Cricket

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed mixed feelings following his team's 2-1 T20I series defeat to Sri Lanka. While acknowledging the home side's victory, Sammy questioned the wisdom of Sri Lanka's decision to prepare turning tracks for the final two games, which were must-wins for the hosts.Sammy argued that such conditions would not be the norm at the 2026 T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka will co-host. He believes that the ICC will ensure that pitches are more balanced, giving both batters and bowlers a fair chance.Despite the defeat, Sammy praised his team's performance, particularly in the first game, which was played on a more balanced wicket. He believes that West Indies showed their depth and challenged Sri Lanka, who had to adjust their tactics to gain an advantage.Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka defended the decision to prepare turning tracks, citing the team's strength in spin bowling. He believes that playing to their strengths gives them the best chance of winning. However, Asalanka acknowledged that Sri Lanka needs to improve their fast-bowling contingent to be competitive in all conditions.Sammy echoed Asalanka's concerns, emphasizing the importance of developing fast bowlers who can perform on different surfaces. He believes that Sri Lanka's reliance on spin could hinder their progress in the long run.Despite the contrasting views on pitches, both Sammy and Asalanka agreed that Sri Lanka's batters performed better than West Indies' throughout the series. Asalanka expressed confidence in his team's ability to score runs on any type of wicket, while Sammy acknowledged the need for his batters to improve their adaptability.Overall, the series highlighted the importance of balanced pitches and the need for teams to develop all-round capabilities. While Sri Lanka's spin-friendly tracks gave them an advantage in this particular series, it remains to be seen how they will fare on more challenging surfaces in the future.

In the second T20I of the three-match series, West Indies captain Rovman Powell opted to bat first after winning the toss at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. Both teams anticipated significant turn on the pitch, with Powell estimating a par score of 145-150. Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka concurred with Powell's decision to bat first.West Indies bolstered their spin attack by introducing left-arm spinner Fabian Allen in place of seam-bowling allrounder Shamar Springer. They also reinstated Shai Hope in the top order, replacing Andre Fletcher as wicketkeeper. Hope had featured in the first T20I of the series.Sri Lanka, buoyed by their 73-run victory in the previous match, retained the same XI, featuring three frontline spinners and the part-time spin options of Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis.The series is currently tied 1-1, with West Indies securing a comfortable victory in the first game.

After a disappointing loss in the opening match, Sri Lanka displayed resilience and determination to level the three-match T20I series against West Indies with a convincing 73-run victory in the second game.West Indies, who won the toss and elected to bat first, struggled to gain momentum throughout their innings. Brandon King and Evin Lewis provided a solid start with a 40-run partnership, but the Sri Lankan bowlers kept the pressure on, restricting the visitors to a modest total of 131/8.Sri Lanka's bowlers were led by Maheesh Theekshana, who claimed three wickets for just 12 runs in his four overs. Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara also chipped in with two wickets each.In response, Sri Lanka's openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, laid the foundation for a successful chase with a 50-run partnership. Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis then accelerated the scoring rate, taking the team to a comfortable position.Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan captain, played a crucial role in the middle order, scoring a quickfire 38 off 23 balls. Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga also made valuable contributions, ensuring that Sri Lanka reached their target with ease.The victory not only leveled the series but also boosted Sri Lanka's confidence ahead of the crucial third and final T20I. The hosts will be eager to secure a series win, while West Indies will be determined to bounce back and claim the series.

Sri Lanka, seeking to level the three-match T20I series against West Indies, won the toss and opted to bat first in the second game at Dambulla. The hosts trail 1-0 after losing the series opener by five wickets.Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka expressed hope for more spin-friendly conditions than in the first match, estimating a par score of around 170. West Indies skipper Rovman Powell, on the other hand, indicated his team's preference for chasing, despite the different surface from the previous game.Sri Lanka made two changes to their lineup, bringing in spin-bowling allrounder Dunith Wellalage for Chamindu Wickramasinghe and slinger Nuwan Thushara for Asitha Fernando. West Indies made a single change, with Andre Fletcher replacing the injured Shai Hope as wicketkeeper.The weather conditions remained favorable, with no rain interruptions expected throughout the evening.

