Yashasvi Jaiswal plays as a batter in the Test team, and although he rolls his arms a bit, he still doesn’t bowl often; however, he was crucial in Sri Lankan keeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella’s dismissal on day five of the concluded Test in Galle. On Wednesday (Aug 19), on-field chatter between the two around grabbing an IPL deal led to Dickwella’s dismissal, and credit must be given to Jaiswal. The instance took place in the 60th over of Sri Lanka’s second innings, and although the banter itself was good-natured, the two were in each other’s faces throughout it. &nbsp;The Indian opener, who was trying to get under Dickwella’s skin and wanting him to push for a hook shot despite knowing it wasn’t his strongest shot, began the banter, saying, "There wasn't a lot of shots in the first innings. I need to see something,” to which Dickwella responded with ‘okay’.&nbsp; Jaiswal then pointed towards the deep square leg area and said to him, "Hit him there, I need to see something."&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-1st-test-manav-suthar-10-for-in-only-second-match-helps-india-win-by-165-runs-1787127046951">IND vs SL, 1st Test: Manav Suthar's 10-for in only second match helps India win by 165 runs</a> &nbsp;"No, I'm not Jaiswal," Dickwella, who returned to the Test side for the first time in three years, replied. The Sri Lankan keeper, however, kept the conversation going by quipping that he would do it ‘if you would take me to IPL’, to which Jaiswal responded, “Come on, hit him a six, I'll take you to the IPL.”<h2>The Dismissal</h2>Two balls later, Dickwella found himself walking back to the pavilion. He cut the very next ball to deep point for two before the exchange continued, with Jaiswal saying, "If you hit him there [into the stand], I will definitely tell Sanga." Apparently, Kumar Sangakkara is Rajasthan Royals’ head coach and director of cricket, the IPL franchise for which Jaiswal plays.&nbsp;WATCH VIDEO -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The art of on-field sledging, decoded! 🗣️🔥 Ajay Jadeja breaks down Yashasvi Jaiswal’s hilarious yet effective mind games that led directly to a crucial breakthrough! 🎯 Watch <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SLvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLvIND</a> 2nd Test, starting 23rd August 9 AM onwards, LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV channels &amp; Sony… <a href="https://t.co/dpTjsar1Qz">pic.twitter.com/dpTjsar1Qz</a>&mdash; Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) <a href="https://x.com/SonySportsNetwk/status/2090016620450312354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ironically, Sangakkara and Dickwella also have another thing in common besides nationality and wicketkeeping duties: both are products of the same school - Trinity College, Kandy. &nbsp;The moment came on the next ball -- when instead of hooking a short-pitched delivery off Prasidh Krishna -- Dickwella gave himself room to hit it over third man, and top-edged it to the keeper. The Indian camp erupted in joy as the last-recognised batting partnership was broken, and more so for Jaiswal triggering Dickwella’s wicket, with several Indian players celebrating with Jaiswal.

Yashasvi Jaiswal's viral "IPL deal" banter with Niroshan Dickwella sparked a key wicket on Day 5 in Galle. Watch the hilarious on-field exchange here.

Yashasvi Jaiswal plays as a batter in the Test team, and although he rolls his arms a bit, he still doesn’t bowl often; however, he was crucial in Sri Lankan keeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella’s dismissal on day five of the concluded Test in Galle. On Wednesday (Aug 19), on-field chatter between the two around grabbing an IPL deal led to Dickwella’s dismissal, and credit must be given to Jaiswal. The instance took place in the 60th over of Sri Lanka’s second innings, and although the banter itself was good-natured, the two were in each other’s faces throughout it. The Indian opener, who was trying to get under Dickwella’s skin and wanting him to push for a hook shot despite knowing it wasn’t his strongest shot, began the banter, saying, "There wasn't a lot of shots in the first innings. I need to see something,” to which Dickwella responded with ‘okay’. Jaiswal then pointed towards the deep square leg area and said to him, "Hit him there, I need to see something." Also read| IND vs SL, 1st Test: Manav Suthar's 10-for in only second match helps India win by 165 runs "No, I'm not Jaiswal," Dickwella, who returned to the Test side for the first time in three years, replied. The Sri Lankan keeper, however, kept the conversation going by quipping that he would do it ‘if you would take me to IPL’, to which Jaiswal responded, “Come on, hit him a six, I'll take you to the IPL.” The Dismissal Two balls later, Dickwella found himself walking back to the pavilion. He cut the very next ball to deep point for two before the exchange continued, with Jaiswal saying, "If you hit him there [into the stand], I will definitely tell Sanga." Apparently, Kumar Sangakkara is Rajasthan Royals’ head coach and director of cricket, the IPL franchise for which Jaiswal plays. WATCH VIDEO -

Yashasvi Jaiswal's viral "IPL deal" banter with Niroshan Dickwella sparked a key wicket on Day 5 in Galle. Watch the hilarious on-field exchange here.

'Hit a Six, I’ll Take You to IPL" — How Jaiswal’s mind games trapped Dickwella on day 5 | WATCH

Sri Lanka recalled wicketkeeper batter Niroshan Dickwella for the two-match home Test series against India starting on Saturday (Aug 15) in Galle. While Dickwella returns to international cricket after a three-year gap, key batters Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are absent due to respective injuries. The hosts have also handed call-ups to the uncapped pair of off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha and top-order batter Pasindu Sooriyabandara, with the left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka also picked in the 16-man squad. Madushanka’s last Test appearance also came three years ago. &nbsp;While marquee opener Nissanka continues to recover from wrist surgery, Mendis will miss the home Test series due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Mendis’ absence paved the way for Dickwella’s return at 33. Sooriyabandara retains his place at the top in Nissanka’s absence, even though Nishan Madushka and Lahiru Udara are likely to open in the series opener.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/injuries-are-bound-to-happen-ex-batter-badrinath-opines-on-series-of-injuries-to-india-players-1786524289211">'Injuries are bound to happen': Ex-batter Badrinath opines on series of injuries to India players</a> &nbsp;In the bowling department, Sri Lanka have picked only four specialist seamers: Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Madushanka, while naming three outright spinners, including Prabath Jayasuriya, uncapped Nuwantha, and Ramesh Mendis. Milan Rathnayake, the seam-bowling all-rounder and Sonal Dinusha, the left-arm spinning all-rounder, have also been picked.&nbsp; &nbsp;The hosts’ batting options are predictable, as Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis and captain Dhananjaya de Silva will occupy the middle order, with Dickwella filling in for a keeper’s slot at number six or seven. Sri Lanka will likely play an all-rounder before completing the XI with specialist bowlers. While Galle stages the first Test, the SSC in Colombo is picked as the venue for the second Test starting Sunday (Aug 23).<h3>Check out Sri Lanka’s 16-man squad for India Tests –</h3>Dhananjaya De Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayaka, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka<h3>Here is India’s updated squad for Sri Lanka Tests –</h3>Shubman Gill (captain), K L Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (w/k), Dhruv Jurel (w/k), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi and Sarfaraz Khan

Sri Lanka recall Niroshan Dickwella for the 1st Test against India in Galle as Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka miss out due to injuries. Check the 16-man squad.

