<p>Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has hinted that he may leave his role after the team’s disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign at home though not immediately. He said he is proud of the team’s improvement during his time as coach, but he is willing to step aside if Sri Lanka Cricket finds the right person to replace him. After Sri Lanka’s five-run loss to Pakistan on Saturday, Jayasuriya said he has not yet made a final decision as his contract runs until June 2026. With a limited-overs tour of Afghanistan coming up in March, the board may want him to continue for now while they look at other options.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Speaking at the press conference, Jayasuriya said he had earlier mentioned during the England series that he did not plan to stay for long. He added that he was disappointed with how the World Cup ended but felt he had helped the team improve over the past year and a half. Sri Lanka moved up in the rankings and performed better in different formats. He said he will talk with the board before making any final decision.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-ordeal-continues-pv-sindhu-stranded-in-dubai-after-airspace-disruption-due-to-iran-us-tensions-1772336986868"><strong>‘Ordeal continues…’: PV Sindhu stranded in Dubai after airspace disruption due to Iran-US tensions</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I thought I should give that title to someone else. That’s why I mentioned two months ago during the England series that I have no plans staying here.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I feel sorry about how the World Cup ended. I could have taken this team forward for one and a half years. We moved up in rankings across formats and took the team to better positions. My contract ends in June. I have not given my official decision to Sri Lanka Cricket yet. I need to discuss with them what comes next,” he added.</p><h2>How Sri Lanka performed at the T20 World Cup 2026</h2><p>Sri Lanka’s campaign never really gained sustained momentum. They reached the next stage despite a surprise loss to Zimbabwe in the group matches. However, in the Super 8 round, they lost to England, New Zealand and Pakistan, which ended their hopes of reaching the semifinals.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This early exit continues a worrying pattern for Sri Lanka. The 2014 champions have now failed to reach the semifinals in five straight T20 World Cups.&nbsp;</p><h3>Jayasuriya’s time as head coach</h3><p>Sanath Jayasuriya became Sri Lanka coach in mid-2024, initially as interim coach before taking on the full-time role. While the team’s T20 results were inconsistent, they achieved notable successes in other formats.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sri Lanka won an ODI bilateral series against India in August 2024, their first such win in 27 years. They also secured a Test victory at The Oval and later defeated New Zealand 2-0 in a home Test series.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In T20 cricket, however, the team struggled. They did not perform well in the Asia Cup and also had a disappointing tri-series in Pakistan before the World Cup.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Overall, Sri Lanka played 76 matches under Jayasuriya, winning 34. While there has been steady progress, recent T20 setbacks have raised questions about the future. Sri Lanka Cricket is now reportedly in talks with possible foreign coaches. Jayasuriya has not yet made his final decision, but his future could be decided soon after discussions with the board.</p>

Sanath Jayasuriya became Sri Lanka coach in mid-2024, initially as interim coach before taking on the full-time role. While the team’s T20 results were inconsistent, they achieved notable successes in other formats.

Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has hinted that he may leave his role after the team’s disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign at home though not immediately. He said he is proud of the team’s improvement during his time as coach, but he is willing to step aside if Sri Lanka Cricket finds the right person to replace him. After Sri Lanka’s five-run loss to Pakistan on Saturday, Jayasuriya said he has not yet made a final decision as his contract runs until June 2026. With a limited-overs tour of Afghanistan coming up in March, the board may want him to continue for now while they look at other options. Speaking at the press conference, Jayasuriya said he had earlier mentioned during the England series that he did not plan to stay for long. He added that he was disappointed with how the World Cup ended but felt he had helped the team improve over the past year and a half. Sri Lanka moved up in the rankings and performed better in different formats. He said he will talk with the board before making any final decision. Also Read - ‘Ordeal continues…’: PV Sindhu stranded in Dubai after airspace disruption due to Iran-US tensions “I thought I should give that title to someone else. That’s why I mentioned two months ago during the England series that I have no plans staying here.” “I feel sorry about how the World Cup ended. I could have taken this team forward for one and a half years. We moved up in rankings across formats and took the team to better positions. My contract ends in June. I have not given my official decision to Sri Lanka Cricket yet. I need to discuss with them what comes next,” he added. How Sri Lanka performed at the T20 World Cup 2026 Sri Lanka’s campaign never really gained sustained momentum. They reached the next stage despite a surprise loss to Zimbabwe in the group matches. However, in the Super 8 round, they lost to England, New Zealand and Pakistan, which ended their hopes of reaching the semifinals. This early exit continues a worrying pattern for Sri Lanka. The 2014 champions have now failed to reach the semifinals in five straight T20 World Cups. Jayasuriya’s time as head coach Sanath Jayasuriya became Sri Lanka coach in mid-2024, initially as interim coach before taking on the full-time role. While the team’s T20 results were inconsistent, they achieved notable successes in other formats. Sri Lanka won an ODI bilateral series against India in August 2024, their first such win in 27 years. They also secured a Test victory at The Oval and later defeated New Zealand 2-0 in a home Test series. In T20 cricket, however, the team struggled. They did not perform well in the Asia Cup and also had a disappointing tri-series in Pakistan before the World Cup. Overall, Sri Lanka played 76 matches under Jayasuriya, winning 34. While there has been steady progress, recent T20 setbacks have raised questions about the future. Sri Lanka Cricket is now reportedly in talks with possible foreign coaches. Jayasuriya has not yet made his final decision, but his future could be decided soon after discussions with the board.

<p>Sanath Jayasuriya became Sri Lanka coach in mid-2024, initially as interim coach before taking on the full-time role. While the team’s T20 results were inconsistent, they achieved notable successes in other formats.</p>

Sri Lanka coach Sanath Jayasuriya to step down after T20 World Cup 2026 disappointment? Here’s what we know

<p>Sri Lanka star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the 2026 T20 World Cup after picking up a left hamstring injury. According to Sri Lankan media reports, he will be out for about four weeks, which ends his tournament early in the event co-hosted by Sri Lanka. The injury happened during Sri Lanka’s opening match against Ireland in Colombo on Sunday. Hasaranga looked uncomfortable during the game but still finished his four overs, taking three for 25. An MRI scan done on Monday confirmed the injury.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha is likely to be named as his replacement. The 31-year-old has played five ODIs and three T20Is for Sri Lanka, taking six wickets with a T20 economy rate of 7.85.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka started their campaign with a 20-run win over Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium. After a slow start, Kamindu Mendis scored 44 off 19 balls and Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 56 to lift Sri Lanka to 163 for six. Hasaranga then played a key role with the ball to swing the match in Sri Lanka’s favour.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-afg-t20-world-cup-2026-match-13-check-live-streaming-details-head-to-head-pitch-weather-report-1770716604456"><strong>SA vs AFG, T20 World Cup 2026 Match 13: Check live streaming details, head-to-head, pitch &amp; weather report</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ireland were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs while chasing 164. Ross Adair made 34 off 23 balls and Harry Tector scored 40 off 34. For Sri Lanka, Hasaranga struck at crucial moments, as he removed Adair early with a googly and later dismissed Tector just as Ireland were trying to rebuild.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Together with Maheesh Theekshana, who took three for 23, Hasaranga kept things tight in the middle overs. During the match, Hasaranga also became the second-highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-sourav-ganguly-hopes-for-a-fight-from-pakistan-against-superb-indian-team-feb-15-colombo-boycott-1770724206287"><strong>‘No competition lately’: Ganguly hopes for a fight from Pakistan against ‘superb’ Indian team</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Sri Lanka will now miss Hasaranga’s experience and Theekshana will have extra responsibility in the middle overs in the upcoming matches. Sri Lanka will now face Oman on Feb 12 in Pallekele, followed by matches against Australia on Feb 16 and Zimbabwe on Feb 19. Winning at least two of these games will be important for their chances of reaching the next round (Super Eight stage).</p>

Sri Lanka will play their second group match against Oman in Pallekele on Feb 12, before facing Australia at the same venue on Feb 16, and then taking on Zimbabwe at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Feb 19.

Sri Lanka star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the 2026 T20 World Cup after picking up a left hamstring injury. According to Sri Lankan media reports, he will be out for about four weeks, which ends his tournament early in the event co-hosted by Sri Lanka. The injury happened during Sri Lanka’s opening match against Ireland in Colombo on Sunday. Hasaranga looked uncomfortable during the game but still finished his four overs, taking three for 25. An MRI scan done on Monday confirmed the injury. Leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha is likely to be named as his replacement. The 31-year-old has played five ODIs and three T20Is for Sri Lanka, taking six wickets with a T20 economy rate of 7.85. In T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka started their campaign with a 20-run win over Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium. After a slow start, Kamindu Mendis scored 44 off 19 balls and Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 56 to lift Sri Lanka to 163 for six. Hasaranga then played a key role with the ball to swing the match in Sri Lanka’s favour. Also Read - SA vs AFG, T20 World Cup 2026 Match 13: Check live streaming details, head-to-head, pitch & weather report Ireland were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs while chasing 164. Ross Adair made 34 off 23 balls and Harry Tector scored 40 off 34. For Sri Lanka, Hasaranga struck at crucial moments, as he removed Adair early with a googly and later dismissed Tector just as Ireland were trying to rebuild. Together with Maheesh Theekshana, who took three for 23, Hasaranga kept things tight in the middle overs. During the match, Hasaranga also became the second-highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history. Also Read - ‘No competition lately’: Ganguly hopes for a fight from Pakistan against ‘superb’ Indian team Sri Lanka will now miss Hasaranga’s experience and Theekshana will have extra responsibility in the middle overs in the upcoming matches. Sri Lanka will now face Oman on Feb 12 in Pallekele, followed by matches against Australia on Feb 16 and Zimbabwe on Feb 19. Winning at least two of these games will be important for their chances of reaching the next round (Super Eight stage).

<p>Sri Lanka will play their second group match against Oman in Pallekele on Feb 12, before facing Australia at the same venue on Feb 16 and then taking on Zimbabwe at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Feb 19.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026: Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out, Sri Lanka to name replacement soon

<p>South Africa's Anrich Nortje took a remarkable four wickets for just seven runs as the Proteas dismissed Sri Lanka for a record low 77 on their way to a six-wicket win in the teams' T20 World Cup opener in New York on Monday.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka's total was their lowest in all T20 cricket, with fast bowler Nortje's figures the best by a South African at a T20 World Cup, surpassing his own 4-10 against Bangladesh in Sydney two years ago.</p>

<p>Kagiso Rabada (2-21) and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who took two wickets in two balls on his way to 2-22, also damaged Sri Lanka's cause.</p>

<p>Opener Kusal Mendis (19) and veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews (16) were the only Sri Lanka batsmen to cross 15 after their captain, Wanindu Hasaranga, seemingly misread conditions by opting to bat first after winning the toss in what was the first match at a Long Island ground built specially for this tournament.</p>

<p>But South Africa too lost early wickets in their chase as their top order also struggled to time the ball on a pitch that was difficult for batting.</p>

<p>They were 23-2 early in their reply but opener Quinton de Kock made 20 before, with the Proteas wobbling at 58-4, the big-hitting Heinrich Klaasen struck a six and a four off successive deliveries to ease his side's nerves.</p>

<p>Klaasen was 19 not out as South Africa finished on 80-4 with 26 balls to spare.</p>

<p>South Africa fast bowler Ottneil Baartman, making his World Cup debut, sparked Sri Lanka's&nbsp;collapse when, with his first ball, he had Pathum Nissanka caught in the deep before Nortje dismissed Kamindu Mendis in similar fashion.</p>

<p>Maharaj then struck twice in the ninth over as both the advancing Hasaranga, stumped by De Kock and Sadeera Samarawickrama, clean bowled by a quicker delivery, fell for nought to leave Sri Lanka 32-4 before Charith Asalanka survived the hat-trick ball.</p>

<p>Nortje returned to dismiss Mathews in his last over.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka were bowled out with five balls left when last man Nuwan Thushara was run out for one of four ducks in the innings.&nbsp;</p>


South Africa's Anrich Nortje took a remarkable four wickets for just seven runs as the Proteas dismissed Sri Lanka for a record low 77 on their way to a six-wicket win in the teams' T20 World Cup opener in New York on Monday.

South Africa's Anrich Nortje took a remarkable four wickets for just seven runs as the Proteas dismissed Sri Lanka for a record low 77 on their way to a six-wicket win in the teams' T20 World Cup opener in New York on Monday. Sri Lanka's total was their lowest in all T20 cricket, with fast bowler Nortje's figures the best by a South African at a T20 World Cup, surpassing his own 4-10 against Bangladesh in Sydney two years ago. Kagiso Rabada (2-21) and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who took two wickets in two balls on his way to 2-22, also damaged Sri Lanka's cause. Opener Kusal Mendis (19) and veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews (16) were the only Sri Lanka batsmen to cross 15 after their captain, Wanindu Hasaranga, seemingly misread conditions by opting to bat first after winning the toss in what was the first match at a Long Island ground built specially for this tournament. But South Africa too lost early wickets in their chase as their top order also struggled to time the ball on a pitch that was difficult for batting. They were 23-2 early in their reply but opener Quinton de Kock made 20 before, with the Proteas wobbling at 58-4, the big-hitting Heinrich Klaasen struck a six and a four off successive deliveries to ease his side's nerves. Klaasen was 19 not out as South Africa finished on 80-4 with 26 balls to spare. South Africa fast bowler Ottneil Baartman, making his World Cup debut, sparked Sri Lanka's collapse when, with his first ball, he had Pathum Nissanka caught in the deep before Nortje dismissed Kamindu Mendis in similar fashion. Maharaj then struck twice in the ninth over as both the advancing Hasaranga, stumped by De Kock and Sadeera Samarawickrama, clean bowled by a quicker delivery, fell for nought to leave Sri Lanka 32-4 before Charith Asalanka survived the hat-trick ball. Nortje returned to dismiss Mathews in his last over. Sri Lanka were bowled out with five balls left when last man Nuwan Thushara was run out for one of four ducks in the innings.

