Wanindu Hasaranga to Captain Sri Lanka in 2024 T20 World Cup

Wanindu Hasaranga to Captain Sri Lanka in 2024 T20 World Cup

Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s star all-rounder, will lead the team in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. Hasaranga missed the entire 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to a heel injury but has since made his return in Sri Lanka’s ongoing T20 practice games.

Sri Lanka has been placed in Group D of the T20 World Cup alongside Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands, and South Africa. They will kick off their campaign against South Africa on June 3 in New York before facing Bangladesh in Dallas on June 8. Their final two group matches will be against Nepal in Florida on June 12 and Netherlands in St Lucia on June 17.

Hasaranga’s return to fitness is a major boost for Sri Lanka, who will be looking to make a strong impact in the tournament. The 26-year-old is one of the most talented all-rounders in the world, capable of both destructive batting and economical bowling.

Sri Lanka’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup is as follows:

* Wanindu Hasaranga (captain)
* Charith Asalanka (vice-captain)
* Kusal Mendis
* Pathum Nissanka
* Kamindu Mendis
* Sadeera Samarawickrama
* Angelo Mathews
* Dasun Shanaka
* Dhananjaya de Silva
* Maheesh Theekshana
* Dunith Wellalage
* Dushmantha Chameera
* Matheesha Pathirana
* Nuwan Thushara
* Dilshan Madushanka

Traveling reserves:

* Asitha Fernando
* Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
* Bhanuka Rajapaksa
* Janith Liyanage

Sri Lanka will be hoping to improve on their performance in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where they failed to progress beyond the Super 12 stage. With Hasaranga leading the charge, they will be confident of making a deep run in the tournament.

Sri Lanka Women Aim for World Cup Semi-Finals, Athapaththu Sets Sights High

Sri Lanka Women Aim for World Cup Semi-Finals, Athapaththu Sets Sights High

Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team has set their sights on reaching the semi-finals of both the T20 and ODI World Cups, according to captain Chamari Athapaththu. The team has shown impressive form in recent months, winning T20I series against Bangladesh, England, and South Africa, and reaching the final of the Asian Games. They also won ODI series against Bangladesh and New Zealand and are in contention for automatic qualification for the 2025 ODI World Cup.

Athapaththu’s confidence stems from her team’s recent performances, including her own record-breaking 195 not out against South Africa. This innings not only marked the third-highest individual score in women’s ODIs but also led Sri Lanka to the highest successful chase in the format.

The team’s success is also attributed to the contributions of young players like Nilakshika Silva, who scored an unbeaten 50 against South Africa. Athapaththu believes that her team has the potential to achieve great things, especially if they continue to play with the same determination and skill.

However, Athapaththu is also aware of the challenges ahead. Sri Lanka must perform well against West Indies and Ireland to secure a top-five finish in the Women’s Championship table and qualify for the ODI World Cup. They must also navigate the T20 World Cup qualifiers in the UAE, where they are grouped with Thailand, Scotland, Uganda, and USA.

Despite the challenges, Athapaththu remains optimistic about her team’s chances. She is particularly excited about the prospect of seeing another Sri Lankan batter surpass her record score. She believes that such achievements can inspire the next generation of cricketers and help Sri Lanka become a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.

Kasun Rajitha Ruled Out of Second Bangladesh Test, Asitha Fernando Replaces Him

Kasun Rajitha Ruled Out of Second Bangladesh Test, Asitha Fernando Replaces Him

Sri Lanka’s fast bowling woes continue as Kasun Rajitha has been ruled out of the second Test against Bangladesh due to a back injury. Asitha Fernando will replace Rajitha in the squad, who had also been sidelined with a hamstring injury but has recovered ahead of schedule.

Rajitha sustained the injury during the first Test in Sylhet, where he played through the pain and claimed eight wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings. However, the injury has forced him to return home for rehabilitation.

