for his side. His ability to stabilise the innings under tough situations and change gears to take on the bowlers instantly in a whistle makes him a highly dangerous batsman to bowl at.

He has been in stellar form with the bat in recent times which played a crucial role in his side winning the Asia Cup last month. He scored a fantastic 191 runs in 6 games including a match-winning knock of 71 in the final. The explosive batsman has a total of 541 runs in 24 T20I innings so far in his career and will be a major part of Sri Lanka’s plans in the T20 World Cup.

3. Wanindu Hasaranga – Wanindu Hasaranga has been the pillar of Sri Lanka’s bowling lineup in recent times especially in white ball cricket for sure. The 25-year-old with his brilliant spin bowling has been a major threat to several top-quality batsmen from all across the World. With 71 wickets in just 44 T20I matches so far in his career, he is without a doubt one of the most impactful bowlers in the game for his side.

His present form with the ball is excellent too since he picked up 9 wickets in 6 matches in the Asia Cup last month. He can be highly useful with the bat as well at times, a perfect example of which can be found in his fantastic innings of 36 runs of just 21 balls in the final of the Asia Cup versus Pakistan. His all-round skills will be of great use to Sri Lanka for sure in the T20 World Cup next month

Wanindu Hasaranga
T20 World Cup 2022 – Winning Prediction
Considering the present form of the players and the overall rhythm which the team is in currently, it seems a possibility that Sri Lanka will surely be one of the strongest contenders to lift the T20 World Cup 2022. The team consists of some high-quality players in its squad who are capable of turning a game on its head in a matter of few overs. However one must also take into account the circumstances that the team shall have to pass through in order to achieve glory in the upcoming tournament.

The team will have to firstly battle it out in the qualifying stages and then find a place in the Super 12 stages wherein they will certainly be faced with even more stuff competition from world-class teams. Hence it becomes highly difficult to make a probable assumption about Sri Lanka’s World T20 2022 campaign and it will be fair to say that they’ll at least be able to make it to the semi-finals of the tournament if not beyond that.

16/09/2022

Sri Lanka legend makes big call on their T20 World Cup plans after Asia Cup triumph

ICC Hall of Famer Mahela Jayawardena believes Sri Lanka's stunning triumph at the Asia Cup has changed expectations and the island nation should be zeroed in on winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup starting in October.

Jayawardena discussed with great pride his former's side recent transformation with host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of The ICC Review.

"If they take the confidence of what they achieved in the last (T20) World Cup and then now at the Asia Cup, I think they shouldn’t be looking at anything other than going all the way and winning the World Cup," Jayawardena said on The ICC Review.

"I mean that’s the attitude to have and this is a group I feel that will play with that no fear and no extra luggage on them either so just go out there and enjoy their cricket and play.

"They did well in Australia in November when they toured in the T20s. They really performed well. So if they take all that into account, I think they are in a good space now."

Things didn't look great for Sri Lanka when they lost their opening match of the Asia Cup to Afghanistan, but five consecutive wins - including one upset triumph over India and two quality victories against Pakistan - helped catapult Dasun Shanaka's side to success at the six-team competition.

Jayawardena singled out the performance of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga for his efforts in claiming the Player of the Tournament award and saved special praise for the leadership provided by Shanaka.

But the former Sri Lanka skipper said it was an even performance from the squad that ultimately lifted them to the title, and provided plenty of joy to the people back home who are still battling with the ongoing economic crisis currently engulfing the country.

"I don’t think anyone gave them the chance of winning the tournament, but personally, I knew they had the capabilities," Jayawardena said.

"They were knocking on the door. Just they needed that confidence I think. You know once they got that, they just played some brilliant cricket. I think there were no superstars, it was a team effort. Everyone chipped in.

"The people here were starving for excitement for some time and usually, it is the cricket team who brings that for them but we had the netball team winning the Asian Netball Championship on the same day which was brilliant for them. And it was a great sporting day for all of us. I think everyone enjoyed it and just sitting and watching was just brilliant. I really thoroughly enjoyed (both) the finals."

Sri Lanka have just two warm-up games in Melbourne prior to their opening clash at the T20 World Cup, where they take on Namibia in a first-round match in Geelong.

Sri Lanka starts their T20 World Cup campaign away from the competition favourites in the round one against Namibia, Netherlands and UAE prior to the Super 12 stage of the event, which Jayawardena says could be an advantage.

"The start of the World Cup is going to be very crucial for them as they need to get the momentum and get themselves adjusted to the conditions,” Jayawardena noted.

"But I’m very confident that they are capable of doing it."

16/09/2022

Breaking : Sri Lanka squad for ICC T20 world cup announced

12/09/2022

Sri Lanka in majestic win to take Asia Cup

The game was a do-or-die battle for both Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Sri Lanka chased the target and recorded their victory on Friday with three overs to spare. However, Sri Lanka batted first after losing the toss and made a comfortable total of 170/6 as they defended that total with a superb fighting spirit to clinch the title for the sixth time under the full capacity of Dubai grounds while most of them were Pakistani supporters ended up disappointed with back to back defeats from Sri Lanka.

Pakistan chasing a target of 171 runs managed to get 147 while wicketkeeper Mohammed Rizwan was the only successful batter scoring 55 in 49 balls with 4 fours and a six while Sri Lanka’s Promod Madushan made a superb bowling spell of 4 for 34 to wreck the Pakistan innings after claiming two early back to back wickets.

Madushan the 28-year-old paceman from Hambantota Therapuththa National School played his second T20 game and finished with best figures while experienced leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga finished with 3 for 27 and Chamika Karunaratne with 2 for 33, playing good supporting roles with the ball.

The winning Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka received the Champions Trophy.