T20 World Cup: South Africa off to winning start after Nortje’s electric spell rattles Sri Lanka

<p>Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe is unsure of the pitches&nbsp;in the USA for the 2024 T20 World Cup (in June), seeking clarity on the nature of the surface provided in Dallas and Kingstown. Though several reports have suggested how the pitch at the newly-built New York stadium will behave,&nbsp;said to be a drop-in-pitch, no information on its behaviour at other venues is out yet, keeping everyone on their toes.</p>

<p>Although Bangladesh playing Sri Lanka in Sylhet during the ongoing T20I series&nbsp;works as a training ground for the marquee event, Hathurusinghe feels he needs good pitches to train on, something he is clueless about while travelling to America.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dharamsala-test-rohit-gill-floor-england-with-twin-tons-on-day-two-bashir-shines-for-england-698055">Dharamsala Test: Rohit, Gill floor England with twin tons on day two; Bashir shines for visitors</a></strong></p>

<p>"We are looking at a combination for the World Cup, [especially] how the individuals are fitting in and understanding the game plan and be comfortable with that," Hathurusinghe said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We wanted to play on good wickets here. We don't know about the wickets in America. We play two important games in America. Nobody has any clue [about the pitches]. There's not much data behind it,” the head coach added.</p>

<p>Sharing his thoughts on preparing for the unknown, Hathurusinghe said&nbsp;the New York one might play similar to the ones in Australia, mainly in Adelaide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"From what I understand, New York will have a drop-in wicket from Adelaide. They will hopefully be similar to Australian pitches. There's little feedback from NSW Cricket about Dallas. Washington Freedom played there. I spoke to their GM when I was in Australia. Our recollection from St Vincent [Kingstown] is the last Test we played there. We are preparing as much as we can for these unknown factors,” Hathurusinghe added.</p>

<h2>‘Bowlers should be ready’</h2>

<p>Considering he expects pitches to be batting-friendly in the USA and the Caribbean, Hathurusinghe wants his bowlers to adapt to the conditions as quickly as possible.</p>

<p>"We know what we can do. We are continually working on [death bowling]. We are playing on different kinds of pitches now. There's more grass and carry," Hathurusinghe said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We wanted to play on wickets that are conducive for high scoring, to get us to understand what areas we need to improve in bowling,” he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;the third and final T20I in Sylhet will play as the decider on Saturday (March 9),&nbsp;with the series being tied at 1-1.</p>


Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe is unsure of the pitches in the USA for the 2024 T20 World Cup (in June), seeking clarity on the nature of the surface provided in Dallas and Kingstown.

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe is unsure of the pitches in the USA for the 2024 T20 World Cup (in June), seeking clarity on the nature of the surface provided in Dallas and Kingstown. Though several reports have suggested how the pitch at the newly-built New York stadium will behave, said to be a drop-in-pitch, no information on its behaviour at other venues is out yet, keeping everyone on their toes. Although Bangladesh playing Sri Lanka in Sylhet during the ongoing T20I series works as a training ground for the marquee event, Hathurusinghe feels he needs good pitches to train on, something he is clueless about while travelling to America. ALSO READ: Dharamsala Test: Rohit, Gill floor England with twin tons on day two; Bashir shines for visitors "We are looking at a combination for the World Cup, [especially] how the individuals are fitting in and understanding the game plan and be comfortable with that," Hathurusinghe said. "We wanted to play on good wickets here. We don't know about the wickets in America. We play two important games in America. Nobody has any clue [about the pitches]. There's not much data behind it,” the head coach added. Sharing his thoughts on preparing for the unknown, Hathurusinghe said the New York one might play similar to the ones in Australia, mainly in Adelaide. "From what I understand, New York will have a drop-in wicket from Adelaide. They will hopefully be similar to Australian pitches. There's little feedback from NSW Cricket about Dallas. Washington Freedom played there. I spoke to their GM when I was in Australia. Our recollection from St Vincent [Kingstown] is the last Test we played there. We are preparing as much as we can for these unknown factors,” Hathurusinghe added. ‘Bowlers should be ready’ Considering he expects pitches to be batting-friendly in the USA and the Caribbean, Hathurusinghe wants his bowlers to adapt to the conditions as quickly as possible. "We know what we can do. We are continually working on [death bowling]. We are playing on different kinds of pitches now. There's more grass and carry," Hathurusinghe said. "We wanted to play on wickets that are conducive for high scoring, to get us to understand what areas we need to improve in bowling,” he added. Meanwhile, the third and final T20I in Sylhet will play as the decider on Saturday (March 9), with the series being tied at 1-1.

2024 T20 World Cup: Bangladesh coach Hathurusinghe ‘clueless’ over pitches in America

<p>Following a torrid end to 2023 with their cricket in shambles, Sri Lanka has something to feel delighted about, as newly-appointed chief selector Upul Tharanga has named a new Test captain in Dhananjaya de Silva. De Silva will replace the seasoned campaigner and opener Dimuth Karunaratne, becoming the 18th player to lead the Island Nation in Tests.</p>

<p>This announcement comes shortly after&nbsp;Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) named two separate captains in the white-ball formats, with batter Kusal Mendis to lead the ODI team and star player Wanindu Hasaranga named the T20I captain. De Silva’s first assignment will be the one-off Test against Afghanistan, starting February 6.</p>

<p>De Silva replaced Karunaratne, who captained Sri Lanka in 30 Tests, winning 12, losing as many and drawing six. Right after he got appointed as the Test skipper in early 2019, Karunaratne guided Sri Lanka to perhaps their most famous Test series win in South Africa, becoming the first Asian team to do so and third ever in history.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, during the troublesome time in Sri Lankan Cricket, Karunaratne took over the Test captaincy, bringing a sense of stability and calmness to the dressing room.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-v-ind-never-seen-a-pitch-that-quick-on-day-1-ashwell-prince-elgar-surprised-by-newlands-wicket-676433">SA v IND: ‘Never seen a pitch that quick on day 1’ – Ashwell Prince, Elgar ‘surprised’ by Newlands wicket</a></strong></p>

<p>Although Sri Lanka didn’t get the desired results during his tenure, his numbers as a batter improved drastically. In comparison to his overall Test average of 40.93, the left-handed opener averaged 49.86 as the captain and even topped the batting charts in this format. ICC also named him in the Test Team of the Year in 2018 and 2021.</p>

<p>Tharanga said he would have liked the same captain in all three formats, but because of limitations, he had to pick three separate skippers.</p>

<p>"I would have preferred to have the same captain for all three formats," said chief selector Upul Tharanga, "but we are unable to do that at the moment with the players we have."</p>

<p>De Silva is also an experienced player, having featured in 51 Tests for Sri Lanka, scoring ten centuries and with 13 fifties to his name.</p>


Following a torrid end to 2023 with their cricket in shambles, Sri Lanka has something to feel delighted about, as newly-appointed chief selector Upul Tharanga has named a new Test captain in Dhananjaya de Silva.

Following a torrid end to 2023 with their cricket in shambles, Sri Lanka has something to feel delighted about, as newly-appointed chief selector Upul Tharanga has named a new Test captain in Dhananjaya de Silva. De Silva will replace the seasoned campaigner and opener Dimuth Karunaratne, becoming the 18th player to lead the Island Nation in Tests. This announcement comes shortly after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) named two separate captains in the white-ball formats, with batter Kusal Mendis to lead the ODI team and star player Wanindu Hasaranga named the T20I captain. De Silva’s first assignment will be the one-off Test against Afghanistan, starting February 6. De Silva replaced Karunaratne, who captained Sri Lanka in 30 Tests, winning 12, losing as many and drawing six. Right after he got appointed as the Test skipper in early 2019, Karunaratne guided Sri Lanka to perhaps their most famous Test series win in South Africa, becoming the first Asian team to do so and third ever in history. Meanwhile, during the troublesome time in Sri Lankan Cricket, Karunaratne took over the Test captaincy, bringing a sense of stability and calmness to the dressing room. ALSO READ: SA v IND: ‘Never seen a pitch that quick on day 1’ – Ashwell Prince, Elgar ‘surprised’ by Newlands wicket Although Sri Lanka didn’t get the desired results during his tenure, his numbers as a batter improved drastically. In comparison to his overall Test average of 40.93, the left-handed opener averaged 49.86 as the captain and even topped the batting charts in this format. ICC also named him in the Test Team of the Year in 2018 and 2021. Tharanga said he would have liked the same captain in all three formats, but because of limitations, he had to pick three separate skippers. "I would have preferred to have the same captain for all three formats," said chief selector Upul Tharanga, "but we are unable to do that at the moment with the players we have." De Silva is also an experienced player, having featured in 51 Tests for Sri Lanka, scoring ten centuries and with 13 fifties to his name.

Dhananjaya de Silva replaces Dimuth Karunaratne as Sri Lanka's new Test captain

<p>The Sri Lankan cricket team manager Mahinda Halagonda dismissed media reports claiming the 1996 champions had requested the ICC to shift the match to another venue on Sunday (November 05). Most of the Sri Lankan players wore masks when they arrived at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the afternoon.</p>

<p>"We didn't make a request to change... We just asked them what's the plan," Halagonda told reporters.</p>

<p>Both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh had already cancelled one practice session in the build up to Monday's (November 06) match between eliminated Bangladesh and seventh-placed Sri Lanka, who have only the slimmest of chances of reaching the last four.</p>

<p>"I think they have installed some equipment here, and they've got specialists to check (the air quality). …. They have already informed us that they are planning to go ahead. So we will do exactly what the ICC actually tells us to do."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl/news-buffalo-bills-shaq-lawson-reveals-reason-behind-shoving-philadelphia-eagles-fan-during-week-12-game-664305">Buffalo Bills' Shaq Lawson reveals reason behind shoving Philadelphia Eagles fan during Week 12 game</a></strong></p>

<p>Delhi's air quality index (AQI) read an alarming 460 on Sunday and Hathurusinghe said they were trying to minimise exposing their players to such conditions ahead of the match.</p>

<p>An AQI of 0-50 is considered good while anything between 400-500 affects healthy people and is considered a danger to those with existing diseases.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka faces Bangladesh in New Delhi in their World Cup league match on Monday (November 06).</p>


The Sri Lankan cricket team manager Mahinda Halagonda dismissed media reports claiming the 1996 champions had requested the ICC to shift the match to another venue on Sunday (November 05).

The Sri Lankan cricket team manager Mahinda Halagonda dismissed media reports claiming the 1996 champions had requested the ICC to shift the match to another venue on Sunday (November 05). Most of the Sri Lankan players wore masks when they arrived at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the afternoon. "We didn't make a request to change... We just asked them what's the plan," Halagonda told reporters. Both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh had already cancelled one practice session in the build up to Monday's (November 06) match between eliminated Bangladesh and seventh-placed Sri Lanka, who have only the slimmest of chances of reaching the last four. "I think they have installed some equipment here, and they've got specialists to check (the air quality). …. They have already informed us that they are planning to go ahead. So we will do exactly what the ICC actually tells us to do." Also Read: Buffalo Bills' Shaq Lawson reveals reason behind shoving Philadelphia Eagles fan during Week 12 game Delhi's air quality index (AQI) read an alarming 460 on Sunday and Hathurusinghe said they were trying to minimise exposing their players to such conditions ahead of the match. An AQI of 0-50 is considered good while anything between 400-500 affects healthy people and is considered a danger to those with existing diseases. Sri Lanka faces Bangladesh in New Delhi in their World Cup league match on Monday (November 06).

World Cup: Sri Lanka manager Mahinda Halagonda dismisses reports claiming venue change due to poor air quality

<p>Former Sri Lanka captain&nbsp;Arjuna Ranatunga has taken a dig at Jay Shah, saying the BCCI secretary is responsible for running and ruining Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).&nbsp;The comment&nbsp;by the1996 World Cup-winning captain comes days after the&nbsp;International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended SLC for excessive political interference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Because of the connection between SLC officials and Jay Shah, they (the BCCI) are under the impression that they can trample and control SLC,” Ranatunga was quoted as saying by <em>Daily Mirror</em>.</p>

<p>“Jay Shah is running Sri Lanka Cricket. SLC is being ruined because of pressure from Jay Shah. One man in India is ruining Sri Lankan cricket. He is only powerful because of his father, who is India’s home minister," said Ranatunga referring to Amit Shah, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ranatunga is a key figure in the middle of a power tussle within the SLC. Earlier this month, Sri Lanka's sports minister Roshan&nbsp;Ranasinghe sacked SLC board and installed an interim committee&nbsp;headed by Arjuna Ranatunga.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ranasinghe cited widespread corruption charges as the main reason for the suspension of the entire board. However, the decision was quashed by&nbsp;Sri Lanka's Court of Appeal, which also restored the officials pending further inquiry, after SLC President&nbsp;Shammi Silva went to the judiciary body.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/governing-body-of-sri-lanka-cricket-sacked-655805"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Governing body of Sri Lanka cricket sacked</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>ICC suspends SLC</strong></h2>

<p>Consequently, ICC&nbsp;suspended SLC for failing to 'manage its affairs autonomously' during a crisis call last week.</p>

<p>"The ICC Board met today and determined that Sri Lanka Cricket is in serious breach of its obligations as a member, in particular, the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka," the ICC said in a statement.</p>

<p>Since then, Ranasinghe has denied any political interference behind his move, adding that the ICC move had been made without any consultation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is not the way. When ICC or any other body apply a ban they have a long procedure...but this was a surprise, and it is not ethical," Ranasinghe told reporters.</p>

<p>"How can they condemn our country like this?," he added.</p>

<p>Following Sri Lanka's dismal performance at the ODI World Cup in India where the team failed to qualify for the knockouts as well as the Champions Trophy, the ongoing political turmoil is expected to further stagnate the development of cricket in the island nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga has taken a dig at Jay Shah, saying the BCCI secretary is responsible for running and ruining Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The comment by the1996 World Cup-winning captain comes days after the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended SLC for excessive political interference.

Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga has taken a dig at Jay Shah, saying the BCCI secretary is responsible for running and ruining Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The comment by the1996 World Cup-winning captain comes days after the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended SLC for excessive political interference. “Because of the connection between SLC officials and Jay Shah, they (the BCCI) are under the impression that they can trample and control SLC,” Ranatunga was quoted as saying by Daily Mirror. “Jay Shah is running Sri Lanka Cricket. SLC is being ruined because of pressure from Jay Shah. One man in India is ruining Sri Lankan cricket. He is only powerful because of his father, who is India’s home minister," said Ranatunga referring to Amit Shah, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet. Ranatunga is a key figure in the middle of a power tussle within the SLC. Earlier this month, Sri Lanka's sports minister Roshan Ranasinghe sacked SLC board and installed an interim committee headed by Arjuna Ranatunga. Ranasinghe cited widespread corruption charges as the main reason for the suspension of the entire board. However, the decision was quashed by Sri Lanka's Court of Appeal, which also restored the officials pending further inquiry, after SLC President Shammi Silva went to the judiciary body. Watch | Governing body of Sri Lanka cricket sacked × ICC suspends SLC Consequently, ICC suspended SLC for failing to 'manage its affairs autonomously' during a crisis call last week. "The ICC Board met today and determined that Sri Lanka Cricket is in serious breach of its obligations as a member, in particular, the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka," the ICC said in a statement. Since then, Ranasinghe has denied any political interference behind his move, adding that the ICC move had been made without any consultation. "This is not the way. When ICC or any other body apply a ban they have a long procedure...but this was a surprise, and it is not ethical," Ranasinghe told reporters. "How can they condemn our country like this?," he added. Following Sri Lanka's dismal performance at the ODI World Cup in India where the team failed to qualify for the knockouts as well as the Champions Trophy, the ongoing political turmoil is expected to further stagnate the development of cricket in the island nation. (With inputs from agencies)

World Cup 2023: Former captain Arjuna Ranatunga claims Jay Shah is running Sri Lanka Cricket

<p>In a game mired by the 'timed out' controversy, it was Bangladesh that emerged victorious by three wickets against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday (Nov 6) evening. Riding on brilliant innings from Najmul Shanto (90) and Shakib Al Hasan (82), Bangladesh raked up their second win of the World Cup campaign to stake a claim for the Champions Trophy 2025 spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing a challenging total of 280 could have been a tricky task for the Bangladesh batters, especially after Madhushanka&nbsp;sent opener Tanzid Hasan&nbsp;back to the pavilion in the first over. However, dew came to Bangaldesh's rescue and batting became much easier under the floodlights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among many narratives on play in the match, none was more intriguing than Shakib Al Hasan squaring up against Angelo Mathews. Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh skipper appealed for a 'timed out' dismissal which saw Mathews being adjudged out by the umpires after failing to face a ball within two minutes of the previous batter's dismissal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As such, fans were waiting for Mathews to bowl his gentle dibbly dobblers against Shakib. The Sri Lankan veteran nearly struck in the first over as the left-hand batter lofted a powerful drive to Charith Asalanka at short cover. However, the centurion of the first innings, spilled a relatively tough chance to give a reprieve to Shakib.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From thereon, both Shakib and Shanto did not let go of the initiative and strung a beautiful 169-run partnership to nearly bat Sri Lanka out of the contest.</p>

<p>Just when it looked like the game was done and dusted, Mathews revved up his engine and accounted for Shakib's dismissal with the on-air commentators describing it as 'poetic justice'. Mathews even gave a 'time is up' send off to Shakib by pointing to his watch and waiting for him to walk away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mathews did not stop here as he struck again in the next over to clean up Shanto and get the nerves jangling in the Bangladesh camp. Some poor shots from Mushifiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz meant the game got much closer than the subcontinent side had earlier anticipated. However,&nbsp;Tanzim Sakib held his own and smashed the winning boundary to give two crucial points to the Bangladesh side.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/what-is-timed-out-dismissal-in-cricket-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-655773"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;What is timed out dismissal in cricket? Explaining everything you need to know</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Sri Lanka's shaky performance with the bat</strong></h2>

<p>Batting first, Sri Lanka remained hesitant to press the trigger from the start and meandered at a slow pace. Things went south after Mathews was sent back to the hut with the scoreboard reading 135/5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>With backs against the wall, Asalanka (108) batted superbly for his second ODI hundred and pulled his team out of the hole they were in. At one point it looked like Sri Lanka would cross the 300-run mark but another collapse at the death meant that islanders failed to play their full quota of 50 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taskin was good with the new ball despite not getting any wickets. Shakib and Mehidy were tidy through the middle, although Tanzim was quite expensive.&nbsp;</p>


In a game mired by the 'timed out' controversy, it was Bangladesh that emerged victorious by three wickets against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday (Nov 6) evening.

In a game mired by the 'timed out' controversy, it was Bangladesh that emerged victorious by three wickets against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday (Nov 6) evening. Riding on brilliant innings from Najmul Shanto (90) and Shakib Al Hasan (82), Bangladesh raked up their second win of the World Cup campaign to stake a claim for the Champions Trophy 2025 spot. Chasing a challenging total of 280 could have been a tricky task for the Bangladesh batters, especially after Madhushanka sent opener Tanzid Hasan back to the pavilion in the first over. However, dew came to Bangaldesh's rescue and batting became much easier under the floodlights. Among many narratives on play in the match, none was more intriguing than Shakib Al Hasan squaring up against Angelo Mathews. Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh skipper appealed for a 'timed out' dismissal which saw Mathews being adjudged out by the umpires after failing to face a ball within two minutes of the previous batter's dismissal. As such, fans were waiting for Mathews to bowl his gentle dibbly dobblers against Shakib. The Sri Lankan veteran nearly struck in the first over as the left-hand batter lofted a powerful drive to Charith Asalanka at short cover. However, the centurion of the first innings, spilled a relatively tough chance to give a reprieve to Shakib. From thereon, both Shakib and Shanto did not let go of the initiative and strung a beautiful 169-run partnership to nearly bat Sri Lanka out of the contest. Just when it looked like the game was done and dusted, Mathews revved up his engine and accounted for Shakib's dismissal with the on-air commentators describing it as 'poetic justice'. Mathews even gave a 'time is up' send off to Shakib by pointing to his watch and waiting for him to walk away. Mathews did not stop here as he struck again in the next over to clean up Shanto and get the nerves jangling in the Bangladesh camp. Some poor shots from Mushifiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz meant the game got much closer than the subcontinent side had earlier anticipated. However, Tanzim Sakib held his own and smashed the winning boundary to give two crucial points to the Bangladesh side. Also read | What is timed out dismissal in cricket? Explaining everything you need to know Sri Lanka's shaky performance with the bat Batting first, Sri Lanka remained hesitant to press the trigger from the start and meandered at a slow pace. Things went south after Mathews was sent back to the hut with the scoreboard reading 135/5. With backs against the wall, Asalanka (108) batted superbly for his second ODI hundred and pulled his team out of the hole they were in. At one point it looked like Sri Lanka would cross the 300-run mark but another collapse at the death meant that islanders failed to play their full quota of 50 overs. Taskin was good with the new ball despite not getting any wickets. Shakib and Mehidy were tidy through the middle, although Tanzim was quite expensive.

World Cup 2023: Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka by 3 wickets in a game mired by timed out controversy

<p>In what comes as an incident that is set to reignite the 'spirit of the cricket' debate, Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews became the first player in the 146-year history of international cricket to be 'timed out' after he took more than the stipulated time to arrive at the crease during the World Cup match against Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday (Nov 6).</p>

<p>After Sadeera Samarawickrama was caught out in the 25th over on the bowling of Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, Angelo Mathews walked out to bat. However, prior to taking his guard at the popping crease, Mathews felt uncomfortable in his helmet and signalled to the dugout for a replacement. Replays showed that the strap of Mathews' helmet had come undone and he wanted a change.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, before the replacement helmet could arrive, Shakib turned to umpires Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth and complained about the situation. According to the letter of the law, the umpires considered Shakib's complaint as an appeal and after a lot of argument, ordered Matthews to return to the pavilion.</p>

<p>A disgruntled Mathews returned to the dugout, threw his helmet in disgust and held a brief chat with head coach Chris Silverwood.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does the rule say?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) rule book, a timed-out dismissal is a legitimate mode of dismissal:</p>

<p>"After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball, or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 3 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out."</p>

<p>While the MCC rule states that the batter has three minutes to arrive at the crease after the previous dismissal, the World Cup tournament rule stipulates two minutes.&nbsp;The playing conditions supersede the laws.</p>

<p>“After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 2 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out,” reads the tournament playing conditions.</p>

<p>The dismissal divided the cricketing world yet again as some fans stood in Mathews' defence while others lauded the Bangladesh captain for displaying presence of mind.</p>

<p>"Can't really sympathise with Mathews here, first of all you get into the ground with faulty gear, don't bother to ensure about everything being right before entering the field, and then when spinner is bowling you don't wait for the over to get completed to change the helmet," said one user.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Angelo Mathews tried to tell Shakib Al Hasan that delay happened due to helmets, but Shakib refused to take his appeal back. <a href="https://t.co/XK8v4gGbOE">pic.twitter.com/XK8v4gGbOE</a></p>
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1721478405458378921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, another added: "You got to feel for Angelo Mathews here.&nbsp;Bangladesh played dirty."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“Dad, tell us about the time Shakib timed out Angelo Matthews” <a href="https://t.co/s32EiWLyer">pic.twitter.com/s32EiWLyer</a></p>
— Ian Higgins (@1an_Higgins) <a href="https://twitter.com/1an_Higgins/status/1721479341278941479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Angelo Mathews got timed out!!!!!..😯😯 <a href="https://t.co/Jqfw9dXupK">pic.twitter.com/Jqfw9dXupK</a></p>
— Shawstopper (@shawstopper_100) <a href="https://twitter.com/shawstopper_100/status/1721481627463790653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Before Mathews' dismissal, batters had&nbsp;been timed out only six times, albeit in first-class cricket only.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In what comes as an incident that is set to reignite the 'spirit of the cricket' debate, Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews became the first player in the 146-year history of international cricket to be 'timed out' after he took more than the stipulated time to arrive at the crease during the World Cup match against Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday (Nov 6).

In what comes as an incident that is set to reignite the 'spirit of the cricket' debate, Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews became the first player in the 146-year history of international cricket to be 'timed out' after he took more than the stipulated time to arrive at the crease during the World Cup match against Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday (Nov 6). After Sadeera Samarawickrama was caught out in the 25th over on the bowling of Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, Angelo Mathews walked out to bat. However, prior to taking his guard at the popping crease, Mathews felt uncomfortable in his helmet and signalled to the dugout for a replacement. Replays showed that the strap of Mathews' helmet had come undone and he wanted a change. However, before the replacement helmet could arrive, Shakib turned to umpires Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth and complained about the situation. According to the letter of the law, the umpires considered Shakib's complaint as an appeal and after a lot of argument, ordered Matthews to return to the pavilion. A disgruntled Mathews returned to the dugout, threw his helmet in disgust and held a brief chat with head coach Chris Silverwood. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × What does the rule say? According to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) rule book, a timed-out dismissal is a legitimate mode of dismissal: "After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball, or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 3 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out." While the MCC rule states that the batter has three minutes to arrive at the crease after the previous dismissal, the World Cup tournament rule stipulates two minutes. The playing conditions supersede the laws. “After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 2 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out,” reads the tournament playing conditions. The dismissal divided the cricketing world yet again as some fans stood in Mathews' defence while others lauded the Bangladesh captain for displaying presence of mind. "Can't really sympathise with Mathews here, first of all you get into the ground with faulty gear, don't bother to ensure about everything being right before entering the field, and then when spinner is bowling you don't wait for the over to get completed to change the helmet," said one user. Angelo Mathews tried to tell Shakib Al Hasan that delay happened due to helmets, but Shakib refused to take his appeal back. pic.twitter.com/XK8v4gGbOE — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 6, 2023 × Meanwhile, another added: "You got to feel for Angelo Mathews here. Bangladesh played dirty." “Dad, tell us about the time Shakib timed out Angelo Matthews” pic.twitter.com/s32EiWLyer — Ian Higgins (@1an_Higgins) November 6, 2023 × Angelo Mathews got timed out!!!!!..😯😯 pic.twitter.com/Jqfw9dXupK — Shawstopper (@shawstopper_100) November 6, 2023 × Before Mathews' dismissal, batters had been timed out only six times, albeit in first-class cricket only. (With inputs from agencies)

World Cup 2023: Angelo Mathews becomes first player to be 'timed out' in international cricket - WATCH

<p>Afghanistan raked up a convincing seven-wicket win against Sri Lanka, their third of the World Cup campaign at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Monday (Oct 30) whilst chasing a tricky 242-run target. Playing against the 1996 World Cup champions, Afghanistan never looked out of place and comfortably coasted to victory, riding on enterprising innings from Rahmat Shah (62) and&nbsp;Ibrahim Zadran (39)&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afghanistan did flutter in the chase, albeit for the only time in the match when&nbsp;Dilshan Madushanka castled in-form Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck in the very first over.</p>

<p>The wicket provided Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope but it was quickly snuffed out by the pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah. The latter was particularly industrial against the Sri Lankan pacers and managed to manoeuvre&nbsp;them around the park with relative ease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Shah was sent to the pavilion by Kasun Rajitha, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (58*) joined forces with&nbsp;Azmatullah Omarzai (73*) and managed to nurdle the ball around for singles, before exploding at the back end.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shahidi remained not out for the second match in a row, batting with calm and composure.&nbsp; Omarzai, who impressed with the ball in the first half of the match, proved to be an adequate ally as the pair never allowed Sri Lankan bowlers to get back into the contest.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Sri Lanka's sorry batting performance&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Put into bat first, Fazalhaq, making his comeback, struck early by dismissing Sri Lankan opener Dimuth Karunaratne. Nissanka and Kusal Mendis steadied the innings with a 62-run stand, but they never got&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shahidi used his spinners during the middle stages and did keep a tab on the run rate. The pressure built worked a charm as both batters were dismissed by the impressive Mujeeb who walked away with an eventual four-fer in the end.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2023-formidable-afghanistan-stun-pakistan-by-8-wickets-secure-second-win-of-campaign-650409"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;World Cup 2023: Formidable Afghanistan stun Pakistan by 8 wickets, secure second win of campaign</strong></a></p>

<p>It also triggered a collapse as Sri Lanka slipped from 134 for 2 to 185 for 7. Mathews hung around and found a willing partner in Theekshana to help Sri Lanka get past 240.</p>

<p>The win against Sri Lanka comes on the back of a euphoric and dominant victory against arch-rivals Pakistan. The win puts Afghanistan in good stead for securing a top-4 place and makes the middle-table logjam all the more interesting.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Afghanistan raked up a convincing seven-wicket win against Sri Lanka, their third of the World Cup campaign at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Monday (Oct 30) whilst chasing a tricky 242-run target.