Sri Lanka recalled wicketkeeper batter Niroshan Dickwella for the two-match home Test series against India starting on Saturday (Aug 15) in Galle. While Dickwella returns to international cricket after a three-year gap, key batters Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are absent due to respective injuries. The hosts have also handed call-ups to the uncapped pair of off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha and top-order batter Pasindu Sooriyabandara, with the left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka also picked in the 16-man squad. Madushanka’s last Test appearance also came three years ago. While marquee opener Nissanka continues to recover from wrist surgery, Mendis will miss the home Test series due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Mendis’ absence paved the way for Dickwella’s return at 33. Sooriyabandara retains his place at the top in Nissanka’s absence, even though Nishan Madushka and Lahiru Udara are likely to open in the series opener. Also read| 'Injuries are bound to happen': Ex-batter Badrinath opines on series of injuries to India players In the bowling department, Sri Lanka have picked only four specialist seamers: Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Madushanka, while naming three outright spinners, including Prabath Jayasuriya, uncapped Nuwantha, and Ramesh Mendis. Milan Rathnayake, the seam-bowling all-rounder and Sonal Dinusha, the left-arm spinning all-rounder, have also been picked. The hosts’ batting options are predictable, as Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis and captain Dhananjaya de Silva will occupy the middle order, with Dickwella filling in for a keeper’s slot at number six or seven. Sri Lanka will likely play an all-rounder before completing the XI with specialist bowlers. While Galle stages the first Test, the SSC in Colombo is picked as the venue for the second Test starting Sunday (Aug 23). Check out Sri Lanka’s 16-man squad for India Tests – Dhananjaya De Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayaka, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka Here is India’s updated squad for Sri Lanka Tests – Shubman Gill (captain), K L Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (w/k), Dhruv Jurel (w/k), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi and Sarfaraz Khan

Sri Lanka recall Niroshan Dickwella for the 1st Test against India in Galle as Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka miss out due to injuries. Check the 16-man squad.

Sri Lanka recall keeper Niroshan Dickwella in 16-man squad for India Tests

Israel and Iran are at a direct war now, but did you know that once upon a time, the two countries had friendly relations, and even cooperated to fight common enemies? For nearly three decades since the formation of Israel in 1948, Iran and Israel had a peaceful relationship. They even helped each other fight common enemies. So what happened before their regional rivalry started? What changed now? Here is a timeline. &nbsp;<h2>Iran was neutral, and cooperated with Israel during regional wars</h2>In the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel fought Egypt, Jordan and Syria. In the war of June 5–10, Israel captured the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights. At the time, Iran was ruled by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The Iranian Shah was an ally of the US and had friendly, albeit covert, ties with Israel. Iran exported oil to Israel at the time, and helped Israel with intelligence sharing. Iran played no military role against Israel in this war, one of the first in the long-standing Arab-Israeli conflict.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the war of 1971 also, Iran played no significant military role against Israel. The Shah’s regime continued its relationship with Israel at the time, and even cooperated in joint ventures like the Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline.&nbsp;<h2>So what changed? Answer: The Islamic Revolution</h2> The Islamic Revolution of 1978-79 was essentially a domestic political movement guided by Islamic principles with the aim of overthrowing the Shah's regime. His pro-Israeli stance was, in fact, one of the reasons for the Shah's downfall. From the outset, the Islamic Republic of Iran was opposed to Israel, which it called the Zionist regime. Iran, under the ayatollahs, &nbsp;severed diplomatic ties with Israel. That's when the regional rivalry began. Yet, there's a twist.<h2>Israel helped Iran in its war against Iraq</h2>Even after the establishment of the Islamic Republic, Israel reportedly helped Iran in its war with Iraq that lasted from 1980 to 1988. Israel supplied Iran with over $500 million in arms, as it saw Iraq’s nuclear ambitions at the time as a greater threat to its existence. Note that there's also a sectarian angle to this, as Iran is a Shia nation, whereas Iraq is Sunni, with a significant Shia population.<h2>The establishment of Hezbollah started an open rivalry</h2>&nbsp;The open rivalry phase between Iran and Israel can be said to have started after the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 as part of its operations against the Palestinian Liberation Organisation or PLO. That year, Iran established the militant group Hezbollah, the first of its several proxy groups in the region fighting against Israel. Hezbollah is a Shia militia that fought Israeli forces, setting off the proxy wars, the first major attack being the 1983 bombing of Israeli and Western forces. &nbsp;<h2>1990s: Suicide bombings by Hezbollah</h2> &nbsp;The 1990s were a period of volatility in the region as the Palestinian liberation movement gathered steam.&nbsp; Suicide bombings targeting Israel's embassy in 1992, and a Jewish Cetre in Buenos Aires in 1994 are most prominent among them. Israel blamed Iran for these attacks, but Tehran denied responsibility. &nbsp;<h2>2000s: The proxy war intensifies, Iran's nuclear weapons programme raises concerns</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>In 2000, Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon after years of occupation. Backed by Iran, Hezbollah continued to attack Israeli targets across the world since then. Iran's secret nuclear weapons programme was revealed in 2002, a definitive moment in the rivalry that culminated in the current war. Since 2002, Israel has openly opposed the Iranian nuclear enrichment programme at every available international forum. By this time, ‘death to Israel’ became a common slogan in Iran, with politicians like the hardliner president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad using rhetoric that inflamed anti-Israel sentiment in the Islamic Republic. &nbsp;<h2>2006 Israel-Hezbollah war &nbsp;</h2>In 2006, two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped by Hezbollah, which led to the Israel-Hezbollah war. Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) helped Hezbollah with rocket attacks and missile operations. Among these was an anti-ship missile strike on the Israeli Navy ship INS Hanit, which killed four Israeli crew. The war ended with the UN-brokered ceasefire Resolution 1701. In 2009, Israel captured a ship carrying Iranian weapons to Hezbollah. By this time, Iran was also helping prop up Hamas as the dominant Palestinian faction in Gaza. This slowly led to the proxy war spreading. In this period, Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian arms convoys in Sudan that were destined for Hamas.&nbsp;<h2>2010s: Proxy war, sabotage of Iran nuclear programme</h2>The 2010s were a period of more proxy wars, with the element of cyberattacks added. In this period, each country blamed the other, but the standard policy of both sides was not to overtly claim responsibility.&nbsp;The most prominent among these disruptive activities is the Stuxnet virus attack of 2010. The malware was introduced allegedly by Israel with help from the US to disrupt the functioning of Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. Two years later, a prominent Iranian nuclear scientist, Mostafa Ahmadi-Roshan, was killed, with Iran pointing the finger at Israel. &nbsp;&nbsp;In 2011, an Iranian General Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam was killed in a blast at a missile base. Again, the Israeli hand was suspected. The proxy wars continued amid regional conflicts. At the height of the Syrian civil war, Israel conducted the Operation House of Cards in 2018, targeting Iranian interests in Syria. This took place after the IRGC allegedly fired 20 rockets at Israel from Syria.&nbsp; The same year, under President Donald Trump, the US withdrew from the Iranian nuclear deal, after Israel revealed what it said were stolen Iranian nuclear documents. Israel has always maintained that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons programme. &nbsp;<h2>2020s: More attacks on Iranian interests</h2>In the 2020s, Israel continued to help Iran's enemies, while Iran, particularly the externally-focused Quds Forces of IRGC, trained and armed anti-Israeli militia across the region. The most important event in this period was the assassination of Qasem Soleimani on 3 January 2020 by the US under Trump's orders. Soleimani, &nbsp;the commander of the Quds Force, died in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq. He was in Iraq to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi. Iran accused the Israelis of involvement. Though Israel was silent at the time, its involvement was later admitted.&nbsp;Israel also continued to target Iran's nuclear programme. In 2020, an explosion damaged Natanz centrifuge facility. Another Iranian nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, was assassinated near Tehran, allegedly by Israel using a remote-controlled weapon.&nbsp; &nbsp;Disruptive activities by both sides continued into 2021, with Israel accused of attacking Iranian ships in the Red Sea.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>2023 October 7 Hamas attack: The trigger of the current conflict &nbsp;</h2>The October 7 terror attack by Hamas-led Palestinian militants that killed at least 1,200 Israeli civilians led to the invasion of Gaza by Israel. Soon, Isral expanded the Gaza war to target all proxy groups funded, aided and trained by Iran. Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and Houthis of Yemen joined the Israel-Hamas war, targeting Israeli commercial and military interests in solidarity with the Palestinians. Israel responded by a variety of attacks in countries across the region. In December 2023, an Israeli airstrike in Syria killed IRGC commander Razi Mousavi.<h2>2024: A series of assassinations and attacks</h2>In 2024, Hamas and Hezbollah leaders were killed in Iran and Lebanon in Israeli operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;The year waw many conflagrations that were precursors to the current Iran-Israel war. In January 2024, Israel killed five Iranian officials, including General Sadegh Omidzadeh, in a strike in the Syrian capital of Damascus. &nbsp;On April 1 that year, Israel attacked Iran’s consulate in Damascus, killing 16 people, including two IRGC generals. Iran retaliated on April 13 with an attack that involved 300 drones and missiles, but most of these were intercepted by Israel. On April 19, Israel attacked an Iranian antiaircraft system. In May 2024, &nbsp;IRGC officer Sayad Khodayee was assassinated in Tehran, with Israel hand suspected.&nbsp; In July 2024, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran in an Israeli military-intelligence operation.&nbsp;In September that year, an Israeli pager and walkie-talkie attack targeted Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon, and injured Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon.&nbsp; In the same month, Israeli air strikes in Beirut, Lebanon, killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoushan. &nbsp;To avenge these killings, Iran fired 180 missiles at Israel. In response, Israel struck Iranian air defences and missile facilities. &nbsp;These are the events that eventually led to the current war, which started on June 12 with Israel's Operation Rising Lion, hitting Iran’s nuclear, energy and military infrastructure, and killing top officials, generals and scientists. Iran has responded with a series of drone and missile attacks hitting at the heart of Israel.&nbsp;