“Kasun Rajitha will not be available for the second test match as the player has suffered an injury to his left upper back area,” stated an SLC media release. “Kasun will return home to start rehabilitation work.”

Fernando, who has 41 wickets in 13 Tests, has a strong record against Bangladesh, having taken 13 wickets in two Tests at an average of 16.61. His inclusion will provide Sri Lanka with a much-needed boost in the absence of Rajitha.

Rajitha’s injury is the latest in a string of setbacks for Sri Lanka’s fast bowling unit. Dilshan Madushanka was recently ruled out of the IPL with a hamstring injury, while Matheesha Pathirana missed Chennai Super Kings’ opening game with a similar issue. Dushmantha Chameera is also a long-term absentee after injuring his left quadricep earlier this year.

Sri Lanka will be hoping that Fernando can step up and fill the void left by Rajitha in the second Test, which begins on March 30 in Chattogram.

Bangladesh Head Coach Hathurusinghe to Miss Second Test Against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh Head Coach Hathurusinghe to Miss Second Test Against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe will miss the second and final Test against Sri Lanka, starting in Chattogram on Saturday, due to personal reasons. Assistant coach Nic Pothas will take charge in his absence.

Hathurusinghe’s departure comes after Bangladesh’s heavy 328-run defeat in the first Test in Sylhet. The team had previously won the ODI series but lost the T20I series to Sri Lanka by identical 2-1 margins.

Shakib Al Hasan, who has been out of action since April 2023 due to an eye condition, has been recalled to the Test squad as a replacement for Towhid Hridoy. Hasan Mahmud has also been included in the squad in place of the injured Musfik Hasan, who has a left ankle injury.

Hathurusinghe, who is in his second stint as Bangladesh head coach, has been in charge since February 2023. He previously coached Sri Lanka and served as batting coach for New South Wales in Australia.

Pothas, who joined Bangladesh in April 2023, has previously worked as interim head coach for West Indies and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh will be hoping to bounce back from their first Test defeat and level the series in Chattogram. The match will be crucial for both teams, as it could determine the outcome of the series.

Sri Lanka's Pace Trio Captures All 20 Wickets in Historic Test Victory

Sri Lanka’s Pace Trio Captures All 20 Wickets in Historic Test Victory

Sri Lanka’s pace trio of Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Kasun Rajitha etched their names in history by capturing all 20 wickets in the first Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet. This feat, last achieved by Sri Lanka in 1986, was made possible by the green tinge of the pitch, which provided ample pace and bounce.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva’s decision to field three pacers proved to be a masterstroke, as they exploited the conditions to the fullest. The visitors completed a comprehensive 328-run victory with a day and a half to spare, giving the pace trio much-needed rest ahead of the second Test in Chattogram.

De Silva praised his bowlers for their exceptional use of the new ball and their ability to maintain their shape despite the pitch slowing down. He emphasized the importance of pace bowlers in extracting wickets, especially when the conditions favor them.

The Test also marked a memorable milestone for De Silva himself, who became the first Sri Lankan captain to score twin hundreds in a Test. He and newcomer Kamindu Mendis formed crucial partnerships in both innings, showcasing their patience and skill.

De Silva expressed his satisfaction with Mendis’s performance, highlighting his determination and suitability for the No. 7 role. He also acknowledged the support he receives from experienced leaders in the team, which helps him navigate the challenges of captaincy.

Despite Sri Lanka’s impressive victory, De Silva remains focused on the present and is not preoccupied with the World Test Championship points table. He believes in taking one match at a time and addressing areas for improvement, such as the top-order batting, before the next Test.

Sri Lanka's Fast Bowlers Dominate Bangladesh in Sylhet Test

Sri Lanka’s Fast Bowlers Dominate Bangladesh in Sylhet Test

The Sylhet pitch has proven to be a refreshing change for Bangladesh, where fast bowlers have traditionally struggled. The presence of live grass on the surface has provided a rare opportunity for pacers to excel, while also allowing batters to play their shots freely.

Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers capitalized on these conditions, claiming all ten Bangladesh wickets in the first innings of the first Test. This marked the first time Sri Lanka’s quicks had achieved this feat since Johannesburg 2021.

Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Kasun Rajitha showcased their skills, consistently bowling on and outside the off stump. Fernando claimed four wickets, including the crucial dismissals of Zakir Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto. Rajitha removed Mominul Haque and Taijul Islam, while Kumara accounted for Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shahadat Hossain.

Sri Lanka’s fast-bowling coach, Dharshana Gamage, praised his bowlers’ discipline and execution. “They bowled really well to get all ten wickets,” he said. “There was a bit of help from the wicket as well, but they stuck to their basics and bowled in the right areas.”

Gamage emphasized the importance of discipline and bowling partnerships. “Our basic plan was to bowl on top of off-stump all day,” he said. “We developed good bowling partnerships from both ends, and that’s what ultimately led to our success.”

Gamage also highlighted the efforts of Vishwa, who has been working hard to maintain his fitness and rhythm for Test cricket. “We’ve worked very hard to bring and keep him at this level,” Gamage said. “He works extremely hard to stay sharp and keep his rhythm.”

Kumara, who was playing his first Test in 12 months, also impressed with his endurance and accuracy. “He has had some injuries in the last few years, but we’ve worked hard on his workload,” Gamage said. “He is in good shape at the moment and showed that he could bowl consistently in the right areas.”

With Chris Silverwood at the helm, Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers have shown a renewed focus on discipline and consistency. While Asitha Fernando is absent, Kumara has staked his claim for a place in the first-choice pace attack alongside Vishwa and Rajitha. The trio will need to continue their impressive performances to help Sri Lanka secure victory in the ongoing Test.

Sri Lanka's Mendis and De Silva Rescue Team with Epic 200-Run Stand

Sri Lanka’s Mendis and De Silva Rescue Team with Epic 200-Run Stand

Sri Lanka’s Test newcomers Kamindu Mendis and captain Dhananjaya de Silva defied Bangladesh’s fast bowlers to forge a remarkable 200-run partnership, rescuing their team from a precarious position.

After losing five wickets for just 57 runs, Sri Lanka’s hopes seemed bleak. However, Mendis and de Silva stepped up to the plate, becoming only the second Sri Lanka pair to add a 200-run stand after losing five wickets for less than 60.

Mendis, playing in just his second Test, showed maturity beyond his years. Despite being dropped on the first ball of his innings, he counter-attacked with a flurry of drives and sixes. De Silva, on the other hand, played a more measured innings, using the fast bowlers’ pace and bounce to his advantage.

Together, they weathered the storm and gradually rebuilt Sri Lanka’s innings. Mendis reached his maiden Test century first, while de Silva followed suit in the same over. Their partnership not only stabilized Sri Lanka’s position but also put Bangladesh’s bowlers under immense pressure.

Mendis’s aggressive approach kept the scoreboard ticking over, while de Silva’s experience and composure provided the necessary stability. They both played with a positive mindset, taking advantage of any loose deliveries.

Mendis’s performance was particularly impressive, as he replaced Sadeera Samarawickrama in the Sri Lanka XI and may have earned a permanent spot in the team. His ability to handle pressure and score quickly under difficult circumstances has caught the attention of the selectors.

The 200-run partnership between Mendis and de Silva was a testament to their skill, determination, and resilience. It not only saved Sri Lanka from a potential collapse but also gave them a solid foundation to build on in the second innings.

Sri Lanka's ODI Ambitions Undeterred Despite Setbacks

Sri Lanka’s ODI Ambitions Undeterred Despite Setbacks

Sri Lanka’s ODI ambitions remain undeterred despite missing out on the Super League and the Champions Trophy. Head coach Chris Silverwood emphasizes that representing the country is motivation enough for the team, especially against a competitive Bangladesh side.