Afghanistan raked up a convincing seven-wicket win against Sri Lanka, their third of the World Cup campaign at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Monday (Oct 30) whilst chasing a tricky 242-run target. Playing against the 1996 World Cup champions, Afghanistan never looked out of place and comfortably coasted to victory, riding on enterprising innings from Rahmat Shah (62) and Ibrahim Zadran (39) Afghanistan did flutter in the chase, albeit for the only time in the match when Dilshan Madushanka castled in-form Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck in the very first over. The wicket provided Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope but it was quickly snuffed out by the pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah. The latter was particularly industrial against the Sri Lankan pacers and managed to manoeuvre them around the park with relative ease. After Shah was sent to the pavilion by Kasun Rajitha, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (58*) joined forces with Azmatullah Omarzai (73*) and managed to nurdle the ball around for singles, before exploding at the back end. Shahidi remained not out for the second match in a row, batting with calm and composure. Omarzai, who impressed with the ball in the first half of the match, proved to be an adequate ally as the pair never allowed Sri Lankan bowlers to get back into the contest. Sri Lanka's sorry batting performance Put into bat first, Fazalhaq, making his comeback, struck early by dismissing Sri Lankan opener Dimuth Karunaratne. Nissanka and Kusal Mendis steadied the innings with a 62-run stand, but they never got Shahidi used his spinners during the middle stages and did keep a tab on the run rate. The pressure built worked a charm as both batters were dismissed by the impressive Mujeeb who walked away with an eventual four-fer in the end. Also read | World Cup 2023: Formidable Afghanistan stun Pakistan by 8 wickets, secure second win of campaign It also triggered a collapse as Sri Lanka slipped from 134 for 2 to 185 for 7. Mathews hung around and found a willing partner in Theekshana to help Sri Lanka get past 240. The win against Sri Lanka comes on the back of a euphoric and dominant victory against arch-rivals Pakistan. The win puts Afghanistan in good stead for securing a top-4 place and makes the middle-table logjam all the more interesting. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World Cup 2023: Afghanistan extend red-hot match-winning streak, slay Sri Lanka by 7 wickets

<p>Injuries continue to mount for Sri Lanka in the World Cup 2023 and Matheesha Pathirana is the latest to join the list, getting ruled out for 8–10 days due to an inflammation in his bowling arm, per the latest reports. Worried about the situation, the Sri Lankan selectors have called in veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews and seamer Dushmantha Chameera as part of the travelling reserves for the remainder of this tournament.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that Angelo Mathews and Dushmantha Chameera will join the team in India as traveling reserves.<br />
<br />
The Sri Lanka Cricket Selectors took this decision in order to ensure that the team has ready replacements in place to face contingencies, such as… <a href="https://t.co/k6g3hm7vBA">pic.twitter.com/k6g3hm7vBA</a></p>
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialSLC/status/1714948834336583721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Following the untimely injury to their captain Dasun Shanaka, who got ruled out from World Cup 2023, Sri Lanka picked all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne. With reports suggesting that Pathirana is out for over a week, Sri Lanka finds themselves in a dicey situation, having already suffered the wrath of playing poorly&nbsp;in three matches. In Shanaka’s absence, the batter in form, Kusal Mendis, captained Sri Lanka.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sri Lanka decided to include seamer Pramod Madushan in the first place but went ahead with seasoned campaigner Chameera after he regained full fitness. The right-arm pacer last played during the Afghanistan ODIs earlier this year but missed the World Cup Qualifiers and the Asia Cup with a shoulder injury.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though Sri Lanka managed to win the CWC Qualifiers by beating the Netherlands in the final, the Islanders came second in the Asia Cup final, losing to India in the most one-sided contest in the tournament history.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/odi-world-cup-2023-one-loss-doesnt-make-us-bad-says-jonny-bairstow-on-englands-horror-campaign-648700">ODI World Cup 2023: 'One loss doesn't make us bad,' says Jonny Bairstow on England's horror campaign</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Wanindu Hasaranga continues to recover from the thigh injury he sustained during the Lankan Premier League (LPL), keeping him out of contention for a return.</p>

<p>He recently underwent surgery and informed everyone of his health situation in a social media post soon after.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hi everyone,<br />
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I am happy to inform you that my surgery to repair the defect in my hamstring muscle/tendon was a success, thanks to the brilliant work of Prof. Fares Haddad and the amazing hospital staff.<br />
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I will see you soon.<br />
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<p>Besides them, Sri Lanka’s ace spinner Maheesh Theekshana also missed the first two matches due to a hamstring injury. He returned to the XI for the Australia game, going wicket-less in seven overs, conceding 49 runs.</p>

<h2>Can Sri Lanka still qualify for the World Cup semis?</h2>

<p>With their back against the wall after losing the first three games in this World Cup, the chances of Sri Lanka reaching the semis look bleak. However, they are still in the race and can achieve the impossible if they win their remaining six matches with better NRR.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While their bowling has come under the scanner for being ordinary, given South Africa smashed them for 417/7 in their first match - a cricket world record, Sri Lanka’s batting has come off well in all games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Captain Kusal Mendis will again hog the limelight when Sri Lanka take on the Netherlands in their next match on Saturday (Oct 21) in Lucknow.&nbsp;</p>

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Injuries continue to mount for Sri Lanka in the World Cup 2023 and Matheesha Pathirana is the latest to join the list, getting ruled out for 8–10 days due to an inflammation in his bowling arm, per the latest reports.

Injuries continue to mount for Sri Lanka in the World Cup 2023 and Matheesha Pathirana is the latest to join the list, getting ruled out for 8–10 days due to an inflammation in his bowling arm, per the latest reports. Worried about the situation, the Sri Lankan selectors have called in veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews and seamer Dushmantha Chameera as part of the travelling reserves for the remainder of this tournament. Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that Angelo Mathews and Dushmantha Chameera will join the team in India as traveling reserves. The Sri Lanka Cricket Selectors took this decision in order to ensure that the team has ready replacements in place to face contingencies, such as… pic.twitter.com/k6g3hm7vBA — Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) October 19, 2023 × Following the untimely injury to their captain Dasun Shanaka, who got ruled out from World Cup 2023, Sri Lanka picked all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne. With reports suggesting that Pathirana is out for over a week, Sri Lanka finds themselves in a dicey situation, having already suffered the wrath of playing poorly in three matches. In Shanaka’s absence, the batter in form, Kusal Mendis, captained Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka decided to include seamer Pramod Madushan in the first place but went ahead with seasoned campaigner Chameera after he regained full fitness. The right-arm pacer last played during the Afghanistan ODIs earlier this year but missed the World Cup Qualifiers and the Asia Cup with a shoulder injury. Though Sri Lanka managed to win the CWC Qualifiers by beating the Netherlands in the final, the Islanders came second in the Asia Cup final, losing to India in the most one-sided contest in the tournament history. ALSO READ: ODI World Cup 2023: 'One loss doesn't make us bad,' says Jonny Bairstow on England's horror campaign Meanwhile, Wanindu Hasaranga continues to recover from the thigh injury he sustained during the Lankan Premier League (LPL), keeping him out of contention for a return. He recently underwent surgery and informed everyone of his health situation in a social media post soon after. Hi everyone, I am happy to inform you that my surgery to repair the defect in my hamstring muscle/tendon was a success, thanks to the brilliant work of Prof. Fares Haddad and the amazing hospital staff. I will see you soon. WH49 😇🤞 pic.twitter.com/0HkaewRyG4 — Wanindu Hasaranga (@Wanindu49) October 10, 2023 × Besides them, Sri Lanka’s ace spinner Maheesh Theekshana also missed the first two matches due to a hamstring injury. He returned to the XI for the Australia game, going wicket-less in seven overs, conceding 49 runs. Can Sri Lanka still qualify for the World Cup semis? With their back against the wall after losing the first three games in this World Cup, the chances of Sri Lanka reaching the semis look bleak. However, they are still in the race and can achieve the impossible if they win their remaining six matches with better NRR. While their bowling has come under the scanner for being ordinary, given South Africa smashed them for 417/7 in their first match - a cricket world record, Sri Lanka’s batting has come off well in all games. Captain Kusal Mendis will again hog the limelight when Sri Lanka take on the Netherlands in their next match on Saturday (Oct 21) in Lucknow. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

ODI World Cup: Injury-hit Sri Lanka call in Angelo Mathews, Dushmantha Chameera as cover

<p>Australian captain Pat Cummins was a relieved man after his side registered its first win in the World Cup by beating Sri Lanka at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Monday (Oct 16). Fresh off two back-to-back losses, the five-time World Cup champions had a point to prove and according to Cummins, his players just did that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the win, Cummins said his team was not bothered by the outside noise, even after the slow start to the World Cup campaign.</p>

<p>"There were a lot of people watching heading into the World Cup which is great but we're not bothered by outside noise. All parts of the game came together today. We would want to keep it up," said Cummins during the post-match chat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Quizzed about what his team did differently to secure the win, Cummins said:&nbsp;&nbsp;"Probably nothing that was said. It was more on the back of two losses, our group's got pretty high standards so everyone wanted to come out."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I thought we bowled decently but we were staring down the barrel at 1/130 or something like that. But the bowlers stuck to their task and to bowl them out for 209 was great. Hard to say but I think par was probably 300."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2023-australia-thump-sri-lanka-by-5-wickets-secure-first-win-of-wc-campaign-647664"><strong>Read more |&nbsp;World Cup 2023: Australia thump Sri Lanka by 5 wickets, secure first win of WC campaign</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>290-300 would've been par</strong></h2>

<p>Losing captain&nbsp;Kusal Mendis attributed the loss to playing too many dot deliveries in the middle overs, which contributed to the eventual implosion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"290-300 I think would have been a good total on this pitch.&nbsp;More dot balls and not rotating strike enough. It was still a good wicket. Unfortunately, we played too many risky shots," said Mendis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite three losses, Mendis showed faith in the batting unit, adding that the bowlers were getting better as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Last two games we have batted really well. Today, we struggled a little bit. Hopefully, in the next match, we get momentum. I think we can do better than today - I have confidence in our batting unit.&nbsp;The bowling unit is getting better and I know we'll do better in the next matches."</p>

<p>Sri Lanka will now face the Netherlands at the same venue in three days' time while Australia will travel to Bengaluru to square up against Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Australian captain Pat Cummins was a relieved man after his side registered its first win in the World Cup by beating Sri Lanka at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Monday (Oct 16).