For nearly three decades since formation of Israel in 1948, Iran and Israel had peaceful relationship. What happened before their regional rivalry started? What changed now? Here is a timeline.

Israel and Iran are at a direct war now, but did you know that once upon a time, the two countries had friendly relations, and even cooperated to fight common enemies? For nearly three decades since the formation of Israel in 1948, Iran and Israel had a peaceful relationship. They even helped each other fight common enemies. So what happened before their regional rivalry started? What changed now? Here is a timeline. Iran was neutral, and cooperated with Israel during regional wars In the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel fought Egypt, Jordan and Syria. In the war of June 5–10, Israel captured the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights. At the time, Iran was ruled by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The Iranian Shah was an ally of the US and had friendly, albeit covert, ties with Israel. Iran exported oil to Israel at the time, and helped Israel with intelligence sharing. Iran played no military role against Israel in this war, one of the first in the long-standing Arab-Israeli conflict. In the war of 1971 also, Iran played no significant military role against Israel. The Shah’s regime continued its relationship with Israel at the time, and even cooperated in joint ventures like the Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline. So what changed? Answer: The Islamic Revolution The Islamic Revolution of 1978-79 was essentially a domestic political movement guided by Islamic principles with the aim of overthrowing the Shah's regime. His pro-Israeli stance was, in fact, one of the reasons for the Shah's downfall. From the outset, the Islamic Republic of Iran was opposed to Israel, which it called the Zionist regime. Iran, under the ayatollahs, severed diplomatic ties with Israel. That's when the regional rivalry began. Yet, there's a twist. Israel helped Iran in its war against Iraq Even after the establishment of the Islamic Republic, Israel reportedly helped Iran in its war with Iraq that lasted from 1980 to 1988. Israel supplied Iran with over $500 million in arms, as it saw Iraq’s nuclear ambitions at the time as a greater threat to its existence. Note that there's also a sectarian angle to this, as Iran is a Shia nation, whereas Iraq is Sunni, with a significant Shia population. The establishment of Hezbollah started an open rivalry The open rivalry phase between Iran and Israel can be said to have started after the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 as part of its operations against the Palestinian Liberation Organisation or PLO. That year, Iran established the militant group Hezbollah, the first of its several proxy groups in the region fighting against Israel. Hezbollah is a Shia militia that fought Israeli forces, setting off the proxy wars, the first major attack being the 1983 bombing of Israeli and Western forces. 1990s: Suicide bombings by Hezbollah The 1990s were a period of volatility in the region as the Palestinian liberation movement gathered steam. Suicide bombings targeting Israel's embassy in 1992, and a Jewish Cetre in Buenos Aires in 1994 are most prominent among them. Israel blamed Iran for these attacks, but Tehran denied responsibility. 2000s: The proxy war intensifies, Iran's nuclear weapons programme raises concerns In 2000, Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon after years of occupation. Backed by Iran, Hezbollah continued to attack Israeli targets across the world since then. Iran's secret nuclear weapons programme was revealed in 2002, a definitive moment in the rivalry that culminated in the current war. Since 2002, Israel has openly opposed the Iranian nuclear enrichment programme at every available international forum. By this time, ‘death to Israel’ became a common slogan in Iran, with politicians like the hardliner president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad using rhetoric that inflamed anti-Israel sentiment in the Islamic Republic. 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war In 2006, two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped by Hezbollah, which led to the Israel-Hezbollah war. Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) helped Hezbollah with rocket attacks and missile operations. Among these was an anti-ship missile strike on the Israeli Navy ship INS Hanit, which killed four Israeli crew. The war ended with the UN-brokered ceasefire Resolution 1701. In 2009, Israel captured a ship carrying Iranian weapons to Hezbollah. By this time, Iran was also helping prop up Hamas as the dominant Palestinian faction in Gaza. This slowly led to the proxy war spreading. In this period, Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian arms convoys in Sudan that were destined for Hamas. 2010s: Proxy war, sabotage of Iran nuclear programme The 2010s were a period of more proxy wars, with the element of cyberattacks added. In this period, each country blamed the other, but the standard policy of both sides was not to overtly claim responsibility. The most prominent among these disruptive activities is the Stuxnet virus attack of 2010. The malware was introduced allegedly by Israel with help from the US to disrupt the functioning of Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. Two years later, a prominent Iranian nuclear scientist, Mostafa Ahmadi-Roshan, was killed, with Iran pointing the finger at Israel. In 2011, an Iranian General Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam was killed in a blast at a missile base. Again, the Israeli hand was suspected. The proxy wars continued amid regional conflicts. At the height of the Syrian civil war, Israel conducted the Operation House of Cards in 2018, targeting Iranian interests in Syria. This took place after the IRGC allegedly fired 20 rockets at Israel from Syria. The same year, under President Donald Trump, the US withdrew from the Iranian nuclear deal, after Israel revealed what it said were stolen Iranian nuclear documents. Israel has always maintained that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons programme. 2020s: More attacks on Iranian interests In the 2020s, Israel continued to help Iran's enemies, while Iran, particularly the externally-focused Quds Forces of IRGC, trained and armed anti-Israeli militia across the region. The most important event in this period was the assassination of Qasem Soleimani on 3 January 2020 by the US under Trump's orders. Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force, died in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq. He was in Iraq to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi. Iran accused the Israelis of involvement. Though Israel was silent at the time, its involvement was later admitted. Israel also continued to target Iran's nuclear programme. In 2020, an explosion damaged Natanz centrifuge facility. Another Iranian nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, was assassinated near Tehran, allegedly by Israel using a remote-controlled weapon. Disruptive activities by both sides continued into 2021, with Israel accused of attacking Iranian ships in the Red Sea. 2023 October 7 Hamas attack: The trigger of the current conflict The October 7 terror attack by Hamas-led Palestinian militants that killed at least 1,200 Israeli civilians led to the invasion of Gaza by Israel. Soon, Isral expanded the Gaza war to target all proxy groups funded, aided and trained by Iran. Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and Houthis of Yemen joined the Israel-Hamas war, targeting Israeli commercial and military interests in solidarity with the Palestinians. Israel responded by a variety of attacks in countries across the region. In December 2023, an Israeli airstrike in Syria killed IRGC commander Razi Mousavi. 2024: A series of assassinations and attacks In 2024, Hamas and Hezbollah leaders were killed in Iran and Lebanon in Israeli operations. The year waw many conflagrations that were precursors to the current Iran-Israel war. In January 2024, Israel killed five Iranian officials, including General Sadegh Omidzadeh, in a strike in the Syrian capital of Damascus. On April 1 that year, Israel attacked Iran’s consulate in Damascus, killing 16 people, including two IRGC generals. Iran retaliated on April 13 with an attack that involved 300 drones and missiles, but most of these were intercepted by Israel. On April 19, Israel attacked an Iranian antiaircraft system. In May 2024, IRGC officer Sayad Khodayee was assassinated in Tehran, with Israel hand suspected. In July 2024, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran in an Israeli military-intelligence operation. In September that year, an Israeli pager and walkie-talkie attack targeted Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon, and injured Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon. In the same month, Israeli air strikes in Beirut, Lebanon, killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoushan. To avenge these killings, Iran fired 180 missiles at Israel. In response, Israel struck Iranian air defences and missile facilities. These are the events that eventually led to the current war, which started on June 12 with Israel's Operation Rising Lion, hitting Iran’s nuclear, energy and military infrastructure, and killing top officials, generals and scientists. Iran has responded with a series of drone and missile attacks hitting at the heart of Israel.