The highly anticipated first T20I between Sri Lanka and West Indies commenced in Dambulla, with a massive turnout of enthusiastic spectators. The atmosphere was electric as the teams took to the field, their national anthems reverberating through the stadium.West Indies captain Rovman Powell elected to bowl first, citing the overcast conditions and damp outfield. He expressed confidence in his bowlers' ability to exploit the conditions. Powell also acknowledged the team's impressive form over the past year.Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka echoed Powell's sentiments, stating that they too would have preferred to bowl first. He emphasized the importance of starting preparations for the 2026 World Cup.The West Indies lineup featured several key players, including Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Shai Hope, and Roston Chase. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, fielded a strong team led by Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga.The toss proved crucial, as West Indies' bowlers immediately made an impact. The Sri Lankan openers struggled to find their rhythm, with Pathum Nissanka dismissed early by Alzarri Joseph. Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera also fell cheaply, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 33/3.West Indies continued to dominate, with Romario Shepherd and Gudakesh Motie sharing the wickets. Sri Lanka's middle order failed to provide any resistance, and they were eventually bowled out for a paltry 101 in 18.4 overs.In response, West Indies openers Evin Lewis and Brandon King got off to a solid start. However, they were both dismissed in quick succession, leaving the visitors at 32/2. Shai Hope and Roston Chase steadied the innings, but Sri Lanka's bowlers kept them in check.Despite a late surge from Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford, West Indies fell short of the target, finishing on 93/7. Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana were the standout bowlers for Sri Lanka, claiming three wickets each.Sri Lanka secured a narrow victory by eight runs, taking an early lead in the three-match T20I series. The remaining two matches will be played in Dambulla, while the subsequent three ODIs will be held in Pallekele.

South Africa and New Zealand emerged victorious in their respective Women's T20 World Cup matches on Saturday, strengthening their positions in the tournament. However, their ultimate fate remains uncertain as they face formidable opponents in the remaining group stage fixtures.South Africa cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Dubai, restricting their opponents to a modest 106-3. Tazmin Brits led the chase with a steady 42 off 41 balls, while Anneke Bosch contributed 25. Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon guided the team home with unbeaten knocks of 13 and 14, respectively.Despite their victory, South Africa's semi-final hopes hinge on the outcome of England's remaining matches. England, with two wins from three games, is likely to secure a semi-final berth, leaving South Africa and West Indies vying for the final spot. West Indies, the 2016 champions, have a better net run-rate than South Africa but face a daunting task against England in their final group game.In Sharjah, New Zealand dominated Sri Lanka, chasing down a target of 116 with 15 balls to spare. Georgia Plimmer, a 20-year-old opener, impressed with a 53-run knock, while captain Sophie Devine sealed the victory with a six. New Zealand's victory keeps them in contention for a semi-final spot, but their fate depends on the results of India's match against Australia and their own clash with Pakistan on Monday.India and Australia, the defending champions, remain the frontrunners in Group A, with both teams boasting perfect records after three games. New Zealand's chances of reaching the semi-finals will hinge on their ability to overcome Pakistan and the outcome of the India-Australia match.