Australian captain Pat Cummins was a relieved man after his side registered its first win in the World Cup by beating Sri Lanka at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Monday (Oct 16). Fresh off two back-to-back losses, the five-time World Cup champions had a point to prove and according to Cummins, his players just did that. After the win, Cummins said his team was not bothered by the outside noise, even after the slow start to the World Cup campaign. "There were a lot of people watching heading into the World Cup which is great but we're not bothered by outside noise. All parts of the game came together today. We would want to keep it up," said Cummins during the post-match chat. Quizzed about what his team did differently to secure the win, Cummins said: "Probably nothing that was said. It was more on the back of two losses, our group's got pretty high standards so everyone wanted to come out." "I thought we bowled decently but we were staring down the barrel at 1/130 or something like that. But the bowlers stuck to their task and to bowl them out for 209 was great. Hard to say but I think par was probably 300." Read more | World Cup 2023: Australia thump Sri Lanka by 5 wickets, secure first win of WC campaign 290-300 would've been par Losing captain Kusal Mendis attributed the loss to playing too many dot deliveries in the middle overs, which contributed to the eventual implosion. "290-300 I think would have been a good total on this pitch. More dot balls and not rotating strike enough. It was still a good wicket. Unfortunately, we played too many risky shots," said Mendis. Despite three losses, Mendis showed faith in the batting unit, adding that the bowlers were getting better as well. "Last two games we have batted really well. Today, we struggled a little bit. Hopefully, in the next match, we get momentum. I think we can do better than today - I have confidence in our batting unit. The bowling unit is getting better and I know we'll do better in the next matches." Sri Lanka will now face the Netherlands at the same venue in three days' time while Australia will travel to Bengaluru to square up against Pakistan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World Cup 2023: 'Outside noise doesn't bother us...', Pat Cummins after Australia trounce Sri Lanka

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<p>Desperate for a win in the World Cup campaign, Australia finally struck gold at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Monday (Oct 16) evening, beating Sri Lanka by five wickets. Chasing a modest target of 211, Australia braved initial jitters to comfortably get over the line, courtesy of responsible knocks from Mitchell Marsh (52), Marnus Labuschagne (40), and Josh Inglis (58), with Glenn Maxwell (31*) providing fireworks at the end.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 211 was always going to be a tricky target to defend and despite Sri Lanka's best efforts, the five-time World champions managed to find their way through. Opener David Warner was trapped in front of the stumps by Dilshan Madushanka with DRS showing the ball kissing the leg stump, leading to an exasperated response from the Australian batter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Steve Smith, the ever-reliable no. 3 for Australia did not last long either as he secured his first duck in World Cup history. Madushanka got another one to swing on middle and off as Smith played down the wrong line and got smacked straight on the back leg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With two quick wickets in the bag, Sri Lanka attempted to up the ante but Mitchell Marsh had other plans. The powerful dasher launched a counter-attack campaign and started smashing Sri Lankan bowlers to all parts of the park. Perhaps, for the first time in the World Cup, it felt like Australia had found their mojo as Marsh attacked anything and everything delivered in his arc.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though, just when it looked like Marsh would take the game away from the islanders, a superb throw from the deep by Karunaratne saw the right-hander miles off the crease as wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis calmly flicked the bails off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the pressure right back on, Labuschagne and Inglis got stuck in, played some quiet overs in between whilst latching onto anything loose.&nbsp;Labuschagne anchored the innings while Inglis displayed his effortless strokeplay, reaching his maiden World Cup half-century in the process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the end, it was the pair of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis that completed the formalities and secured first points for Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/icc-world-cup-2023-afghanistan-beat-england-by-69-runs-647441"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;ICC World Cup 2023: Afghanistan beat England by 69 runs</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Sri Lanka's surrender with the bat</strong></h2>

<p>With the match a must-win game for both sides, Sri Lanka wrestled the initial advantage when&nbsp;Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera stitched a 125-run partnership in only 22 overs, despite the runout controversy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Australia roared back after the rain break as&nbsp;the Aussie skipper removed both the openers and Adam Zampa got his act right after a sedate start.&nbsp;Starc nipped a few at the end as none of the Sri Lankan batters, apart from the openers, came to the party. Neither Mendis nor the talented Samarawickrama added anything substantial.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2023-watch-fans-couldve-been-hurt-hoardings-fall-into-stands-during-aus-vs-sl-match-647655"><strong>World Cup 2023, WATCH: 'Fans could've been hurt...'- Hoardings fall into stands during Aus vs SL match</strong></a></p>

<p>Australia came into the contest after losing their opening two encounters in the World Cup rather dismally and finding themselves at the bottom of the points table. The win is expected to give an impetus to a side which will now square up against Pakistan at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Desperate for a win in the World Cup campaign, Australia finally struck gold at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Monday (Oct 16) evening, beating Sri Lanka by five wickets.

Desperate for a win in the World Cup campaign, Australia finally struck gold at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Monday (Oct 16) evening, beating Sri Lanka by five wickets. Chasing a modest target of 211, Australia braved initial jitters to comfortably get over the line, courtesy of responsible knocks from Mitchell Marsh (52), Marnus Labuschagne (40), and Josh Inglis (58), with Glenn Maxwell (31*) providing fireworks at the end. A total of 211 was always going to be a tricky target to defend and despite Sri Lanka's best efforts, the five-time World champions managed to find their way through. Opener David Warner was trapped in front of the stumps by Dilshan Madushanka with DRS showing the ball kissing the leg stump, leading to an exasperated response from the Australian batter. Steve Smith, the ever-reliable no. 3 for Australia did not last long either as he secured his first duck in World Cup history. Madushanka got another one to swing on middle and off as Smith played down the wrong line and got smacked straight on the back leg. With two quick wickets in the bag, Sri Lanka attempted to up the ante but Mitchell Marsh had other plans. The powerful dasher launched a counter-attack campaign and started smashing Sri Lankan bowlers to all parts of the park. Perhaps, for the first time in the World Cup, it felt like Australia had found their mojo as Marsh attacked anything and everything delivered in his arc. Though, just when it looked like Marsh would take the game away from the islanders, a superb throw from the deep by Karunaratne saw the right-hander miles off the crease as wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis calmly flicked the bails off. With the pressure right back on, Labuschagne and Inglis got stuck in, played some quiet overs in between whilst latching onto anything loose. Labuschagne anchored the innings while Inglis displayed his effortless strokeplay, reaching his maiden World Cup half-century in the process. In the end, it was the pair of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis that completed the formalities and secured first points for Australia. Watch | ICC World Cup 2023: Afghanistan beat England by 69 runs × Sri Lanka's surrender with the bat With the match a must-win game for both sides, Sri Lanka wrestled the initial advantage when Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera stitched a 125-run partnership in only 22 overs, despite the runout controversy. However, Australia roared back after the rain break as the Aussie skipper removed both the openers and Adam Zampa got his act right after a sedate start. Starc nipped a few at the end as none of the Sri Lankan batters, apart from the openers, came to the party. Neither Mendis nor the talented Samarawickrama added anything substantial. World Cup 2023, WATCH: 'Fans could've been hurt...'- Hoardings fall into stands during Aus vs SL match Australia came into the contest after losing their opening two encounters in the World Cup rather dismally and finding themselves at the bottom of the points table. The win is expected to give an impetus to a side which will now square up against Pakistan at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World Cup 2023: Australia thump Sri Lanka by 5 wickets, secure first win of WC campaign

<p>Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a thigh injury, with Chamika Karunaratne approved as a replacement in the squad, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Saturday.</p>

<p>Shanaka sustained a right thigh muscle injury in Tuesday's six-wicket loss to Pakistan. The 32-year-old will need three weeks to recover.</p>

<p>"The Event Technical Committee of the ICC men's cricket World Cup 2023 has approved Chamika Karunaratne as a replacement for Dasun Shanaka in the Sri Lankan squad," the ICC said.</p>

<p>Shanaka's injury is expected to be a big blow to the subcontinent side which has failed to get going so far in the tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sri Lanka, who are seventh in the standings after losing their first two games, next play Australia on Monday in Lucknow.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a thigh injury, with Chamika Karunaratne approved as a replacement in the squad, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Saturday.

Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a thigh injury, with Chamika Karunaratne approved as a replacement in the squad, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Saturday. Shanaka sustained a right thigh muscle injury in Tuesday's six-wicket loss to Pakistan. The 32-year-old will need three weeks to recover. "The Event Technical Committee of the ICC men's cricket World Cup 2023 has approved Chamika Karunaratne as a replacement for Dasun Shanaka in the Sri Lankan squad," the ICC said. Shanaka's injury is expected to be a big blow to the subcontinent side which has failed to get going so far in the tournament. Sri Lanka, who are seventh in the standings after losing their first two games, next play Australia on Monday in Lucknow. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World Cup 2023: Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka ruled out of World Cup. Know why

<p>The former World Cup winners Sri Lanka have finally announced their 15-man squad for the 2023 edition of the marquee event of cricket that starts on October 5. Dasun Shanaka will continue to lead the team in World Cup 2023, while the absence of star players, all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and seamer Dushmantha Chameera will be felt. Kusal Perera, Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madushanka returned to the side.</p>

<p>Premier off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana has also been picked as he is said to have recovered from the Grade 3 injury he picked ahead of the Asia Cup 2023 final against India.</p>

<p>Theekshana will lead the spin attack that also includes Dunith Wellalage, the youngster who showed promise during the recently concluded six-team tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Chameera continues to recover from the shoulder injury, Hasaranga is closing in on attaining full fitness. The leg-spinner was Sri Lanka’s go-to-bowler during the World Cup 2023 Qualifier in Zimbabwe, picking 22 wickets from seven matches, including three six-wicket hauls.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/that-is-not-his-main-drive-de-villiers-says-kohli-not-focused-on-breaking-tendulkars-century-record-639829">'That is not his main drive': De Villiers says Kohli not 'focused' on breaking Tendulkar's century record</a></strong></p>

<p>His star-studded performance during the tournament saw Sri Lanka clinch the title, sealing their Cricket World Cup berth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hasaranga then starred during the home Lankan Premier League (LPL), finishing as the top run-getter (279 runs) and the leading wicket-taker (19 wickets). He sustained the thigh injury in the playoffs stage and has been out since.</p>

<p>Despite him missing the Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka reached the finals, where India beat them by 10 wickets in the mostly one-sided contest.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Here’s Sri Lanka’s 15-man World Cup squad –</h2>

<p>Dasun Shanaka (captain), Kusal Mendis (vice-captain), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka</p>

<p>Travelling Reserve - Chamika Karunaratne</p>

<h3>Sri Lanka’s CWC schedule –</h3>

<p>The Sri Lankan Team will play two warm-up matches against Bangladesh on September 29 and Afghanistan on October 2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 1996 World Cup winners will open their Cricket World Cup campaign against South Africa on October 7 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sri Lanka will face host India in the marquee clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 2.&nbsp;</p>

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The former World Cup winners Sri Lanka have finally announced their 15-man squad for the 2023 edition of the marquee event of cricket that starts on October 5. Dasun Shanaka will continue to lead the team in World Cup 2023, while the absence of star players, all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and seamer Dushmantha Chameera will be felt.

The former World Cup winners Sri Lanka have finally announced their 15-man squad for the 2023 edition of the marquee event of cricket that starts on October 5. Dasun Shanaka will continue to lead the team in World Cup 2023, while the absence of star players, all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and seamer Dushmantha Chameera will be felt. Kusal Perera, Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madushanka returned to the side. Premier off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana has also been picked as he is said to have recovered from the Grade 3 injury he picked ahead of the Asia Cup 2023 final against India. Theekshana will lead the spin attack that also includes Dunith Wellalage, the youngster who showed promise during the recently concluded six-team tournament. While Chameera continues to recover from the shoulder injury, Hasaranga is closing in on attaining full fitness. The leg-spinner was Sri Lanka’s go-to-bowler during the World Cup 2023 Qualifier in Zimbabwe, picking 22 wickets from seven matches, including three six-wicket hauls. ALSO READ: 'That is not his main drive': De Villiers says Kohli not 'focused' on breaking Tendulkar's century record His star-studded performance during the tournament saw Sri Lanka clinch the title, sealing their Cricket World Cup berth. Hasaranga then starred during the home Lankan Premier League (LPL), finishing as the top run-getter (279 runs) and the leading wicket-taker (19 wickets). He sustained the thigh injury in the playoffs stage and has been out since. Despite him missing the Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka reached the finals, where India beat them by 10 wickets in the mostly one-sided contest. Here’s Sri Lanka’s 15-man World Cup squad – Dasun Shanaka (captain), Kusal Mendis (vice-captain), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka Travelling Reserve - Chamika Karunaratne Sri Lanka’s CWC schedule – The Sri Lankan Team will play two warm-up matches against Bangladesh on September 29 and Afghanistan on October 2. The 1996 World Cup winners will open their Cricket World Cup campaign against South Africa on October 7 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Sri Lanka will face host India in the marquee clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 2. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World Cup 2023: Sri Lanka name 15-man squad; Hasaranga, Chameera miss the bus

<p>Star Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga aggravated his Grade 3 hamstring tear and could likely remain out of contention for a place in the XI for World Cup 2023. More so he might also require surgery, ruling him out for an indefinite period. The latest reports suggest Sri Lanka might include him in the final 15 for the marquee event in the hope of him attaining fitness during the fag end of the tournament.</p>

<p>Speaking with ESPNcricinfo, Arjuna de Silva, Sri Lanka’s medical committee head, indicated Hasaranga might not get fit in time for any game during the mega event, starting October 5.</p>

<p>"Medically, it seems unlikely that Wanindu will be fit," De Silva said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the report revealed the current status of bowlers Dushmantha Chameera and spinner Mahesh Theekshana. While seasoned seamer Chameera, who picked up a pictorial injury earlier, is said to be up and running in the nets, managing his workload, Maheesh Theekshana, who strained his hamstring ahead of the Asia Cup final, is in rehab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the good news is both are expected to get fit before Sri Lanka’s first World Cup game against South Africa on Saturday, October 7.</p>

<p>De Silva also provided some updates on the two other seamers – Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Theekshana, who missed Asia Cup 2023, revealing both are fully fit and raring to go.</p>

<p>With the deadline date for all teams to name their final 15 being September 28, Sri Lanka has a few days to list the squad.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Wanindu’s absence a big blow for Sri Lanka</h2>

<p>Sri Lanka’s best bowler, Wanindu Hasaranga, took the World Cup Qualifiers 2023 in Zimbabwe by storm, picking up 22 wickets from seven games at 12.91. He also picked up three six-wicket hauls, dismantling the opposition at will. His exploits were essential in helping Sri Lanka win the tournament and seal a World Cup berth.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Hasaranga was also expected to remain fit and available for the Asia Cup, but a last-moment injury ruled him out of the competition.</p>

<p>Alongside him, Sri Lanka missed some of their first-team bowlers but still managed to reach the finals, which they lost to India in a one-sided contest by ten wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sri Lanka will face hosts India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 2.</p>

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Star Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga aggravated his Grade 3 hamstring tear and could likely remain out of contention for a place in the XI for World Cup 2023.