For nearly three decades since formation of Israel in 1948, Iran and Israel had peaceful relationship. What happened before their regional rivalry started? What changed now? Here is a timeline.

Iran and Israel were once friends, helped each other before proxy battles and direct war. What changed? A timeline

Here’s a look at the five players with the most runs in Test cricket without a century featuring legendary players like Mitchell Starc and Shane Warne. The list also includes Niroshan Dickwella and Tim Southee. 

Here’s a look at the five players with the most runs in Test cricket without a century featuring legendary players like Mitchell Starc and Shane Warne. The list also includes Niroshan Dickwella and Tim Southee.&nbsp;

From Shane Warne to Mitchell Starc, meet 5 batters with most runs in Test cricket without a century

Sri Lanka batter Niroshan Dickwella’s three-year doping ban was lifted on Thursday (Dec 12) by Cricket Sri Lanka. Dickwella, suspended in August 2024 for three years by the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA) will now be eligible to play in the Sri Lankan with key series ahead. He tested positive for a prohibited substance after a random doping test.

<h2>Dickwella ban lifted</h2>

After testing positive for a banned substance, the wicketkeeper-batter faced a three-year ban, with the right to appeal. Dickwella successfully appealed against the decision proving that he did not consume any prohibited substances during the "competition period" and that the substance used was not the performance-enhancing kind.

The lifting of the ban means Dickwella will be eligible for team selection, paving a way back into the side. He last represented the side in March 2023, missing out on a spot in the ODI World Cup and its qualifiers. His last international assignment was the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch in March 2023. He has played 54 Tests, 55 ODIs and 28 T20Is for Sri Lanka with 4841 runs in his international career.

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<h2>Will Dickwella return for the New Zealand series?</h2>

After getting the ban overturned, Dickwella will be eyeing a place in the squad for the New Zealand series. The BlackCaps will play three T20Is and as many as ODIs, with the former kicking off the series. Bay Oval and Mount Maunganui will host the opening two T20Is on December 28 and 30 respectively. The three-match T20I series will conclude on January 2 at Saxton Oval in Nelson.

After the three T20I matches, both sides will lock horns across three ODI matches, which will be played in Wellington, Hamilton, and Auckland on January 5, 8, and 11.

Sri Lanka batter Niroshan Dickwella’s three-year doping ban was lifted on Thursday (Dec 12) by Cricket Sri Lanka. Dickwella, suspended in August 2024 for three years by the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA) will now be eligible to play in the Sri Lankan with key series ahead.

Sri Lanka batter Niroshan Dickwella’s three-year doping ban was lifted on Thursday (Dec 12) by Cricket Sri Lanka. Dickwella, suspended in August 2024 for three years by the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA) will now be eligible to play in the Sri Lankan with key series ahead. He tested positive for a prohibited substance after a random doping test. Dickwella ban lifted After testing positive for a banned substance, the wicketkeeper-batter faced a three-year ban, with the right to appeal. Dickwella successfully appealed against the decision proving that he did not consume any prohibited substances during the "competition period" and that the substance used was not the performance-enhancing kind. The lifting of the ban means Dickwella will be eligible for team selection, paving a way back into the side. He last represented the side in March 2023, missing out on a spot in the ODI World Cup and its qualifiers. His last international assignment was the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch in March 2023. He has played 54 Tests, 55 ODIs and 28 T20Is for Sri Lanka with 4841 runs in his international career. ALSO READ | Sweden ends rape inquiry allegedly targeting France star Kylian Mbappe Will Dickwella return for the New Zealand series? After getting the ban overturned, Dickwella will be eyeing a place in the squad for the New Zealand series. The BlackCaps will play three T20Is and as many as ODIs, with the former kicking off the series. Bay Oval and Mount Maunganui will host the opening two T20Is on December 28 and 30 respectively. The three-match T20I series will conclude on January 2 at Saxton Oval in Nelson. After the three T20I matches, both sides will lock horns across three ODI matches, which will be played in Wellington, Hamilton, and Auckland on January 5, 8, and 11.

Cricket Sri Lanka lifts Niroshan Dickwella's three-year ban for doping, cleared to play for national side

Sri Lanka selectors think Niroshan Dickwella's experience will be useful heading into the T20 World Cup and hence he was recalled into the side for the ongoing Bangladesh T20Is. The batter, however, didn't feature in the first T20I on Monday (March 4) but Sri Lanka still ended up on the winning side in a thrilling contest.

"We were looking for someone to play in the top order [with the injuries to Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera]. We looked at Shevon Daniel, Lasith Croospulle and Dikka [Dickwella], but the first two are still quite young. It was difficult to pick them based purely on their most recent performances," Sri Lanka selector and former batter Upul Tharanga.

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"We spoke to the captain, as well as the coach, and they also felt Niroshan Dickwella was the best option at this time because heading into a World Cup, his experience will be useful," he added.

Dickwella has played 28 T20Is for the national side but has been down in the pecking order for quite some time now. In 28 matches, the left-hand wicketkeeper-batter has scored 480 runs at a strike rate of 131 with a highest of 68. Overall in T20s, Dickwella has 2,420 runs to his name in 130 matches at a strike rate of 140 and a highest of 79 not out.

As for the first T20I, Sri Lanka survived a scare as Bangladesh almost chased down the 207-run target. Kusal Mendis (36-ball 59), Sadeera Samarawickrama (48-ball 61 not out) and stand-in skipper Charith Asalanka (unbeaten 21-ball 44) were the main architects of Sri Lanka's 206/3 in 20 overs.

For Bangladesh, Mahmudullah made a thumping return to the side with a 31-ball 54 before Jaker Ali's 34-ball 68 almost took the hosts home in Sylhet. Former SL skipper Dasun Shanaka, however, kept his cool and defended 11 runs in the last over while taking two wickets as well to take his team home by three&nbsp;runs. 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka selectors think Niroshan Dickwella's experience will be useful heading into the T20 World Cup and hence he was recalled into the side for the ongoing Bangladesh T20Is.

Sri Lanka selectors think Niroshan Dickwella's experience will be useful heading into the T20 World Cup and hence he was recalled into the side for the ongoing Bangladesh T20Is. The batter, however, didn't feature in the first T20I on Monday (March 4) but Sri Lanka still ended up on the winning side in a thrilling contest. "We were looking for someone to play in the top order [with the injuries to Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera]. We looked at Shevon Daniel, Lasith Croospulle and Dikka [Dickwella], but the first two are still quite young. It was difficult to pick them based purely on their most recent performances," Sri Lanka selector and former batter Upul Tharanga. Also Read: WPL 2024: RCB return to winning ways as Perry’s fireworks flatten UP Warriorz "We spoke to the captain, as well as the coach, and they also felt Niroshan Dickwella was the best option at this time because heading into a World Cup, his experience will be useful," he added. Dickwella has played 28 T20Is for the national side but has been down in the pecking order for quite some time now. In 28 matches, the left-hand wicketkeeper-batter has scored 480 runs at a strike rate of 131 with a highest of 68. Overall in T20s, Dickwella has 2,420 runs to his name in 130 matches at a strike rate of 140 and a highest of 79 not out. As for the first T20I, Sri Lanka survived a scare as Bangladesh almost chased down the 207-run target. Kusal Mendis (36-ball 59), Sadeera Samarawickrama (48-ball 61 not out) and stand-in skipper Charith Asalanka (unbeaten 21-ball 44) were the main architects of Sri Lanka's 206/3 in 20 overs. For Bangladesh, Mahmudullah made a thumping return to the side with a 31-ball 54 before Jaker Ali's 34-ball 68 almost took the hosts home in Sylhet. Former SL skipper Dasun Shanaka, however, kept his cool and defended 11 runs in the last over while taking two wickets as well to take his team home by three runs.

