Cricket

Sri Lanka's cricket board has announced that star batsman Kusal Mendis and three other key players will be rested for the third and final one-day international (ODI) against New Zealand on Tuesday. The decision comes after Sri Lanka secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.Mendis, who has been in scintillating form, scoring 143 in the rain-shortened first ODI and an unbeaten 74 in the second, will be given a break to recover and prepare for the upcoming Test series in South Africa. Joining him on the sidelines will be Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando, and Pathum Nissanka."The decision was taken by the selectors to give the above players adequate time to recover and prepare for the upcoming Test series in South Africa," Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.In their place, top-order batsmen Nuwanidu Fernando and Lahiru Udara, as well as fast bowler Eshan Malinga, have been added to the squad. Fernando and Udara will be looking to make their ODI debuts, while Malinga, a veteran of 226 ODIs, will be aiming to add to his tally of 338 wickets in the format.Sri Lanka will be aiming to complete a clean sweep of the series in the final ODI at Pallekele. The hosts have been in impressive form, with Mendis leading the way with his batting exploits. However, New Zealand will be determined to avoid a whitewash and will be looking to their experienced players, such as captain Kane Williamson and all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, to step up.The Test series against South Africa is scheduled to begin on March 31, and Sri Lanka will be keen to give their key players a chance to rest and recharge before the challenge of facing the Proteas.

Sri Lanka's victory in the first ODI against New Zealand was a testament to their bowlers' resilience and adaptability. Despite a strong start from New Zealand's openers, Sri Lanka's bowlers managed to turn the tide and secure a 45-run victory via the DLS method.Kusal Mendis, who scored a career-best 143, was named Player of the Match. However, it was the bowlers who laid the foundation for Sri Lanka's success. Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, and Maheesh Theekshana faced a challenging situation after heavy rain during the innings break. The wet ball and outfield made it difficult for them to control the run rate.Theekshana eventually provided the breakthrough with a double-strike in the 14th over, removing both openers. Charith Asalanka then struck in consecutive overs, reducing New Zealand from 88 for 0 to 100 for 4. Asalanka's bowling exploits have become increasingly valuable for Sri Lanka, as he has picked up nine wickets in his last nine ODIs.Sri Lanka's decision to go with just four frontline bowlers was justified by Asalanka's performance. The trio of Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Janith Liyanage provides Sri Lanka with flexibility in their bowling options.While the long-term feasibility of this strategy remains questionable, Sri Lanka is currently content with trialing out their current combination. The bowlers' ability to adapt to challenging conditions and execute their plans effectively was crucial in their victory against New Zealand.

In a rain-interrupted first One-Day International (ODI) at Dambulla, Sri Lanka secured a convincing 45-run victory over New Zealand, thanks to centuries from Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando.Mendis, 29, struck a career-best 143, while Fernando hit 100 as Sri Lanka posted a commanding 324-5 in 49.2 overs before rain halted play. New Zealand, chasing a revised target of 221 off 27 overs, were restricted to 175-9 in the day-night game.The Kiwis started off confidently with an 88-run stand between openers Will Young and Tim Robinson. However, Maheesh Theekshana triggered a collapse, dismissing both openers in quick succession. From there on, the visitors struggled to keep up with the required run rate, losing wickets in clumps.Earlier, Mendis and Fernando stitched together a 206-run stand for the second wicket, the highest partnership for any wicket at Dambulla in ODIs. Mendis' 128-ball knock was studded with 17 fours and two sixes, while Fernando's 115-ball innings included nine fours and two sixes.Sri Lanka's batters seized control after captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to bat first. Opener Pathum Nissanka was dismissed early, but Mendis and Fernando made the most of the conditions. The New Zealand spinners struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen, who kept the scoreboard ticking at over 6.5 runs per over.Rain halted play just one ball into Sri Lanka's innings, causing a 39-minute delay. Downpours returned with four balls left in the Sri Lankan innings.The ODI action will next move to Pallekele where the remaining two games of the series will be played on Sunday and Tuesday.