Star Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga aggravated his Grade 3 hamstring tear and could likely remain out of contention for a place in the XI for World Cup 2023. More so he might also require surgery, ruling him out for an indefinite period. The latest reports suggest Sri Lanka might include him in the final 15 for the marquee event in the hope of him attaining fitness during the fag end of the tournament. Speaking with ESPNcricinfo, Arjuna de Silva, Sri Lanka’s medical committee head, indicated Hasaranga might not get fit in time for any game during the mega event, starting October 5. "Medically, it seems unlikely that Wanindu will be fit," De Silva said. Meanwhile, the report revealed the current status of bowlers Dushmantha Chameera and spinner Mahesh Theekshana. While seasoned seamer Chameera, who picked up a pictorial injury earlier, is said to be up and running in the nets, managing his workload, Maheesh Theekshana, who strained his hamstring ahead of the Asia Cup final, is in rehab. However, the good news is both are expected to get fit before Sri Lanka’s first World Cup game against South Africa on Saturday, October 7. De Silva also provided some updates on the two other seamers – Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Theekshana, who missed Asia Cup 2023, revealing both are fully fit and raring to go. With the deadline date for all teams to name their final 15 being September 28, Sri Lanka has a few days to list the squad. Wanindu’s absence a big blow for Sri Lanka Sri Lanka’s best bowler, Wanindu Hasaranga, took the World Cup Qualifiers 2023 in Zimbabwe by storm, picking up 22 wickets from seven games at 12.91. He also picked up three six-wicket hauls, dismantling the opposition at will. His exploits were essential in helping Sri Lanka win the tournament and seal a World Cup berth. Meanwhile, Hasaranga was also expected to remain fit and available for the Asia Cup, but a last-moment injury ruled him out of the competition. Alongside him, Sri Lanka missed some of their first-team bowlers but still managed to reach the finals, which they lost to India in a one-sided contest by ten wickets. Sri Lanka will face hosts India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 2. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wanindu Hasaranga doubtful for World Cup as Sri Lanka remain dicey on final 15

<p>Kusal Mendis' 91 and an unbeaten 49 by Charith Asalanka helped Sri Lanka edge out Pakistan by two wickets in a last-ball thriller of the Asia Cup to set up a final clash with India.</p>

<p>Chasing a DLS revised target of 252 in the 42-overs-a-side contest in Colombo, Sri Lanka needed eight from the final over and achieved the target with Asalanka's winning hit on the last ball at 1.07 am local time.</p>

<p>A raucous home crowd rejoiced but the result broke the heart of millions of fans awaiting an India-Pakistan final in the 50-over tournament, a prelude to the upcoming ODI World Cup.</p>

<p>The left-handed Asalanka held his nerve despite Shaheen Shah Afridi's two wickets in two balls in the penultimate over and the first four balls from Zaman Khan giving away just two runs and a wicket in the 42nd over.</p>

<p>Mendis set up victory with a 100-run third-wicket stand with Sadeera Samarawickrama, who made 48, but Asalanka took it on himself after their departure.</p>

<p>Off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed took three key wickets including Mendis and Samarawickrama to keep the game in the balance till the last.</p>

<p>Earlier Mohammad Rizwan hit an unbeaten 86 to steer Pakistan to 252-7 after they elected to bat first in the rain-delayed start to the match.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka's bowlers took regular early wickets to check Pakistan's scoring, but Rizwan hit back with his 12th ODI half-century and a 108-run stand with Iftikhar, who made 47.</p>

<p>Fast bowler Pramod Madushan struck first as he bowled Fakhar Zaman for four with a yorker that raised the decibels in the ground.</p>

<p>Abdullah Shafique (52) and skipper Babar Azam (29) then rebuilt the innings in their stand of 63 despite surviving a few close calls including an lbw review off Dunith Wellalage.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-ban-asia-cup-match-head-to-head-record-of-india-vs-bangladesh-pitch-report-weather-update-635942"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;IND vs BAN Asia Cup match: Head-to-head record of India vs Bangladesh, pitch report, weather update</strong></a></p>

<p>Azam looked to be getting into his groove with a few boundaries but was stumped off Wellalage, a left-arm spinner who was Sri Lanka's star in their previous loss to India with 5-40.</p>

<p>Shafique stood strong and hit two sixes en route to his maiden ODI fifty but soon fell to fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who quickly struck again.</p>

<p>Pakistan returned from a rain break on 130-5 with Rizwan digging deep and he got support from Iftikhar, who took his time to get his rhythm and hit two sixes in his 40-ball knock.</p>

<p>Pathirana sent back Iftikhar for his third wicket and Madushan took one more scalp of his own late on, but Rizwan remained unbeaten and finished with a boundary.</p>

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Kusal Mendis' 91 and an unbeaten 49 by Charith Asalanka helped Sri Lanka edge out Pakistan by two wickets in a last-ball thriller of the Asia Cup to set up a final clash with India.

Kusal Mendis' 91 and an unbeaten 49 by Charith Asalanka helped Sri Lanka edge out Pakistan by two wickets in a last-ball thriller of the Asia Cup to set up a final clash with India. Chasing a DLS revised target of 252 in the 42-overs-a-side contest in Colombo, Sri Lanka needed eight from the final over and achieved the target with Asalanka's winning hit on the last ball at 1.07 am local time. A raucous home crowd rejoiced but the result broke the heart of millions of fans awaiting an India-Pakistan final in the 50-over tournament, a prelude to the upcoming ODI World Cup. The left-handed Asalanka held his nerve despite Shaheen Shah Afridi's two wickets in two balls in the penultimate over and the first four balls from Zaman Khan giving away just two runs and a wicket in the 42nd over. Mendis set up victory with a 100-run third-wicket stand with Sadeera Samarawickrama, who made 48, but Asalanka took it on himself after their departure. Off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed took three key wickets including Mendis and Samarawickrama to keep the game in the balance till the last. Earlier Mohammad Rizwan hit an unbeaten 86 to steer Pakistan to 252-7 after they elected to bat first in the rain-delayed start to the match. Sri Lanka's bowlers took regular early wickets to check Pakistan's scoring, but Rizwan hit back with his 12th ODI half-century and a 108-run stand with Iftikhar, who made 47. Fast bowler Pramod Madushan struck first as he bowled Fakhar Zaman for four with a yorker that raised the decibels in the ground. Abdullah Shafique (52) and skipper Babar Azam (29) then rebuilt the innings in their stand of 63 despite surviving a few close calls including an lbw review off Dunith Wellalage. Also read | IND vs BAN Asia Cup match: Head-to-head record of India vs Bangladesh, pitch report, weather update Azam looked to be getting into his groove with a few boundaries but was stumped off Wellalage, a left-arm spinner who was Sri Lanka's star in their previous loss to India with 5-40. Shafique stood strong and hit two sixes en route to his maiden ODI fifty but soon fell to fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who quickly struck again. Pakistan returned from a rain break on 130-5 with Rizwan digging deep and he got support from Iftikhar, who took his time to get his rhythm and hit two sixes in his 40-ball knock. Pathirana sent back Iftikhar for his third wicket and Madushan took one more scalp of his own late on, but Rizwan remained unbeaten and finished with a boundary. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka edge out Pakistan to set up summit clash with India

<p>Injuries forced Sri Lanka on Tuesday to drop two key players -- Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera -- from its 15-member squad for the 50-over Asia Cup tournament. Sri Lanka's cricket board said Hasaranga, a spin bowling all-rounder, and pace bowler Chameera were in the original squad, but had to be dropped due to their injuries. Two other lesser-known players -- Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara -- were also left out because of injuries, the board said.</p>

<p>The Asia Cup, which starts Wednesday, is a final chance for teams from the region to size each other up before the World Cup in India starting in October. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the six-nation Asia Cup, a hybrid model agreed after India refused to tour Pakistan.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Pathum Nissanaka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushan Hemantha, Binura Fernando and Pramod Madushan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-will-ease-him-into-it-slowly-rahul-dravid-on-jasprit-bumrah-as-pacer-set-for-50-over-return-in-asia-cup-630247">We will ease him into it slowly: Rahul Dravid on Jasprit Bumrah as pacer set for 50-over return in Asia Cup</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan face Nepal in Asia Cup opener</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan face Afghanistan in a three-match one-day international series in&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;starting Tuesday, with skipper Babar Azam seeing it as good preparation for the Asia Cup and World Cup.&nbsp; The first bilateral ODI series between the two teams will be followed by the six-nation Asia Cup, in&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;and Pakistan, beginning on August 30 and the World Cup in India from October 5. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It is a home series for Afghanistan who cannot stage international cricket in their own country because of security fears. "These three matches are a good opportunity for us to test our players in the match situation," Azam told AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Squads:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Pakistan:</strong> Babar Azam (capt), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Haris, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Afghanistan: </strong>Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Wafadar Momand</p>

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Injuries forced Sri Lanka on Tuesday to drop two key players -- Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera -- from its 15-member squad for the 50-over Asia Cup tournament.

Injuries forced Sri Lanka on Tuesday to drop two key players -- Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera -- from its 15-member squad for the 50-over Asia Cup tournament. Sri Lanka's cricket board said Hasaranga, a spin bowling all-rounder, and pace bowler Chameera were in the original squad, but had to be dropped due to their injuries. Two other lesser-known players -- Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara -- were also left out because of injuries, the board said. The Asia Cup, which starts Wednesday, is a final chance for teams from the region to size each other up before the World Cup in India starting in October. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the six-nation Asia Cup, a hybrid model agreed after India refused to tour Pakistan. Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Pathum Nissanaka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushan Hemantha, Binura Fernando and Pramod Madushan. Also read: We will ease him into it slowly: Rahul Dravid on Jasprit Bumrah as pacer set for 50-over return in Asia Cup Pakistan face Nepal in Asia Cup opener Pakistan face Afghanistan in a three-match one-day international series in Sri Lanka starting Tuesday, with skipper Babar Azam seeing it as good preparation for the Asia Cup and World Cup. The first bilateral ODI series between the two teams will be followed by the six-nation Asia Cup, in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, beginning on August 30 and the World Cup in India from October 5. It is a home series for Afghanistan who cannot stage international cricket in their own country because of security fears. "These three matches are a good opportunity for us to test our players in the match situation," Azam told AFP. Squads: Pakistan: Babar Azam (capt), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Haris, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Wafadar Momand WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Injury-hit Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka name 15-man squad for Asia Cup

<p>Misery continues to pile up for the defending Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka as their seam-bowling duo of Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara are ruled out of the competition, starting August 30. The pair has joined the long list of Sri Lankan first-team players who are either ruled out or will miss the initial few games due to respective injuries.</p>

<p>Per the latest reports, left-arm seamer Madushanka tore an oblique muscle during a practice match on Friday and seasoned campaigner Kumara suffered a side strain – a recurring injury, ruling them out of the six-team tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the degree of Madushanka's injury puts his participation in doubt for the World Cup 2023, Kumara is expected to get fully fit before the squad announcement for the marquee event.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-want-to-get-into-the-phase-i-was-in-before-2019-world-cup-rohit-sharma-ahead-of-asia-cup-cwc-2023-629960">I want to get into the phase I was in before 2019 World Cup: Rohit Sharma ahead of Asia Cup, CWC 2023</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, it comes as a blow for the Island Nation, which already lost pacer Dushmantha Chameera to a pectoral injury earlier. Alongside him, ace all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga will also miss a few games, including the group-stage matches against Afghanistan and Bangladesh, as he is recovering from a grade-two strain in the thigh. His participation in the tournament depends on his recovery pace.</p>

<p>The absence of these first-team bowlers leaves Sri Lanka with less-experienced players to begin their Asia Cup campaign with. As Chameera, Kumara, and Madushanka were their quickest – and the ones who helped Sri Lanka reign supreme in the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, would likely get replaced by Kasun Rajitha, Pramod Madushan, and Matheesha Pathirana – three pacers with lesser experience.</p>

<p>For Hasaranga, Dushan Hemantha may also be called up to the squad for the Asia Cup, while this also opens the window for left-arm spinning all-rounder Dunith Wellalage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides bowlers, top-order batters Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando might remain out of contention for the Asia Cup as both got infected with COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both batters, who are said to have picked up the virus while playing in the recently-concluded Lankan Premier League (LPL), will be kept under observation unless the results come out negative.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will open their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Bangladesh on Thursday, August 31, and for them to reach the Super 4, they must win both group games.&nbsp;</p>

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Misery continues to pile up for the defending Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka as their seam-bowling duo of Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara are ruled out of the competition, starting August 30.