Sri Lanka selectors bank on recalled wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella's 'experience' in upcoming T20 World Cup

Niroshan Dickwella`s defiant rearguard with Dinesh Chandimal frustrated Bangladesh and helped Sri Lanka eke out a draw in the opening test in Chattogram on Thursday. Having conceded a 68-run first-innings lead, Sri Lanka began the final day on 39-2 and looked in a spot at 161-6 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Dickwella and Chandimal forged a 99-run partnership for the unbroken seventh wicket to snuff out Bangladesh`s hopes of a victory. Dickwella made 61 not out while Chandimal was unbeaten on 39 as Sri Lanka reached 260-6 when a draw was agreed on.

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Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne made 52, while Kusal Mendis (48) and Dhananjaya de Silva (33) also contributed with the bat for the tourists. "If you take first innings, we could have done much better," Karunaratne said at the presentation ceremony. As a side we should have put up a big score, unfortunately, we couldn`t do that."

Sri Lanka`s Angelo Mathews was adjudged man-of-the-match for his 199 in the first innings. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed 4-82 but Bangladesh were denied the service of pace bowler Shoriful Islam who has been ruled out of the series with a hand injury sustained while batting.

"We missed Shoriful for sure, but we managed to cover for him," Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque said. "Taijul knows his role...and he was excellent. We have to keep improving, we have to keep getting better." 
Mushfiqur Rahim became the first batsman from Bangladesh to score 5000 test runs during his knock of 105. The second and final test begins in Mirpur on Monday.

Niroshan Dickwella`s defiant rearguard with Dinesh Chandimal frustrated Bangladesh and helped Sri Lanka eke out a draw in the opening test in Chattogram on Thursday.

Niroshan Dickwella`s defiant rearguard with Dinesh Chandimal frustrated Bangladesh and helped Sri Lanka eke out a draw in the opening test in Chattogram on Thursday. Having conceded a 68-run first-innings lead, Sri Lanka began the final day on 39-2 and looked in a spot at 161-6 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Dickwella and Chandimal forged a 99-run partnership for the unbroken seventh wicket to snuff out Bangladesh`s hopes of a victory. Dickwella made 61 not out while Chandimal was unbeaten on 39 as Sri Lanka reached 260-6 when a draw was agreed on. ALSO READ | Huge blow! Jofra Archer ruled out of 2022 English summer after suffering back stress fracture Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne made 52, while Kusal Mendis (48) and Dhananjaya de Silva (33) also contributed with the bat for the tourists. "If you take first innings, we could have done much better," Karunaratne said at the presentation ceremony. As a side we should have put up a big score, unfortunately, we couldn`t do that." Sri Lanka`s Angelo Mathews was adjudged man-of-the-match for his 199 in the first innings. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed 4-82 but Bangladesh were denied the service of pace bowler Shoriful Islam who has been ruled out of the series with a hand injury sustained while batting. "We missed Shoriful for sure, but we managed to cover for him," Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque said. "Taijul knows his role...and he was excellent. We have to keep improving, we have to keep getting better." Mushfiqur Rahim became the first batsman from Bangladesh to score 5000 test runs during his knock of 105. The second and final test begins in Mirpur on Monday.

1st Test: Sri Lanka secure draw in Bangladesh after Niroshan Dickwella's fighting half-century

Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella have been handed a one-year ban from Sri Lanka Cricket on Friday for breaching the bio-secure bubble on the tour of the UK last month. The trio has&nbsp;also been fined a hefty 10 million Sri Lankan rupees.&nbsp;

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In June, the team was seen meandering the roads of Durham after Sri Lanka lost the last T20I against England.&nbsp;

A disciplinary committee headed by a retired judge had recommended a ban of two years on Kusal Medis and Danushka Gunathilaka and an 18-month sanction on Dickwella on Thursday.&nbsp;

But, the SLC on Friday decided to ban them from international cricket for one year, and six months from domestic cricket.

The ban was placed after SLC levied three charges on the players:&nbsp;

"Putting in jeopardy the safety of players by breaching COVID-19 safety guidelines, including instructions of the team management.

"Also breaking the team curfew of being in their hotel rooms by 10:30 pm and last but not the least was bringing disrepute to the country and cricket board."

The SLC executive committee has also recommended mandatory counselling under a doctor recommended by the board.

Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella have been handed a one-year ban from Sri Lanka Cricket on Friday for breaching the bio-secure bubble on the tour of the UK last month.

Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella have been handed a one-year ban from Sri Lanka Cricket on Friday for breaching the bio-secure bubble on the tour of the UK last month. The trio has also been fined a hefty 10 million Sri Lankan rupees. ALSO READ: Ben Stokes to take indefinite break from cricket to prioritise mental wellbeing: ECB In June, the team was seen meandering the roads of Durham after Sri Lanka lost the last T20I against England. A disciplinary committee headed by a retired judge had recommended a ban of two years on Kusal Medis and Danushka Gunathilaka and an 18-month sanction on Dickwella on Thursday. But, the SLC on Friday decided to ban them from international cricket for one year, and six months from domestic cricket. The ban was placed after SLC levied three charges on the players: "Putting in jeopardy the safety of players by breaching COVID-19 safety guidelines, including instructions of the team management. "Also breaking the team curfew of being in their hotel rooms by 10:30 pm and last but not the least was bringing disrepute to the country and cricket board." The SLC executive committee has also recommended mandatory counselling under a doctor recommended by the board.

One year ban for Gunathilaka, Mendis and Dickwella, along with hefty fine: SLC

Sri Lanka Cricket Board suspended three players after they violated Covid rules and the biosecure bubble on Monday. The trio were important players for the crew which were to take on England in the ODI series and had been approached to fly back home after video surfaced of them being outside the team hotel.&nbsp;

Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, and Danushka Gunathilaka were flown back to Sri Lanka, with prompt impact. The board additionally added that the players would stay suspended until the investigation is finished.&nbsp;

Presently, there are reports&nbsp;that every one of the three players would likewise miss the home series against India scheduled to begin not long from now. The circumstance has drawn the anger of fans and authorities the same and the players could confront an extensive boycott. A top Sri Lanka cricket official told Island Cricket that the trio will confront a boycott of 1 year for ridiculing rules.&nbsp;

"SLC required a report from the team manager to check the genuineness of the video, following which they suspended the players. SLC sources said they have launched an investigation concerning the occurrence to determine if the cricketers had penetrated the bio bubble and if found liable they will confront a boycott up to at least one year and hefty fines," as quoted by Island Cricket.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa has effectively communicated his displeasure on the incident. Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, and Danushka Gunathilaka were seen wandering outside in a public space in Durham and all the while, they had penetrated the bio-secure conventions. He tweeted:&nbsp;“Opportunity and time can be invested into youngsters to represent the country, in an attempt to revive #Srilanka cricket. However, playing with a lack of intent and poor discipline should not be tolerated. SLC must take strict action against players who violate these rules.”

They are likewise bound to the forthcoming six-match white-ball home series against India beginning on 13 July as the three players on appearance were sent on their 14-day isolation on&nbsp;fulfillment of the isolate guidelines, they will then, at that point need to confront an investigation into the occurrence that occurred in Durham on Sunday.

The Indian team lead by Shikhar Dhawan has effectively arrived in Sri Lanka. The youthful side will be instructed by Rahul Dravid for the absolute first time and they will take on the hosts in a 3 match ODI and T20I series.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan side is presently in England where they have been pounded in all the three T20Is and afterward went down completely in the first ODI also.

An official statement by the SLC is yet to come out, although reports suggest the three Sri Lankan cricketers might face a long ban.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka Cricket Board suspended three players after they violated Covid rules and the biosecure bubble on Monday. The trio were important players for the crew which were to take on England in the ODI series and had been approached to fly back home after video surfaced of them being outside the team hotel.