New Zealand's emphatic eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka on Saturday has thrown the race for the Women's T20 World Cup semi-finals wide open. The White Ferns' dominant performance has set up a thrilling two-horse race with India for the second semi-final spot from Group A.Sri Lanka's hopes of advancing were extinguished with their fourth consecutive defeat, leaving them with zero points in the group. New Zealand, on the other hand, now has four points, level with India, but trails on net run rate.The White Ferns' victory was built on a solid bowling performance that restricted Sri Lanka to a modest 115-5. Spinners Amelia Kerr and Leigh Kasperek were the stars, claiming two wickets each.In response, New Zealand's openers got off to a strong start, with Georgia Plimmer anchoring the chase with a composed 53 off 44 balls. Plimmer's dismissal in the 15th over brought skipper Sophie Devine and Kerr to the crease, who guided the team home with an unbeaten 34 and 13, respectively.For Sri Lanka, skipper Chamari Athapaththu top-scored with a gritty 35 off 41 balls. However, the team's batting lineup struggled to find consistency against New Zealand's disciplined bowling attack.The race for the second semi-final spot from Group A is now poised for a thrilling finish. India, who face table-toppers Australia in their final group game, cannot afford another loss. They must beat Australia and hope that Pakistan either defeats New Zealand or makes things difficult for them.Pakistan, despite their three defeats, are not entirely out of contention. If they can beat New Zealand by a significant margin, their net run rate could improve dramatically. However, they would need a significant favor from Australia, who are undefeated so far and are virtually assured of a semi-final berth.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Kiwis Aim to Bounce Back, Sri Lanka Seek Consolation WinSharjah, United Arab Emirates - New Zealand and Sri Lanka will face off in a crucial Women's T20 World Cup match on Tuesday, February 28, at 2 pm local time.New Zealand, who began the tournament with a comprehensive victory over India, suffered a heavy defeat to defending champions Australia in their second match. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have lost all three of their matches so far, including a disappointing loss to India that eliminated them from semi-final contention.Sri Lanka will be looking to end their losing streak against New Zealand, having broken a 12-match drought last year with a historic 10-wicket victory in Colombo. Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama were the stars of that match, and they will be key players for Sri Lanka once again.New Zealand, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back from their loss to Australia and strengthen their chances of reaching the semi-finals. They will be relying on legspinning all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who has been one of their most consistent performers in recent times.Bangladesh vs South Africa: Proteas Aim for NRR Boost, Bangladesh Seek ResurgenceDubai, United Arab Emirates - Bangladesh and South Africa will clash in a Women's T20 World Cup match on Tuesday, February 28, at 6 pm local time.Bangladesh have lost their first two matches of the tournament, while South Africa bounced back from a defeat to England with a big win against Scotland. The Proteas will be looking to continue their momentum and improve their net run rate, while Bangladesh will be desperate to get their campaign back on track.South Africa will be led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, who is the tournament's leading run-scorer so far. She will be supported by a strong bowling attack led by Ayabonga Khaka and Marizanne Kapp.Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be hoping for a better performance from their batters, who have struggled to score runs in the tournament so far. Captain Nigar Sultana will be key for them, both with the bat and behind the stumps.

India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign received a much-needed boost with a resounding 82-run victory over Sri Lanka in their penultimate Group A match. This triumph propelled India to second place in the points table, significantly enhancing their chances of reaching the semifinals.With four points from three matches, India's fate now rests on their final group encounter against defending champions Australia on Sunday. To secure a top-two spot, India must maintain their momentum against Australia and maintain a superior net run rate (NRR) over Pakistan and New Zealand.If India emerges victorious against Australia, they will finish with six points. However, if New Zealand also wins their remaining matches and Australia defeats Pakistan, all three teams will be tied on six points. In such a scenario, NRR will determine the two semifinalists from Group A.Pakistan, who dropped to third place after India's win over Sri Lanka, still have a chance to qualify. If Pakistan defeats both Australia and New Zealand in their remaining games, and India also beats Australia, the defending champions will be eliminated, allowing India and Pakistan to advance.Another scenario could unfold if Australia wins all their remaining matches. In this case, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand (assuming one win and one loss in their remaining two matches) could all finish with four points. Once again, NRR will play a crucial role in determining the second semifinalist from Group A.India's emphatic win over Sri Lanka has reignited their hopes of reaching the semifinals. However, they must maintain their focus and execute their game plan effectively against a formidable Australian side. The upcoming match against Australia will be a pivotal moment in India's World Cup campaign, and a victory would significantly boost their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.