Misery continues to pile up for the defending Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka as their seam-bowling duo of Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara are ruled out of the competition, starting August 30. The pair has joined the long list of Sri Lankan first-team players who are either ruled out or will miss the initial few games due to respective injuries. Per the latest reports, left-arm seamer Madushanka tore an oblique muscle during a practice match on Friday and seasoned campaigner Kumara suffered a side strain – a recurring injury, ruling them out of the six-team tournament. While the degree of Madushanka's injury puts his participation in doubt for the World Cup 2023, Kumara is expected to get fully fit before the squad announcement for the marquee event. ALSO READ: I want to get into the phase I was in before 2019 World Cup: Rohit Sharma ahead of Asia Cup, CWC 2023 Meanwhile, it comes as a blow for the Island Nation, which already lost pacer Dushmantha Chameera to a pectoral injury earlier. Alongside him, ace all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga will also miss a few games, including the group-stage matches against Afghanistan and Bangladesh, as he is recovering from a grade-two strain in the thigh. His participation in the tournament depends on his recovery pace. The absence of these first-team bowlers leaves Sri Lanka with less-experienced players to begin their Asia Cup campaign with. As Chameera, Kumara, and Madushanka were their quickest – and the ones who helped Sri Lanka reign supreme in the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, would likely get replaced by Kasun Rajitha, Pramod Madushan, and Matheesha Pathirana – three pacers with lesser experience. For Hasaranga, Dushan Hemantha may also be called up to the squad for the Asia Cup, while this also opens the window for left-arm spinning all-rounder Dunith Wellalage. Besides bowlers, top-order batters Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando might remain out of contention for the Asia Cup as both got infected with COVID-19. Both batters, who are said to have picked up the virus while playing in the recently-concluded Lankan Premier League (LPL), will be kept under observation unless the results come out negative. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will open their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Bangladesh on Thursday, August 31, and for them to reach the Super 4, they must win both group games. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Asia Cup: Misery piles up for Sri Lanka as seamers Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara added to injury list, ruled out

<p>Day Two of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers saw Sri Lanka thump UAE, whereas Oman completed a record run-chase to stun Ireland on Monday (June 19). After posting a mammoth 355 for 6, Dasun Shanaka &amp; Co. rode on Wanindu Hasaranga's 6 for 24 to dismiss UAE for 180 in 39 overs. Oman, on the other hand, achieved their first-ever ODI win over the Irish line-up and saw them complete their highest successful run-chase in the shorter format.</p>

<h2><strong>Hasaranga's 6/24 help SL thrash UAE</strong></h2>

<p>Taking on the hapless UAE at the&nbsp;Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, everything clicked for the Dasun Shanaka-led Islanders after being asked to bat first. The one-time ODI champions rode on&nbsp;Pathum Nissanka's 57, Dimuth Karunaratne's 53, Kusal Mendis' 78, Sadeera Samarawickrama's 73 and Charith Asalanka's 48* (23) along with Hasaranga's 12-ball 23* to post a healthy 355 for 6 in 50 overs. Ali Naseer (2 for 44) and Aayan Khan (1 for 52) were the top performers for UAE but their side was in for a huge run-chase.</p>

<p>In reply, UAE batters struggled to compete as Hasaranga trapped them with his spin to return with 6 for 24. He rocked their batting order with regular strikes, especially dismissing their middle order in a flash, as only captain&nbsp;Muhammad Waseem and keeper-batter Vriitya Aravind were UAE's top run-getters with 39 apiece.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-to-return-during-ireland-t20is-before-asia-cup-and-odi-world-cup-report-606164">Jasprit Bumrah to return during Ireland T20Is before Asia Cup and ODI World Cup: Report</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Oman complete a record run-chase</strong></h2>

<p>Talking about Oman-Ireland's face-off at the&nbsp;Bulawayo Athletic Club, the Andy Balbirnie-led side were put into bat. Losing wickets at regular intervals, Ireland were 107 for 4 but&nbsp;Harry Tector (52) and George Dockrell's 93 propelled their side to a challenging 281 for 7. In reply, Oman batters stood tall as they took charge of proceedings with vital stands to take the game deep.</p>

<p>Kashyap Prajapati's 72, Aqib Ilyas's 52, captain Zeeshan Maqsood's 59 and Mohammad Nadeem's 46 led to Oman's stunning five-wicket win.&nbsp;</p>


Day Two of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers saw Sri Lanka thump UAE, whereas Oman completed a record run-chase to stun Ireland on Monday (June 19). After posting a mammoth 355 for 6, Dasun Shanaka & Co.

Day Two of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers saw Sri Lanka thump UAE, whereas Oman completed a record run-chase to stun Ireland on Monday (June 19). After posting a mammoth 355 for 6, Dasun Shanaka & Co. rode on Wanindu Hasaranga's 6 for 24 to dismiss UAE for 180 in 39 overs. Oman, on the other hand, achieved their first-ever ODI win over the Irish line-up and saw them complete their highest successful run-chase in the shorter format. Hasaranga's 6/24 help SL thrash UAE Taking on the hapless UAE at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, everything clicked for the Dasun Shanaka-led Islanders after being asked to bat first. The one-time ODI champions rode on Pathum Nissanka's 57, Dimuth Karunaratne's 53, Kusal Mendis' 78, Sadeera Samarawickrama's 73 and Charith Asalanka's 48* (23) along with Hasaranga's 12-ball 23* to post a healthy 355 for 6 in 50 overs. Ali Naseer (2 for 44) and Aayan Khan (1 for 52) were the top performers for UAE but their side was in for a huge run-chase. In reply, UAE batters struggled to compete as Hasaranga trapped them with his spin to return with 6 for 24. He rocked their batting order with regular strikes, especially dismissing their middle order in a flash, as only captain Muhammad Waseem and keeper-batter Vriitya Aravind were UAE's top run-getters with 39 apiece. Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah to return during Ireland T20Is before Asia Cup and ODI World Cup: Report Oman complete a record run-chase Talking about Oman-Ireland's face-off at the Bulawayo Athletic Club, the Andy Balbirnie-led side were put into bat. Losing wickets at regular intervals, Ireland were 107 for 4 but Harry Tector (52) and George Dockrell's 93 propelled their side to a challenging 281 for 7. In reply, Oman batters stood tall as they took charge of proceedings with vital stands to take the game deep. Kashyap Prajapati's 72, Aqib Ilyas's 52, captain Zeeshan Maqsood's 59 and Mohammad Nadeem's 46 led to Oman's stunning five-wicket win.

CWC'23 Qualifiers: Sri Lanka thump UAE by 175 runs, Oman stun Ireland in pursuit of 282

<p>Quick bowler Dushmantha Chameera stormed back into the Sri Lankan team to power their 132-run win over Afghanistan at Hambantota on Sunday and square the three-match one-day international series. Having amassed a target of 324, the Sri Lankan bowlers skittled out the tourists for 191 inside 43 overs for their biggest win in ODIs over Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Chameera, returning to the side after a seven-month layoff after ankle surgery, bowled a couple of hostile spells to finish with two for 18.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka will be buoyed by the return of their main strike bowler, as they head to Zimbabwe straight after the series to play World Cup qualifiers.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virender-sehwag-calls-ex-pakistan-captain-inzamam-ul-haq-best-middle-order-batter-from-asia-600429">Virender Sehwag calls ex-Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq 'best middle-order batter from Asia'</a></p>

<p>"We are very happy that Chameera is back: injury kept him out for a while but I am glad he is firing on all cylinders," skipper Dasun Shanaka said. "Dimuth Karunaratne is back as well, and he adds more stability to the batting -- and obviously he's very experienced. These are good signs looking forward for the World Cup qualifiers."</p>

<p>There are no such problems for Afghanistan, who have already qualified for the World Cup later this year in India.</p>

<p>Chameera was well backed up by part-time off-spinner Dhananjaya de Silva, who finished with three wickets, including first-match hero Ibrahim Zardan. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga polished up the tail claiming three for 42.</p>

<p>Zardan, who had top scored in the first ODI with 98, was again amongst the runs with 54. But the scoreboard pressure got to him as he edged an attempted cut shot that was well taken by Kusal Mendis behind the stumps.</p>

<h2>- 'Bounce back' -</h2>

<p>Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi top scored with 57 runs, before being trapped leg before by de Silva. After that, there was little resistance by the Afghan batters as they lost six wickets for 23 runs.</p>

<p>"I don’t think that was our best performance, we were bit sloppy on the field," Shahidi said after the match. "We have got one more game, and we will try and bounce back".</p>

<p>Sri Lanka came into the game making four changes, having lost the first ODI by six wickets on Friday. Openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka added 82 runs for the first wicket, with Karunaratne on a comeback trial doing well to post 52 off 62 balls.</p>

<p>Kusal Mendis then upped the tempo with a superb counter-attack, smashing 78 off 75 balls with seven fours and one six. The third-wicket stand between Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama, who was playing his first ODI in more than three years, gave the innings much-needed impetus. The pair added 88 runs in 86 balls.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka's lower middle order was the driving force behind their total of 323, with the hosts scoring 109 runs in the last ten overs.</p>

<p>Fareed Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi were the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan finishing with two wickets apiece.</p>

<p>The third and final ODI will take place on June 7 also at Hambantota.</p>

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Quick bowler Dushmantha Chameera stormed back into the Sri Lankan team to power their 132-run win over Afghanistan at Hambantota on Sunday and square the three-match one-day international series.

Quick bowler Dushmantha Chameera stormed back into the Sri Lankan team to power their 132-run win over Afghanistan at Hambantota on Sunday and square the three-match one-day international series. Having amassed a target of 324, the Sri Lankan bowlers skittled out the tourists for 191 inside 43 overs for their biggest win in ODIs over Afghanistan. Chameera, returning to the side after a seven-month layoff after ankle surgery, bowled a couple of hostile spells to finish with two for 18. Sri Lanka will be buoyed by the return of their main strike bowler, as they head to Zimbabwe straight after the series to play World Cup qualifiers. ALSO READ: Virender Sehwag calls ex-Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq 'best middle-order batter from Asia' "We are very happy that Chameera is back: injury kept him out for a while but I am glad he is firing on all cylinders," skipper Dasun Shanaka said. "Dimuth Karunaratne is back as well, and he adds more stability to the batting -- and obviously he's very experienced. These are good signs looking forward for the World Cup qualifiers." There are no such problems for Afghanistan, who have already qualified for the World Cup later this year in India. Chameera was well backed up by part-time off-spinner Dhananjaya de Silva, who finished with three wickets, including first-match hero Ibrahim Zardan. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga polished up the tail claiming three for 42. Zardan, who had top scored in the first ODI with 98, was again amongst the runs with 54. But the scoreboard pressure got to him as he edged an attempted cut shot that was well taken by Kusal Mendis behind the stumps. - 'Bounce back' - Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi top scored with 57 runs, before being trapped leg before by de Silva. After that, there was little resistance by the Afghan batters as they lost six wickets for 23 runs. "I don’t think that was our best performance, we were bit sloppy on the field," Shahidi said after the match. "We have got one more game, and we will try and bounce back". Sri Lanka came into the game making four changes, having lost the first ODI by six wickets on Friday. Openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka added 82 runs for the first wicket, with Karunaratne on a comeback trial doing well to post 52 off 62 balls. Kusal Mendis then upped the tempo with a superb counter-attack, smashing 78 off 75 balls with seven fours and one six. The third-wicket stand between Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama, who was playing his first ODI in more than three years, gave the innings much-needed impetus. The pair added 88 runs in 86 balls. Sri Lanka's lower middle order was the driving force behind their total of 323, with the hosts scoring 109 runs in the last ten overs. Fareed Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi were the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan finishing with two wickets apiece. The third and final ODI will take place on June 7 also at Hambantota. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

SL vs AFG, 2nd ODI: Chameera's return power Sri Lanka to 132-run win over Afghanistan, series leveled 1-1

<p>Sri Lankan bowling legend Lasith Malinga has shared his views on the young prodigy, compatriot Matheesha Pathirana, who is playing his trade in IPL 2023 with Chennai Super Kings. In a recent discussion with ESPNcricinfo, Malinga spoke in detail about the newly-talked-about bowler in world cricket.</p>

<p>While he thinks Pathirana has a long way to go regarding developing into a proper all-format bowler, Malinga expressed his disagreement over CSK captain MS Dhoni's remarks on Pathirana staying away from red-ball cricket.</p>

<p>Malinga, who played 30 Tests for nearly six years from 2004 to 2010, knows the pros and cons of bowling with similar action in the longer format. While the veteran seamer said Dhoni's experience is helping Pathirana to deliver during the fag end of the innings, the young seamer from Kandy is still far from adopting the beast mode with the new ball in hand.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-2023-injuries-to-bumrah-pant-to-badly-affect-india-aussies-to-start-as-favourites-ian-chappell-594760">WTC Final 2023: Injuries to Bumrah, Pant to badly affect India, Aussies to start as favourites - Ian Chappell</a></p>

<p>Figuring out how MS is using Pathirana with the relatively older ball this season, Malinga said Dhoni knows he cannot give the new ball to him because he doesn't have the swing, which is required to threaten even the best of batters at this stage.</p>

<p>"MS has figured out that he can't bowl with the new ball yet. He also uses him against local Indian batters at the crease - players who don't play international cricket. With the 145kph pace and his action, it's hard for them to play him. That's just MS' 20 years of experience at work."</p>

<p>"He also gets him to lower his pace against batters who are purely power players. Against batters who use the pace - like a Rohit Sharma, or a Mahela Jayawardene, or a Virat Kohli - those players Matheesha might struggle against for now," Malinga said during an interaction with ESPNcricinfo.</p>

<h2>Malinga plays downs Dhoni's advice for Pathirana</h2>

<p>Earlier in the tournament, MS made remarks about Pathirana's future, saying to bring the best out of him, Sri Lanka must utilise his services carefully - further suggesting that he should stick to playing in white-ball&nbsp;tournaments and be away from Test cricket.</p>

<p>Commenting on the same, Malinga said MS must be joking because he strongly disagrees with the CSK captain. Backing his point, Malinga added,</p>

<p>"I think anyone who tells him (Pathirana) not to play red-ball cricket is doing that because they think he will get injured. I played red-ball cricket first. No one said anything like that to me. I played red-ball cricket between 2004 to 2010, but I had a 16-year international career, and I played a lot of IPL, plus Big Bash and all the other leagues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In all that time, I never left the field after injuring a hamstring, or a groin, or my back, or my calf. Maybe a lot of people will oppose me, but I don't think we should just presume that he will get injured. I've played cricket this way and bowled like him, so I know what the challenges are," Malinga added.</p>

<p>In IPL 2023, Pathirana has picked 15 wickets from 10 matches, with an economy rate of 7.56. With CSK qualifying for the playoffs this season, Pathirana will have a chance to impress everyone during the knockout stages. CSK will next face Gujarat Titans on Tuesday, May 23rd, in Qualifier 1 at Chepauk.</p>

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Sri Lankan bowling legend Lasith Malinga has shared his views on the young prodigy, compatriot Matheesha Pathirana, who is playing his trade in IPL 2023 with Chennai Super Kings.