Chamika Karunaratne said, winning after seven years this title made a good feeling while one and a half years ago we were nowhere. Now we are a different team with youngsters and are looking forward to doing well in the next T20 World Cup in October. The Player of the Match was Bhanuka Rajapaksa and the Player of the Series award went to Wanindu Hasaranga.

It was a real comeback by Sri Lanka after being put into bat first, while Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss. Sri Lanka were struggling at 58/5 in 8.5 overs and the next 11.1 overs saw them add 112 runs with the loss of only two wickets to finish with a fighting total of 170 for 6 wickets at the end of 20 overs

The architect of the innings was Bhanuka Rajapaksa who smashed an unbeaten 71 in 45 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes. He hit the last ball of their innings for a six to take the score to 170.

Earlier, Sri Lankan openers Kusal Mendis was dismissed for a first-ball duck by Naseem Shah on the third ball of the innings while Pathum Nissanka was sent back after facing 11 balls to score 8 which included a boundary. He was dismissed by Haris Rauf who was the most successful bowler finishing with 3 for 29 in his 4-over spell.

Dhananjaya de Silva the experienced all-rounder, who played his second match in the tournament and as deputy skipper; coming in for Charith Asalanka for the final, played a very confident innings as a number three scoring 28 in 21 balls. Ifthikar Ahmed took a return catch off his bowling to send back Dhananjaya in the 8th over.

Danushka Gunathilaka was not playing confidently throughout the tournament as he was clean bowled for 1 run by Rauf bagging his second wicket.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga made a solid 58 runs partnership for the 6th wicket before skipper Dasun Shanaka was out for 2 runs in 3 balls and leg spinner Sadhab Khan took the wicket of Shanaka at 58 for 5 wickets in 8.5 overs.

The bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga played a good supporting role by collecting a very useful 36 in 21 balls with 5 fours and a six to build up a partnership with Bhanuka.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa hit 6 fours and 3 sixes while all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne also remained unbeaten on 14 runs off 11 adding the most needed 54 runs to the 7th wicket to end the innings on a good note.

The paceman Haris Rauf made a hostile spell of 3 for 29 while Shadab Khan and Ifthikar Khan the two spinners and young paceman Naseem Shah took one wicket apiece.

Sri Lanka made an unchanged side from the last game against Pakistan while Pakistan brought back their two main bowlers Shadab Khan leg spinner and young paceman Naseem Shah to strengthen the bowling department after losing the super four game on Friday at the same venue.

Chief scores

Sri Lanka: 170 for 6 wickets (Pathum Nissanka 8, Dhananjaya de Silva 28, Wanindu Hasaranga 36, Chamika Karunaratne 14*, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 71, Naseem Shah 1/40, Haris Rauf 3/29, Shadab Khan 1/28, Ifthikar Ahmed 1/29)

Pakistan: 147 in 20 overs (Mohammed Rizwan 55, Ifthikar Ahmed 32, Haris Rauf 13, Maheesh Theekshana 1/25, Promod Madushan 4/34, Wanindu Hasaranga 3/27, Chamika Karunaratne 2/33)

11/09/2022

Srilanka won the Asia cup final 2022

08/09/2022

Playing for the national team is a dream come true, says Madushanka

Getting a chance to play for the National cricket team is a dream come true for me due to my dedication said Sri Lanka cricket team’s new fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka who hails from Hungama in the Hambantota district.

The 21 year old left arm medium paceman is the latest addition to the team. He got his T- 20 Cap in the first Asia Cup match against Afghanistan which was played on August 27

Dilshan Madushanka studied at Hungama Vijayabahu MV and was picked for the National under 19 side for the 2020 world cup. Mamjula Karunaratne the former provincial cricket coach of Hambantota spotted this young cricketer from the Hungama Vijayabahu MV.

I saw this young boy bowling for the first time at his school .I invited him to come for practices at Hambantota Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium where we had talent search training camp under SLC observation.As a provincial coach my duty is to find cricketers and give them proper training to reach a higher level

Actually first day Dilshsn Madushanka was not willing to come for practices at Hambantota. I spoke to his college coaches. He had lot of difficulties not even the boots pair to bowl and I was keen to find them, added Manjula.

The turning point of his cricket career was the unexpected incident during the 2020 National under 19 cricket training at Hambantota for the Pakistan cricket series. I invited Dilshan Madushanka to come to Hambantota as a net bowler during the Sri Lanka under 19 team against Pakistan. Chaminda Vaas the legendary fast bowler was the National under 19 team fast bowling coach. Vaas spotted him and invited him to come to Colombo said Karunaratne.

Madushanka was at Hungama Vijayabahu MV where they had only junior cricket under 13 and under 15.

He first played for National under 19 as a left arm.medium paceman. He took five wicket haul against Nigeria in the plate quarterfinal game. He made his first class debut at Colts CC where he is playing club cricket up to date.

“My father is a fisherman and has a a small shop which is run by my mother. We had limited facilities at my school not even the turf wicket. However after I met Chaminda Vaas I wanted to continue playing cricket and wanted to come up. I was first drafted to National test squad but had was a reserve However I had good exposure with National cricket training under Mickey Arthur and now under Chris Silverwood. I was named for the test squad for the South African series in 2021. Then for West indies limited over cricket squad in same year and Bangladesh test series but all the time I was a reserve.

Madushanka was an active member of the SLC Blues team at the recently concluded SLC invitational T 20 cricket tournament and later he was named for the Asian cup cricket squad.

He got first National cap against Afghanistan and had best figures of 2 for 36 at the last super four match against Afghanistan in Sharjah. He took his maiden wicket of Afif Hossain at the Bangladesh match at Dubai.

As a left arm paceman he could be next Chaminda Vaas and has good future having lot of potential