Cricket

Indian spinners, led by Washington Sundar, put the Sri Lankan batters to the test in the second ODI in Colombo on August 4. The spinners' guile and accuracy on a pitch that offered assistance proved too much for the Lankan batsmen, who were restricted to a modest total of 240 for nine.Sundar (3/30) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/33) were the pick of the Indian bowlers, exploiting the conditions to their advantage. Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka's decision to bat first backfired as his team struggled to build partnerships and score runs at a consistent rate.The Indian spinners' dominance began early, with Mohammed Siraj dismissing in-form opener Pathum Nissanka in the second over. Nissanka's dismissal was followed by a brief recovery phase, with Avishka Fernando (40) and Kusal Mendis (30) adding 74 runs for the second wicket.However, the introduction of the spinners stifled the Lankan scoring rate. Fernando was trapped in front by Sundar, while Mendis was caught at short leg off the same bowler. The wickets of Samarawickrama and Asalanka left Sri Lanka reeling at 136 for six.The onus fell on young Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis to rebuild the innings. Wellalage played with composure and aggression, hitting sixes off Axar Patel and Siraj. Mendis provided valuable support, and the pair added 72 runs for the seventh wicket.Wellalage's dismissal by Kuldeep Yadav gave India a glimmer of hope, but Kamindu Mendis continued to play positively. He was eventually dismissed for 40, but his innings ensured that Sri Lanka had a respectable total to defend.The Indian bowlers struggled in the final five overs, conceding 44 runs as the Lankans looked to accelerate their scoring. However, the damage had already been done, and Sri Lanka's total proved to be insufficient.

With the Tokyo Olympics captivating global attention, the upcoming India-Sri Lanka limited-overs series may have flown under the radar for some fans. However, Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka's interim head coach, emphasizes the "massive importance" of this series for young players from both sides.Jayasuriya, a legendary Sri Lankan cricketer, believes that the series provides a crucial platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience. He acknowledges the strength of the Indian team, which has been performing exceptionally well in recent tournaments. Despite the challenge, Jayasuriya expresses confidence in his team's ability to compete and potentially emerge victorious.Reflecting on Sri Lanka's recent performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup, Jayasuriya identifies areas for improvement. He highlights the need for batters to convert their starts into substantial scores and for the team to address minor deficiencies. He emphasizes the importance of bowlers performing consistently to secure victories.Jayasuriya praises Yashasvi Jaiswal, a promising left-handed Indian batsman, for his aggressive style and dedication. He believes that Jaiswal's hard work and sacrifices have contributed to his success.When asked about countering a formidable bowler like Jasprit Bumrah, Jayasuriya acknowledges his exceptional skills. He advises respecting Bumrah's abilities but also capitalizing on his occasional off days. He emphasizes the importance of clear thinking and execution for bowlers to succeed at the highest level.Jayasuriya also discusses the unique bowling talents produced by Sri Lanka, including Pathirana, Theekshana, and Hasaranga. He attributes their success to maintaining their natural bowling styles while learning from their mistakes. He credits the IPL and Sri Lanka Cricket for providing these bowlers with opportunities to develop and gain confidence.The article concludes by mentioning the recent changes in the Indian team management, including the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as head coach and the elevation of Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill to leadership roles. Jayasuriya views these changes as a positive step towards the future, providing players with opportunities and responsibilities to foster their growth.

The Lanka Premier League (LPL), a highly anticipated T20 cricket tournament, is set to return for its fifth edition on July 1, 2024. The three-week extravaganza will feature a stellar lineup of international and Sri Lankan stars, promising pulsating action at three iconic venues.Among the international marquee names gracing the LPL are Kiwi all-rounders Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman, Bangladesh pacers Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, Pakistan stars Shadab Khan and Agha Salman, West Indies veterans Andre Fletcher and Fabian Allen, Afghanistan spinners Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, and Noor Ahmad, and South African duo Rilee Rossouw and Reeza Hendricks.Sri Lanka's cricket prowess will be showcased by the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews, Isuru Udana, Maheesh Theekshana, and Kusal Mendis, along with a host of other national team heavyweights."The Lanka Premier League continues to highlight the exceptional talent of our cricket players, providing fans with yet another opportunity to see their favorite stars in action," said Samantha Dodewala, tournament director.The league stage will run from July 1 to 16, with the five teams - Colombo Strikers, Dambulla Sixers, Galle Marvels, Jaffna Kings, and Kandy - facing off twice during this period at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla, and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, Kandy.The playoffs will commence on July 18 at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, culminating in the grand finale on July 21.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, has a reputation for nurturing young talent and transforming them into exceptional performers. Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is the latest beneficiary of Dhoni's mentorship, experiencing a meteoric rise in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season.Pathirana, known for his slingy action reminiscent of Sri Lankan fast-bowling legend Lasith Malinga, has emerged as one of the most potent bowlers in the IPL. With 13 wickets in just six matches, he currently ranks fifth among the tournament's top wicket-takers. His impressive performance in the 2023 season, where he finished among the top 10 bowlers, further underscores his talent.Pathirana attributes his success to the unwavering confidence Dhoni has placed in him. Despite handing over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season, Dhoni continues to play a pivotal role in Pathirana's development."After my father, in my cricket life, mostly he (Dhoni) is playing my father's role because he is always taking care of me, giving me advice, what I have to do, similar to my father when I am at home," Pathirana said in a recent episode of 'Lions Upclose'.Dhoni's guidance extends beyond technical aspects of bowling. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the game and maintaining physical fitness. "He's not telling a lot of things when I am on the field and off the field. He tells just small things, but it makes a lot of difference. So those little things, I take a lot of confidence (from)," Pathirana explained.Off the field, Dhoni remains a trusted confidant for Pathirana. "If I have to ask something from him, definitely I would go to him and ask. Every time he is telling me 'enjoy your game and take care of your body'," Pathirana said.The Sri Lankan pacer, who hails from Trinity College in Kandy, expressed his heartfelt desire to see Dhoni continue playing for CSK. "Mahi bhai, if you can play one more season, please play with us. If I'm here (laughs)," Pathirana said.Pathirana's rapid ascent under Dhoni's mentorship is a testament to the former Indian captain's ability to identify and nurture young talent. As CSK continues its quest for a fifth IPL title, Pathirana is poised to play a pivotal role, inspired by the unwavering support and guidance of his cricketing mentor.