Sri Lanka Cricket Board suspended three players after they violated Covid rules and the biosecure bubble on Monday. The trio were important players for the crew which were to take on England in the ODI series and had been approached to fly back home after video surfaced of them being outside the team hotel. Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, and Danushka Gunathilaka were flown back to Sri Lanka, with prompt impact. The board additionally added that the players would stay suspended until the investigation is finished. Presently, there are reports that every one of the three players would likewise miss the home series against India scheduled to begin not long from now. The circumstance has drawn the anger of fans and authorities the same and the players could confront an extensive boycott. A top Sri Lanka cricket official told Island Cricket that the trio will confront a boycott of 1 year for ridiculing rules. "SLC required a report from the team manager to check the genuineness of the video, following which they suspended the players. SLC sources said they have launched an investigation concerning the occurrence to determine if the cricketers had penetrated the bio bubble and if found liable they will confront a boycott up to at least one year and hefty fines," as quoted by Island Cricket. Sri Lanka Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa has effectively communicated his displeasure on the incident. Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, and Danushka Gunathilaka were seen wandering outside in a public space in Durham and all the while, they had penetrated the bio-secure conventions. He tweeted: “Opportunity and time can be invested into youngsters to represent the country, in an attempt to revive #Srilanka cricket. However, playing with a lack of intent and poor discipline should not be tolerated. SLC must take strict action against players who violate these rules.” They are likewise bound to the forthcoming six-match white-ball home series against India beginning on 13 July as the three players on appearance were sent on their 14-day isolation on fulfillment of the isolate guidelines, they will then, at that point need to confront an investigation into the occurrence that occurred in Durham on Sunday. The Indian team lead by Shikhar Dhawan has effectively arrived in Sri Lanka. The youthful side will be instructed by Rahul Dravid for the absolute first time and they will take on the hosts in a 3 match ODI and T20I series. The Sri Lankan side is presently in England where they have been pounded in all the three T20Is and afterward went down completely in the first ODI also. An official statement by the SLC is yet to come out, although reports suggest the three Sri Lankan cricketers might face a long ban.

Cricket: Sri Lanka trio returns home, face one year ban for violating Covid rules: Reports

Sri Lanka Cricket has launched an inquiry against Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis for supposedly breaching the bio-bubble during their visit through England after an implied video of them on a night out turned into a web sensation via online media

The team was seen meandering the roads of Durham after Sri Lanka lost the last T20I on Sunday night. Both Niroshan Dickwella and Mendis played the match as England destroyed Sri Lanka by 89 runs.&nbsp;

A report from PTI gave the most recent update on the turns of events, uncovering Sri Lanka Cricket is investigating the breach.&nbsp;

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After a video of the couple became famous online via web-based media, Sri Lanka Cricket boss Shammi Silva responded to it, an investigation was in progress. The SLC will currently be investigating if the players penetrated the bio-secure bubble.&nbsp;

Giving more subtleties on the episode, famous columnist Rex Clementine uncovered that an anonymous third player may have been engaged with the break too. As per him, the discussion has emerged after players were permitted to go out in Cardiff, however investigating Durham wasn't permitted because of the COVID-19 circumstance pervasive in the district.&nbsp;

Rex Clementine affirmed that the liable players would need to be confined for about fourteen days. He likewise expressed that the UK government is probably going to force a fine also.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka manager Manuja Kariyapperuma revealed to ESPNcricinfo that the team board would investigate the matter on Monday, yet couldn't affirm whether a breach had really occurred. Nonetheless, the region that Kudal Mendis and Dickwella have been believed to be in, in the pictures that have come out, doesn't seem, by all accounts, to be nearby the team hotel in Durham, Kariyapperuma said.

The conceivable inaccessibility of Kusal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella, and the gossipy tidbits about a bio-bubble breach, come at the absolute worst an ideal opportunity for the Sri Lankans. The side has drawn in hefty criticism from former players as well as the fans after they were whipped 3-0 in the new T20I series against England.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka Cricket has launched an inquiry against Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis for supposedly breaching the bio-bubble during their visit through England after an implied video of them on a night out turned into a web sensation via online media The team was seen meandering the roads of Durham after Sri Lanka lost the last T20I on Sunday night.

Sri Lanka Cricket has launched an inquiry against Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis for supposedly breaching the bio-bubble during their visit through England after an implied video of them on a night out turned into a web sensation via online media The team was seen meandering the roads of Durham after Sri Lanka lost the last T20I on Sunday night. Both Niroshan Dickwella and Mendis played the match as England destroyed Sri Lanka by 89 runs. A report from PTI gave the most recent update on the turns of events, uncovering Sri Lanka Cricket is investigating the breach. ALSO READ: Cricket: New Zealand's pace bowling attack is best in the world, says Shane Jurgensen After a video of the couple became famous online via web-based media, Sri Lanka Cricket boss Shammi Silva responded to it, an investigation was in progress. The SLC will currently be investigating if the players penetrated the bio-secure bubble. Giving more subtleties on the episode, famous columnist Rex Clementine uncovered that an anonymous third player may have been engaged with the break too. As per him, the discussion has emerged after players were permitted to go out in Cardiff, however investigating Durham wasn't permitted because of the COVID-19 circumstance pervasive in the district. Rex Clementine affirmed that the liable players would need to be confined for about fourteen days. He likewise expressed that the UK government is probably going to force a fine also. Sri Lanka manager Manuja Kariyapperuma revealed to ESPNcricinfo that the team board would investigate the matter on Monday, yet couldn't affirm whether a breach had really occurred. Nonetheless, the region that Kudal Mendis and Dickwella have been believed to be in, in the pictures that have come out, doesn't seem, by all accounts, to be nearby the team hotel in Durham, Kariyapperuma said. The conceivable inaccessibility of Kusal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella, and the gossipy tidbits about a bio-bubble breach, come at the absolute worst an ideal opportunity for the Sri Lankans. The side has drawn in hefty criticism from former players as well as the fans after they were whipped 3-0 in the new T20I series against England.

Cricket: Kusal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella under investigation for alleged bio-bubble breach

Pathum Nissanka's hundred on debut and Niroshan Dickwella's pugnacious 96 solidified Sri Lanka's outstanding second innings rearguard with a total of 476 that left the West Indies with the challenging victory target of 375 on the fourth day of the first Test on Wednesday.

Notwithstanding their remarkable successful chase of 395 on the last day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram six weeks earlier, the hosts face a daunting task at 34 for one overnight heading into Thursday's final day.

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite will resume in partnership with Nkrumah Bonner after Vishwa Fernando prised out John Campbell via a catch to a rueful wicketkeeper Dickwella.

Nissanka, who lost overnight partner Dhananjaya de Silva in the first over of the morning, slowed to a crawl in the second session of the day but finally reached the coveted century landmark just before tea to join Brendon Kuruppu (who completed a double-century), Romesh Kaluwitharana and Thilan Samaraweera as the only Sri Lankans to score hundreds on Test debut.&nbsp;

Samaraweera was the last to achieve the landmark before Wednesday, getting to three figures in his first Test, against India in Colombo in 2001.

"I wasn't even aware of any records or anything like that. I just wanted to perform for the team," said the 22-year-old Nissanka speaking through an interpreter.&nbsp;

"Niroshan kept telling me for us to prolong the innings for as long as possible and get a big total to make sure the bowlers had enough runs to work with."

Nissanka and Dickwella dominated the first two sessions of the day, putting on 179 for the sixth wicket and frustrating a West Indies team that was fast running out of ideas and doing little to help their own cause.

Bonner dropped the simplest of catches at gully off fast-medium bowler Jason Holder when Dickwella was on 45.&nbsp;

He also enjoyed a slice of luck closing on the elusive century when a half-hearted appeal by Alzarri Joseph for a catch to the wicketkeeper down the leg-side was turned down by the presiding umpire.

Replays revealed that the batsman edged the ball but the West Indies had no course for review having exhausted their television referrals earlier in the day.

If it appeared then that Dickwella was destined for a maiden Test hundred in his 42nd match, his growing anticipation of the moment came to nothing as he was bowled by Kemar Roach playing a lazy shot at the start of the final session.