Sri Lankan bowling legend Lasith Malinga has shared his views on the young prodigy, compatriot Matheesha Pathirana, who is playing his trade in IPL 2023 with Chennai Super Kings. In a recent discussion with ESPNcricinfo, Malinga spoke in detail about the newly-talked-about bowler in world cricket. While he thinks Pathirana has a long way to go regarding developing into a proper all-format bowler, Malinga expressed his disagreement over CSK captain MS Dhoni's remarks on Pathirana staying away from red-ball cricket. Malinga, who played 30 Tests for nearly six years from 2004 to 2010, knows the pros and cons of bowling with similar action in the longer format. While the veteran seamer said Dhoni's experience is helping Pathirana to deliver during the fag end of the innings, the young seamer from Kandy is still far from adopting the beast mode with the new ball in hand. ALSO READ: WTC Final 2023: Injuries to Bumrah, Pant to badly affect India, Aussies to start as favourites - Ian Chappell Figuring out how MS is using Pathirana with the relatively older ball this season, Malinga said Dhoni knows he cannot give the new ball to him because he doesn't have the swing, which is required to threaten even the best of batters at this stage. "MS has figured out that he can't bowl with the new ball yet. He also uses him against local Indian batters at the crease - players who don't play international cricket. With the 145kph pace and his action, it's hard for them to play him. That's just MS' 20 years of experience at work." "He also gets him to lower his pace against batters who are purely power players. Against batters who use the pace - like a Rohit Sharma, or a Mahela Jayawardene, or a Virat Kohli - those players Matheesha might struggle against for now," Malinga said during an interaction with ESPNcricinfo. Malinga plays downs Dhoni's advice for Pathirana Earlier in the tournament, MS made remarks about Pathirana's future, saying to bring the best out of him, Sri Lanka must utilise his services carefully - further suggesting that he should stick to playing in white-ball tournaments and be away from Test cricket. Commenting on the same, Malinga said MS must be joking because he strongly disagrees with the CSK captain. Backing his point, Malinga added, "I think anyone who tells him (Pathirana) not to play red-ball cricket is doing that because they think he will get injured. I played red-ball cricket first. No one said anything like that to me. I played red-ball cricket between 2004 to 2010, but I had a 16-year international career, and I played a lot of IPL, plus Big Bash and all the other leagues. "In all that time, I never left the field after injuring a hamstring, or a groin, or my back, or my calf. Maybe a lot of people will oppose me, but I don't think we should just presume that he will get injured. I've played cricket this way and bowled like him, so I know what the challenges are," Malinga added. In IPL 2023, Pathirana has picked 15 wickets from 10 matches, with an economy rate of 7.56. With CSK qualifying for the playoffs this season, Pathirana will have a chance to impress everyone during the knockout stages. CSK will next face Gujarat Titans on Tuesday, May 23rd, in Qualifier 1 at Chepauk. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

IPL 2023: Lasith Malinga disagrees with MS Dhoni, backs compatriot Matheesha Pathirana to play Tests

<p>Sri Lanka have been docked a point in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League cycle for their slow over-rate in the first ODI against New Zealand at Auckland.</p>

<p>As per Article 16.12.2 of the Super League Playing Conditions, a side is penalised one point for each over short. Consequently, Sri Lanka lost one point from their points tally. The tourists were also fined 20 per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand on Saturday. This was in accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences. Players are fined 20 per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.</p>

<p>The match referee, Jeff Crowe, imposed the sanction after Dasun Shanaka's team were ruled to be one over short after time allowances were taken into consideration.</p>

<p>The charges were levelled by the on-field umpires, Shaun Haig and Wayne Knights, third umpire Chris Brown and fourth umpire Cory Black.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-sachin-tendulkar-abdul-razzaq-names-master-blasters-iconic-teammate-as-most-dangerous-player-576611">Not Sachin Tendulkar! Abdul Razzaq names Master Blaster's ICONIC teammate as 'most dangerous player'</a></p>

<p>Shanaka pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.</p>

<p>The top eight sides in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League standings qualify directly for the World Cup. Sri Lanka are currently placed at the ninth spot with a game to go. South Africa (78 points) are one below with two to play, and Ireland (68 points) have three fixtures in hand.</p>

<p>This deduction along with a washout in Christchurch means that Sri Lanka now have 81 instead of 82 points. With only a solitary fixture in their hand, the Sri Lankans are in danger of missing out on a direct berth to the World Cup.</p>

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Sri Lanka have been docked a point in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League cycle for their slow over-rate in the first ODI against New Zealand at Auckland.

Sri Lanka have been docked a point in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League cycle for their slow over-rate in the first ODI against New Zealand at Auckland. As per Article 16.12.2 of the Super League Playing Conditions, a side is penalised one point for each over short. Consequently, Sri Lanka lost one point from their points tally. The tourists were also fined 20 per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand on Saturday. This was in accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences. Players are fined 20 per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. The match referee, Jeff Crowe, imposed the sanction after Dasun Shanaka's team were ruled to be one over short after time allowances were taken into consideration. The charges were levelled by the on-field umpires, Shaun Haig and Wayne Knights, third umpire Chris Brown and fourth umpire Cory Black. ALSO READ | Not Sachin Tendulkar! Abdul Razzaq names Master Blaster's ICONIC teammate as 'most dangerous player' Shanaka pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. The top eight sides in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League standings qualify directly for the World Cup. Sri Lanka are currently placed at the ninth spot with a game to go. South Africa (78 points) are one below with two to play, and Ireland (68 points) have three fixtures in hand. This deduction along with a washout in Christchurch means that Sri Lanka now have 81 instead of 82 points. With only a solitary fixture in their hand, the Sri Lankans are in danger of missing out on a direct berth to the World Cup. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

ODI World Cup qualification: Sri Lanka suffer MASSIVE setback, docked point for slow overate against NZ

<p>On March 03, Australia defeated India on&nbsp;Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, to keep&nbsp;the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022/23&nbsp;series alive. With this win, Pat Cummins-led Aussies have qualified for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, which will be held in early June at The Oval, London.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the Indore Test, nothing clicked for Rohit Sharma-led India. Opting to bat first, they only managed a paltry 109 (with Matthew Kuhnemann taking 5 for 16) before Australia was dismissed for 197, taking a vital 88-run lead. In their second essay, India fell flat once again -- with Player-of-the-Match Nathan Lyon ending with 8 for 64 (match figures of 11 for 99) -- and gave a 76-run target. Eventually, Travis Head's 49* and Marnus Labuschagne's 28 not out led Steve Smith &amp; Co. to a nine-wicket win in regular captain Cummins' absence.</p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, Smith said, "I really enjoyed it and like captaining in this part of the world as I understand the conditions really well. There's an event every ball and a lot different to the other parts of the world, and I did a reasonable job this week. Much the same, we will wait and see what the conditions are like (in Ahmedabad), but we are really proud to clinch a spot in the WTC final. Hopefully, we can put a similar performance and draw the series."</p>

<p>Despite their WTC final qualification, Cummins-less Australia will be eager to not rest on their recent laurels and go for a 2-2 series-levelling win over Rohit's Team India. For India, the home side have an unassailable 2-1 lead going into the fourth and final Test -- to kick off in Ahmedabad on Thursday (March 09) -- but will surely aim for a famous home series win and qualify for the WTC final. At present, India are favourites to meet their arch-rivals Australia in the summit clash, in June, but Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka also remain in the race. Thus, they can certainly&nbsp;dent Rohit &amp; Co.'s chances. <em><strong>Here's how:</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>How can Sri Lanka topple India and reach WTC final?</strong></p>

<p>Australia are set to face either India or Sri Lanka in the final of the second cycle of the WTC. Fourth-placed South Africa are very much out of contention even though they are likely to whitewash West Indies in the ongoing two-match Test series at home. For SL, India remains&nbsp;their biggest threat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karunaratne &amp; Co. are set to lock horns with Tim Southee's New Zealand in a two-match Test series, which kicks off&nbsp;on March 09 at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch. They would&nbsp;hope India lose the Ahmedabad Test to remain in contention. After that, they will aim to&nbsp;win&nbsp;their remaining two games. But if they lose or draw even one game, they will stand eliminated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India&nbsp;need to win the Ahmedabad Test to end Sri Lanka's hopes. However, if they fail, they will depend on the inaugural edition's winners New Zealand to prevent the Sri Lankans from pulling off a stunning 2-0 whitewash.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-not-ms-dhoni-csk-wanted-to-buy-this-marquee-indian-player-in-inaugural-auction-569422">IPL 2023: Not MS Dhoni! CSK wanted to buy THIS marquee Indian player in inaugural auction</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Updated WTC points table:</strong></p>

<p><img alt="ICC WTC  Points Table  " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5f5689b-e8c3-4fb1-b97e-d5d772339e4a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTC%20ponts%20.png" /></p>

<p><strong>India remain favourites to meet Aus:</strong></p>

<p>India have won ten and lost five games in the ongoing cycle in six series (including Australia Tests at home). They played the inaugural edition's final, where they lost to the Kiwis and will be desperate to have another go at winning the title.</p>

<p>After the Indore Test loss, Rohit said at the post-match presentation, "We haven't thought about it yet (WCT final), we have sometime to think about what we need to do there (Ahmedabad Test). We need to regroup and try and understand what we did right in the first 2 games. We need to understand, no matter what the pitches are, you gotta come out and do the job. We need to keep it simple and follow the plan."</p>

<p>While SL just have to win their next two games, if India lose the Ahmedabad Test, it surely won't be easy for them. The Black Caps have not lost a home Test series since early 2017.</p>

<p>Ahead of the two-match series opener, NZ captain Southee said, "It has been great to have the amount of people who have been talking about Test cricket, to see the Basin Reserve filled for five days was great to be a part of."</p>

<p>"I think, just in general, the guys are pleased to see people talking about Test cricket. And Test cricket being exciting. England have played their part in that, over the last year or so. The guys still see Test cricket as the pinnacle of the game. It is a match that will be talked about for a long time, but they are a very humble group. Now our focus will shift to Sri Lanka."</p>

<p>"We are obviously out of the Test Championship, and they have got plenty to play for over the next two weeks," the pacer added.</p>

<p>Who will meet the Aussies in the finale? India or SL? Only time will tell...</p>

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On March 03, Australia defeated India on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, to keep the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022/23 series alive. With this win, Pat Cummins-led Aussies have qualified for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, which will be held in early June at The Oval, London.

On March 03, Australia defeated India on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, to keep the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022/23 series alive. With this win, Pat Cummins-led Aussies have qualified for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, which will be held in early June at The Oval, London. Talking about the Indore Test, nothing clicked for Rohit Sharma-led India. Opting to bat first, they only managed a paltry 109 (with Matthew Kuhnemann taking 5 for 16) before Australia was dismissed for 197, taking a vital 88-run lead. In their second essay, India fell flat once again -- with Player-of-the-Match Nathan Lyon ending with 8 for 64 (match figures of 11 for 99) -- and gave a 76-run target. Eventually, Travis Head's 49* and Marnus Labuschagne's 28 not out led Steve Smith & Co. to a nine-wicket win in regular captain Cummins' absence. At the post-match presentation, Smith said, "I really enjoyed it and like captaining in this part of the world as I understand the conditions really well. There's an event every ball and a lot different to the other parts of the world, and I did a reasonable job this week. Much the same, we will wait and see what the conditions are like (in Ahmedabad), but we are really proud to clinch a spot in the WTC final. Hopefully, we can put a similar performance and draw the series." Despite their WTC final qualification, Cummins-less Australia will be eager to not rest on their recent laurels and go for a 2-2 series-levelling win over Rohit's Team India. For India, the home side have an unassailable 2-1 lead going into the fourth and final Test -- to kick off in Ahmedabad on Thursday (March 09) -- but will surely aim for a famous home series win and qualify for the WTC final. At present, India are favourites to meet their arch-rivals Australia in the summit clash, in June, but Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka also remain in the race. Thus, they can certainly dent Rohit & Co.'s chances. Here's how: How can Sri Lanka topple India and reach WTC final? Australia are set to face either India or Sri Lanka in the final of the second cycle of the WTC. Fourth-placed South Africa are very much out of contention even though they are likely to whitewash West Indies in the ongoing two-match Test series at home. For SL, India remains their biggest threat. Karunaratne & Co. are set to lock horns with Tim Southee's New Zealand in a two-match Test series, which kicks off on March 09 at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch. They would hope India lose the Ahmedabad Test to remain in contention. After that, they will aim to win their remaining two games. But if they lose or draw even one game, they will stand eliminated. Meanwhile, India need to win the Ahmedabad Test to end Sri Lanka's hopes. However, if they fail, they will depend on the inaugural edition's winners New Zealand to prevent the Sri Lankans from pulling off a stunning 2-0 whitewash. Also read: IPL 2023: Not MS Dhoni! CSK wanted to buy THIS marquee Indian player in inaugural auction Updated WTC points table: India remain favourites to meet Aus: India have won ten and lost five games in the ongoing cycle in six series (including Australia Tests at home). They played the inaugural edition's final, where they lost to the Kiwis and will be desperate to have another go at winning the title. After the Indore Test loss, Rohit said at the post-match presentation, "We haven't thought about it yet (WCT final), we have sometime to think about what we need to do there (Ahmedabad Test). We need to regroup and try and understand what we did right in the first 2 games. We need to understand, no matter what the pitches are, you gotta come out and do the job. We need to keep it simple and follow the plan." While SL just have to win their next two games, if India lose the Ahmedabad Test, it surely won't be easy for them. The Black Caps have not lost a home Test series since early 2017. Ahead of the two-match series opener, NZ captain Southee said, "It has been great to have the amount of people who have been talking about Test cricket, to see the Basin Reserve filled for five days was great to be a part of." "I think, just in general, the guys are pleased to see people talking about Test cricket. And Test cricket being exciting. England have played their part in that, over the last year or so. The guys still see Test cricket as the pinnacle of the game. It is a match that will be talked about for a long time, but they are a very humble group. Now our focus will shift to Sri Lanka." "We are obviously out of the Test Championship, and they have got plenty to play for over the next two weeks," the pacer added. Who will meet the Aussies in the finale? India or SL? Only time will tell... ×

NZ vs SL: EXPLAINED! How Sri Lanka can play spoilsport to India's WTC final chances