Sri Lanka's resurgence in limited-overs cricket has given captain Charith Asalanka a "good headache" as he faces a wealth of batting talent vying for spots in the top order. The team's recent 2-1 ODI series victory over the West Indies marked their third consecutive white-ball series triumph, following wins against the Windies in T20Is and India in ODIs.Nishan Madushka's impressive form has been a revelation for Sri Lanka. The opener scored 38 and 69 in the two ODIs he played, replacing the injured Pathum Nissanka. Nissanka returned to the side in the final ODI and struck a half-century.With Madushka, Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, and Kusal Perera all in solid form, there is intense competition for the top three batting positions. Asalanka believes this will make it difficult for the team management to select the squad for upcoming matches."I'm very happy about Nishan Madushka's form. If we have a player in that kind of form on the bench, that's a big win for us. Now when we go into a selection meeting, we've got good headaches. The selectors, coach, and I have a tough time choosing a team," Asalanka said.The captain also praised the National Super League (NSL) for helping him regain his form. "In the last series, against India, I wasn't in form. But I played the NSL tournament and got an excellent result out of that. We've got to thank the board for holding the NSL. It's a tournament that has a competitive level of cricket," he said.Sri Lanka will next face New Zealand in two T20Is and three ODIs, starting on November 9 in Dambulla. After that, the team will travel to South Africa for two Tests from November 27.

Sri Lanka's cricket selectors have made a significant change in leadership, appointing Charith Asalanka as the new ODI captain for the upcoming three-match series against India in August. This move comes after Kusal Mendis, who had been leading the team in ODIs since December 2022, was replaced.Asalanka's appointment as ODI captain is a continuation of his recent elevation to the T20I captaincy, following Wanindu Hasaranga's resignation after Sri Lanka's disappointing exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. The selectors' decision to appoint Asalanka in both formats reflects their confidence in his leadership abilities and their desire for a fresh approach.Mendis' tenure as ODI captain was marked by mixed results. While Sri Lanka won six of the eight completed ODIs under his leadership, including five consecutive home victories against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, they suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Bangladesh. Despite Mendis' strong batting form, the selectors opted for a change in direction.The upcoming ODI series against India will be a major test for Asalanka's captaincy. India is a formidable opponent, and Sri Lanka will need to perform at their best to compete. The series will also provide an opportunity for Asalanka to establish himself as a long-term leader for Sri Lanka.The Sri Lankan squad for the ODI series against India includes a mix of experienced players and rising stars. Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Wanindu Hasaranga are among the key players to watch, while young talents such as Nishan Madushka and Matheesha Pathirana will be eager to make an impact.

Sri Lanka's new T20 captain, Charith Asalanka, has identified the Lanka Premier League (LPL) as the benchmark for selecting the national team's top-order batters. Asalanka believes that the LPL's high level of competition provides a reliable indicator of players' T20 abilities.Based on their impressive performances in the LPL, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Kusal Perera have emerged as strong contenders for the top three batting positions. Kamindu Mendis, who showcased his versatility by bowling with both arms, has secured the No. 4 spot.Asalanka emphasized the importance of using the LPL as a selection criterion, stating, "If you look at the LPL, it's the No. 1 tournament we have to make decisions like this. More than domestic T20s, the LPL is at a much higher level."Mendis, Nissanka, Fernando, and Perera all displayed exceptional batting prowess in the LPL. Mendis accumulated 329 runs at a strike rate of 150, while Nissanka amassed 333 runs at a strike rate of 153. Fernando impressed with 374 runs at a strike rate of 163, and Perera boasted the highest strike rate of 169, scoring 296 runs.Asalanka's leadership style revolves around man-management and fostering a positive environment. He aims to extract the best from his players and empower them to execute their plans with confidence."I've played under many captains, and I've tried to absorb as many of their good traits into my captaincy and into my life as possible," Asalanka said. "What I really want is to get 100% out of my players, and to create a positive environment for them."With a wealth of talented batters at his disposal, Asalanka faces the challenge of selecting the optimal top three for Sri Lanka's upcoming T20 matches. The LPL performances of Mendis, Nissanka, Fernando, and Perera will heavily influence his decision-making process.

Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup campaign ended on a high note as they cruised to an 83-run victory over the Netherlands in their final Group D encounter. Despite being eliminated from Super Eight contention, the 2014 champions showcased their batting prowess, posting a formidable total of 201 for six.Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka led the charge for Sri Lanka, both scoring 46 runs. Mendis' innings was a steady accumulation of boundaries, while Asalanka's knock was a whirlwind of sixes and fours. The duo took advantage of the strong crosswinds at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia to propel their team to the first 200-plus total in a T20 International at the venue.The Netherlands' chase started brightly, with openers Max O'Dowd and Michael Levitt putting on a 45-run partnership. However, the innings fell apart after O'Dowd's dismissal, with Nuwan Thushara claiming three wickets to reduce the Dutch to 69 for four.News of Bangladesh's victory over Nepal, which secured their spot in the Super Eight, further dampened the Netherlands' spirits. Sri Lanka capitalized on the deflated Dutch team, bowling them out for 118 in 16.4 overs.Edwards and Levitt top-scored for the Netherlands with 31 runs each, but the Sri Lankan bowling attack proved too strong. Thushara was the standout performer, claiming three wickets for 24 runs.Despite their early exit from the tournament, Sri Lanka's victory over the Netherlands provided a glimmer of hope for the future. The team showed glimpses of their potential, and with a young and talented squad, they will be looking to make a stronger impact in future ICC events.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: A Rivalry Renewed in a Crucial T20 World Cup ClashThe stage is set for another chapter in the burgeoning rivalry between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as they face off in a pivotal T20 World Cup match on June 7 in Dallas. With three Full Members in Group D, the winner of this contest will gain a significant advantage in the race for the Super Eights.The rivalry between these two nations has intensified in recent years, marked by on-field sledging and off-field banter. Both teams will be eager to prove their superiority and gain a psychological edge in this high-stakes encounter.Sri Lanka, coming off a disappointing defeat to South Africa, will be looking to bounce back with a strong performance. Their batting unit, which struggled against South Africa, will need to find their rhythm and avoid the tendency to loft the ball into the fielders. Kusal Mendis, who has a stellar record against Bangladesh, will be a key player for Sri Lanka.Bangladesh, on the other hand, has been in poor form in T20Is this year. They have lost to Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and USA, raising concerns about their hunger and adaptability. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will be under pressure to lead his team to a much-needed victory.Key Players to Watch:* Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh): The Bangladesh captain has struggled for form this year but is known for his ability to bounce back from adversity.* Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka): Mendis has been Bangladesh's tormentor in recent matches, scoring heavily against them in all formats.Team News:* Bangladesh is likely to recall Taskin Ahmed from injury, while Shoriful Islam remains a concern.* Sri Lanka may include Dushmantha Chameera in place of Nuwan Thushara or Maheesh Theekshana.Pitch and Conditions:The pitch in Dallas is expected to be favorable for batting, with no rain in the forecast.Stats that Matter:* Kusal Mendis has a high strike rate against Bangladesh's key bowlers.* Sri Lanka has won both previous T20 World Cup matches against Bangladesh.* Bangladesh has lost 100 T20Is, while Sri Lanka has lost 99.Quotes:"I personally don't want to see this match differently. It is very important, but it is important to execute our plan with a cool mind." - Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto"We have played good cricket against Bangladesh in the recent past. We have that confidence and momentum going through this game." - Sri Lanka batting coach Thilina Kandamby

Sri Lanka's cricket team secured a thrilling 28-run victory over Bangladesh in the final T20 match of their series, claiming the series 2-1. Opener Kusal Mendis played a pivotal role, scoring a brilliant 86 runs off 55 balls, including six fours and six sixes. His innings propelled Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 174-6.Bangladesh's chase got off to a shaky start, with pacer Nuwan Thushara making an immediate impact. Thushara, playing his first game of the series, ripped through the top order, taking four wickets in his two overs, including a hat trick. His victims included captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, and Mahmudullah.Despite Rishad Hossain's valiant effort with a 30-ball 53, Bangladesh's batting lineup crumbled under Thushara's relentless bowling. The team was eventually bowled out for 146 in 19.4 overs, falling short of the target.Thushara's career-best performance of 5-20 earned him the Player of the Match award. Sri Lanka captain Wanindu Hasaranga praised Thushara's contribution, saying, "This is our last series before the World Cup, so we take a lot of confidence from this."The victory marks a significant boost for Sri Lanka as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The team's bowling attack, led by Thushara, proved to be a formidable force, while Mendis' batting prowess provided a solid foundation.