He had been struck on the back of the helmet in the fast bowler's previous over when the ball rolled onto the stumps but did not dislodge the bails.

Nissanka had already departed for 103, compiled in 341 minutes off 252 balls and including six fours, and the innings quickly subsided in the rush for quick runs.

Roach and off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall claimed three wickets each.

West Indian spirits had been lifted at the start of the day when de Silva, on reaching an even 50, was comprehensively bowled by Joseph operating with the second new ball.

However the rest of the day belonged to the Sri Lankans who will believe they can end a run of four consecutive Test match defeats on the final day.

Pathum Nissanka's hundred on debut and Niroshan Dickwella's pugnacious 96 solidified Sri Lanka's outstanding second innings rearguard with a total of 476 that left the West Indies with the challenging victory target of 375 on the fourth day of the first Test on Wednesday.

Pathum Nissanka's hundred on debut and Niroshan Dickwella's pugnacious 96 solidified Sri Lanka's outstanding second innings rearguard with a total of 476 that left the West Indies with the challenging victory target of 375 on the fourth day of the first Test on Wednesday. Notwithstanding their remarkable successful chase of 395 on the last day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram six weeks earlier, the hosts face a daunting task at 34 for one overnight heading into Thursday's final day. West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite will resume in partnership with Nkrumah Bonner after Vishwa Fernando prised out John Campbell via a catch to a rueful wicketkeeper Dickwella. Nissanka, who lost overnight partner Dhananjaya de Silva in the first over of the morning, slowed to a crawl in the second session of the day but finally reached the coveted century landmark just before tea to join Brendon Kuruppu (who completed a double-century), Romesh Kaluwitharana and Thilan Samaraweera as the only Sri Lankans to score hundreds on Test debut. Samaraweera was the last to achieve the landmark before Wednesday, getting to three figures in his first Test, against India in Colombo in 2001. "I wasn't even aware of any records or anything like that. I just wanted to perform for the team," said the 22-year-old Nissanka speaking through an interpreter. "Niroshan kept telling me for us to prolong the innings for as long as possible and get a big total to make sure the bowlers had enough runs to work with." Nissanka and Dickwella dominated the first two sessions of the day, putting on 179 for the sixth wicket and frustrating a West Indies team that was fast running out of ideas and doing little to help their own cause. Bonner dropped the simplest of catches at gully off fast-medium bowler Jason Holder when Dickwella was on 45. He also enjoyed a slice of luck closing on the elusive century when a half-hearted appeal by Alzarri Joseph for a catch to the wicketkeeper down the leg-side was turned down by the presiding umpire. Replays revealed that the batsman edged the ball but the West Indies had no course for review having exhausted their television referrals earlier in the day. If it appeared then that Dickwella was destined for a maiden Test hundred in his 42nd match, his growing anticipation of the moment came to nothing as he was bowled by Kemar Roach playing a lazy shot at the start of the final session. He had been struck on the back of the helmet in the fast bowler's previous over when the ball rolled onto the stumps but did not dislodge the bails. Nissanka had already departed for 103, compiled in 341 minutes off 252 balls and including six fours, and the innings quickly subsided in the rush for quick runs. Roach and off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall claimed three wickets each. West Indian spirits had been lifted at the start of the day when de Silva, on reaching an even 50, was comprehensively bowled by Joseph operating with the second new ball. However the rest of the day belonged to the Sri Lankans who will believe they can end a run of four consecutive Test match defeats on the final day.

Nissanka, Dickwella star for Sri Lanka as Windies chase 375-run target

Niroshan Dickwella has been a rising star for the Sri Lankan cricket team. He made his debut in international cricket in 2014 for Test against South Africa. His consistency has made an exciting prospect in the world of cricket.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/his-captaincy-is-fabulous-australian-legend-ian-chappell-on-ajinkya-rahane-348835" hreflang="en">'His captaincy is fabulous': Australian legend Ian Chappell on Ajinkya Rahane</a>

However, a popular video game platform called Cricket 19 has censored the player's name for the obvious reasons. His name appears as ‘N D-Censored’. The development was brought forward by renowned writer Jarrod Kimber on his official Twitter handle.

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Cricket 19 have censored Niroshan Dickwella’s name <a href="https://t.co/xElRZCGyEh">pic.twitter.com/xElRZCGyEh</a>
— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajarrodkimber/status/1335622790272184322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The player has played 37 Tests, 52 ODIs and 23 T20Is for the country and has scored 1921, 1571 and 429 runs respectively. The 27-year-old is currently playing in the Lanka Premier League and is representing Dambulla Viiking, led by Dasun Shanaka.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/his-captaincy-is-fabulous-australian-legend-ian-chappell-on-ajinkya-rahane-348835" hreflang="en">'His captaincy is fabulous': Australian legend Ian Chappell on Ajinkya Rahane</a>

He has played in six matches where he scored 138 runs at an average and strike-rate of 27.60 and 146.80 respectively. His top score of 60 came against Bhanuka Rajapaksha’s Galle Gladiators on Saturday, December 5 at the Mahinda Rajapaksha Stadium in Hambantota. His team is currently placed second in the league and after qualified for the semi-finals.&nbsp;

Niroshan Dickwella has been a rising star for the Sri Lankan cricket team. He made his debut in international cricket in 2014 for Test against South Africa. His consistency has made an exciting prospect in the world of cricket.

Niroshan Dickwella has been a rising star for the Sri Lankan cricket team. He made his debut in international cricket in 2014 for Test against South Africa. His consistency has made an exciting prospect in the world of cricket. Also read: 'His captaincy is fabulous': Australian legend Ian Chappell on Ajinkya Rahane However, a popular video game platform called Cricket 19 has censored the player's name for the obvious reasons. His name appears as ‘N D-Censored’. The development was brought forward by renowned writer Jarrod Kimber on his official Twitter handle. Cricket 19 have censored Niroshan Dickwella’s name pic.twitter.com/xElRZCGyEh — Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) December 6, 2020 × The player has played 37 Tests, 52 ODIs and 23 T20Is for the country and has scored 1921, 1571 and 429 runs respectively. The 27-year-old is currently playing in the Lanka Premier League and is representing Dambulla Viiking, led by Dasun Shanaka. Also read: 'His captaincy is fabulous': Australian legend Ian Chappell on Ajinkya Rahane He has played in six matches where he scored 138 runs at an average and strike-rate of 27.60 and 146.80 respectively. His top score of 60 came against Bhanuka Rajapaksha’s Galle Gladiators on Saturday, December 5 at the Mahinda Rajapaksha Stadium in Hambantota. His team is currently placed second in the league and after qualified for the semi-finals.

'N D-Censored': Cricket 19 censors Sri Lankan player Niroshan Dickwella's name

A combination of rain and bad light played spoilsport on the second day of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-test-pak-pacers-make-merry-as-lankan-batsmen-falter-on-day-1-267736">historic Rawalpindi Test</a> between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday.

The visitors had battled their way to 202 for 5 on an already truncated day 1, however, only 16.2 more overs of play was possible today.

Dhananjaya de Silva reached his sixth Test fifty and added 20 runs to the team score with his overnight partner Niroshan Dickwella until the first rain interruption that washed out the entire second session.

Play resumed at 1:45pm local time and De Silva and Dickwella's partnership swelled to 67 runs but Shaheen Shah Afridi provided the breakthrough by having Dickwella caught at gully for 33.

De Silva though had taken his tally to 72 and was at the crease with Dilruwan Perera (85.3) when bad light forced the players off again at 2:30pm and play was abandoned for the day an hour later.

At the close Sri Lanka were 263-6 with Dhananjaya de Silva unbeaten on 72 and Dilruwan Perera not out on two.

The Rawalpindi Test is taking place in Pakistan for the first time after Lahore terror strike in 2009 which led to Pakistan's isolation as countries refused to tour, however, with the current Test interest has once again generated in the country, but fans were left frustrated as showers on the first day, then downpour on Thursday led to large-scale disruption disappointing those gathered to watch the day's play.

The second Test starts in Karachi from December 19.