The rivalry between the two teams intensified during the recent T20I series, with gestures and verbal exchanges adding fuel to the fire. However, Silverwood acknowledges that the rivalry has fostered a healthy competitive edge.

Sri Lanka is in the early stages of a new ODI cycle and has made a promising start with series wins against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. Silverwood aims to build on this momentum and establish a distinct style of play leading up to the next World Cup.

The return of Pathum Nissanka, who recently became the first Sri Lankan to score an ODI double century, is a major boost for the team. Silverwood praises Nissanka’s exceptional contributions and consistency.

Another player to watch is Kamindu Mendis, who has impressed with his ambidextrous batting and ambitious stroke play. Mendis has seized his opportunities and is now vying for a permanent berth in the team.

Silverwood highlights the importance of individual contributions and the team’s collective effort in putting up big scores and executing their skills effectively.

Sri Lanka Recall Kumara, Include Mendis for Bangladesh ODIs

Sri Lanka Recall Kumara, Include Mendis for Bangladesh ODIs

Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for their upcoming series against Bangladesh features the return of fast bowler Lahiru Kumara and the inclusion of batting allrounder Kamindu Mendis. The team aims to continue its rebuilding process after a disappointing World Cup performance.

Kumara, who has been in good form in domestic cricket, has been recalled to the ODI XI. He has taken nine wickets in his last four List A matches. Mendis, who impressed in the T20Is, has also earned a spot in the squad.

Opening batter Pathum Nissanka, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, and offspin-bowling allrounder Sahan Arachchige, who has been in good form with the bat domestically, are also included in the squad.

Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva remains omitted from the ODI squad, while Shevon Daniel, who was part of Sri Lanka’s last two ODI squads, has been left out in favor of Mendis.

Sri Lanka has a variety of seam options, including Kumara, Pramod Madushan, left-armer Dilshan Madushanka, and all-rounders Chamika Karunaratne and Janth Liyanage. However, they do not have the slingers Matheesha Pathirana or Nuwan Thushara, despite Thushara’s outstanding performance in the third T20I against Bangladesh.

On the spin front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are expected to be the main bowlers, but Akila Dananjaya and left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage are also in the mix.

Sri Lanka has won both their ODI series this year, at home against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. This is their first overseas series in 2024. The first of three ODIs will be played in Chattogram on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka's Pathirana Ruled Out of Final T20I with Hamstring Injury

Sri Lanka’s Pathirana Ruled Out of Final T20I with Hamstring Injury

Sri Lanka’s express pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the third and final T20I against Bangladesh on Saturday due to a grade one hamstring injury. The setback comes as a blow to the Sri Lankan team, who are looking to clinch the series after the teams shared the first two matches.

Pathirana, known for his lightning-fast deliveries, sustained the injury during the second T20I on Thursday. He was seen clutching his left hamstring while attempting to complete his fourth over, forcing Angelo Mathews to bowl the final two deliveries.

The 19-year-old has been a key figure for Sri Lanka in the series, showcasing his raw pace and ability to generate steep bounce. In the first T20I, he conceded 56 runs in four overs, but bounced back in the second match with figures of 2 for 28 from 3.4 overs.

Sri Lanka’s team management will now have to find a suitable replacement for Pathirana in the final match. Nuwan Thushara, who also bowls with a round-arm action, is the closest like-for-like option in the squad, although he lacks the same blistering pace. Other seamers in contention include left-armers Binura Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.

The injury to Pathirana is a concern for Sri Lanka, especially considering his importance to the team’s plans for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). Pathirana is the designated death bowler for Chennai Super Kings, who begin their IPL campaign on March 22.

With the series tied 1-1, the third T20I in Sylhet on Saturday promises to be a thrilling encounter. Sri Lanka will be eager to secure a series victory, while Bangladesh will be determined to end the series on a high.

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