A combination of rain and bad light played spoilsport on the second day of the historic Rawalpindi Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday. The visitors had battled their way to 202 for 5 on an already truncated day 1, however, only 16.

A combination of rain and bad light played spoilsport on the second day of the historic Rawalpindi Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday. The visitors had battled their way to 202 for 5 on an already truncated day 1, however, only 16.2 more overs of play was possible today. Dhananjaya de Silva reached his sixth Test fifty and added 20 runs to the team score with his overnight partner Niroshan Dickwella until the first rain interruption that washed out the entire second session. Play resumed at 1:45pm local time and De Silva and Dickwella's partnership swelled to 67 runs but Shaheen Shah Afridi provided the breakthrough by having Dickwella caught at gully for 33. De Silva though had taken his tally to 72 and was at the crease with Dilruwan Perera (85.3) when bad light forced the players off again at 2:30pm and play was abandoned for the day an hour later. At the close Sri Lanka were 263-6 with Dhananjaya de Silva unbeaten on 72 and Dilruwan Perera not out on two. The Rawalpindi Test is taking place in Pakistan for the first time after Lahore terror strike in 2009 which led to Pakistan's isolation as countries refused to tour, however, with the current Test interest has once again generated in the country, but fans were left frustrated as showers on the first day, then downpour on Thursday led to large-scale disruption disappointing those gathered to watch the day's play. The second Test starts in Karachi from December 19.

Rawalpindi Test: Rain, bad light plays spoilsport as Sri Lanka defy Pakistan on day-2

Opener Niroshan Dickwella's 95 and skipper Dinesh Chandimal's 80 helped Sri Lanka post 366 for the loss of six wickets in the fifth one day international against England on Tuesday.

Dickwella had put on 137 runs partnership with Sadeera Samarawickrama, who made 54, to help hosts set a mammoth target, after electing to bat.&nbsp;

The left-handed Dickwella hit 12 fours during his 97-ball stay before falling to off-spinner Moeen Ali, who took two wickets in the innings.

Chandimal carried forward the momentum, building crucial partnerships including a 101-run third wicket stand with Kusal Mendis, who smashed 56 off 33 balls.

The tourists, who have already pocketed the series with a 3-0 lead, need 367 runs to deny Sri Lanka a consolation win.

Opener Niroshan Dickwella's 95 and skipper Dinesh Chandimal's 80 helped Sri Lanka post 366 for the loss of six wickets in the fifth one day international against England on Tuesday.

Opener Niroshan Dickwella's 95 and skipper Dinesh Chandimal's 80 helped Sri Lanka post 366 for the loss of six wickets in the fifth one day international against England on Tuesday. Dickwella had put on 137 runs partnership with Sadeera Samarawickrama, who made 54, to help hosts set a mammoth target, after electing to bat. The left-handed Dickwella hit 12 fours during his 97-ball stay before falling to off-spinner Moeen Ali, who took two wickets in the innings. Chandimal carried forward the momentum, building crucial partnerships including a 101-run third wicket stand with Kusal Mendis, who smashed 56 off 33 balls. The tourists, who have already pocketed the series with a 3-0 lead, need 367 runs to deny Sri Lanka a consolation win.

Dickwella, Chandimal power Sri Lanka to 366

Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed led from the front as he smashed an unbeaten half-century to guide Pakistan to a three-wicket win over Sri Lanka in their do-or-die Champions Trophy fixture and eventually to the semi-finals here at the Sophia Gardens on Monday.

Chasing a target of 237 runs to win in the virtual quarterfinal clash, Pakistan held their nerve to come out victorious in this knockout encounter.

Pakistan made a great start to their innings with openers Azhar Ali (34) and Fakhar Zaman (50) stitching a crucial 75-run stand to provide their side to laid the platform.

However, Pakistan lost their next three batsmen in quick successions-Babar Azam (10), Mohammad Hafeez (one) and Shoaib Malik (11), who was playing his 250th ODI game.

Imad Wasim and Fahim Ashraf also got out cheaply for four and 15 runs respectively and it looked unlikely for Pakistan to cross the line after being reduced to 162-7.

But Sri Lanka&#39;s disintegrated fielding in the last 45 minutes with couple of dropped catches and Sarfraz subsequent half-century saw Pakistan book their place in the semi-finals.

Sarfraz struck an unbeaten 61-run knock off 79 balls besides sharing a pivotal partnership of 75 runs with fast bowler Mohammad Amir (unbeaten at 28) to help Pakistan chase down the target with 31 balls to spare.

Nuwan Pradeep was the pick of the bowlers for Lanka as he finished with the figures of three for 60 while Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal and Thisara Perera all chipped in with a wicket each.

Earlier, put in to bat first, the Angelo Mathews-led sidthey rope chugged and spluttered to a total of 236 after reducing to 167-7 at one point.

Lanka were cruising at 162 for three as Niroshan Dickwella (73) and Mathews (39) took the Pakistan bowlers to the cleaners by sharing a crucial 78-run stand for the fourth wicket.

However, Pakistan bowlers hit back and triggered a middle-order collapse before Asela Gunaratne (27) and Suranga Lakmal (26) tried to save the blushes for their side and guide them past 200-run mark.

Junaid Khan and Hasan Ali were the most economical bowlers for Pakistan as they bagged three wickets each. Mohamad Amir and Fahim Ashraf also contributed with two wickets.

Sarfraz was adjudged `Man of the Match` for his match-winning performance.

Pakistan will now take on hosts England in the first semi-finals at the same venue on Wednesday while the other last-four contest will see defending champions India taking on Bangladesh at Edgbaston a day after.

(ANI)

Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed smashed an unbeaten half-century to guide Pakistan to a three-wicket win over Sri Lanka

Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed led from the front as he smashed an unbeaten half-century to guide Pakistan to a three-wicket win over Sri Lanka in their do-or-die Champions Trophy fixture and eventually to the semi-finals here at the Sophia Gardens on Monday. Chasing a target of 237 runs to win in the virtual quarterfinal clash, Pakistan held their nerve to come out victorious in this knockout encounter. Pakistan made a great start to their innings with openers Azhar Ali (34) and Fakhar Zaman (50) stitching a crucial 75-run stand to provide their side to laid the platform. However, Pakistan lost their next three batsmen in quick successions-Babar Azam (10), Mohammad Hafeez (one) and Shoaib Malik (11), who was playing his 250th ODI game. Imad Wasim and Fahim Ashraf also got out cheaply for four and 15 runs respectively and it looked unlikely for Pakistan to cross the line after being reduced to 162-7. But Sri Lanka's disintegrated fielding in the last 45 minutes with couple of dropped catches and Sarfraz subsequent half-century saw Pakistan book their place in the semi-finals. Sarfraz struck an unbeaten 61-run knock off 79 balls besides sharing a pivotal partnership of 75 runs with fast bowler Mohammad Amir (unbeaten at 28) to help Pakistan chase down the target with 31 balls to spare. Nuwan Pradeep was the pick of the bowlers for Lanka as he finished with the figures of three for 60 while Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal and Thisara Perera all chipped in with a wicket each. Earlier, put in to bat first, the Angelo Mathews-led sidthey rope chugged and spluttered to a total of 236 after reducing to 167-7 at one point. Lanka were cruising at 162 for three as Niroshan Dickwella (73) and Mathews (39) took the Pakistan bowlers to the cleaners by sharing a crucial 78-run stand for the fourth wicket. However, Pakistan bowlers hit back and triggered a middle-order collapse before Asela Gunaratne (27) and Suranga Lakmal (26) tried to save the blushes for their side and guide them past 200-run mark. Junaid Khan and Hasan Ali were the most economical bowlers for Pakistan as they bagged three wickets each. Mohamad Amir and Fahim Ashraf also contributed with two wickets. Sarfraz was adjudged `Man of the Match` for his match-winning performance. Pakistan will now take on hosts England in the first semi-finals at the same venue on Wednesday while the other last-four contest will see defending champions India taking on Bangladesh at Edgbaston a day after. (ANI)

Champions Trophy: Captain Sarfraz powers Pakistan into semis