Trevine Rodrigo

New Zealand crush hopeless Sri Lanka to make it a clean sweep.  –  BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE  Sri Lanka can pretend no more. They are just a hopeless Cricketing nation at the minute. What is being discussed by the wider circle of cricket fans is how did a team that is so lopsided actually challenge the best and attempt to make the Test Championship final? On reflection it would be fair to say it was laughable and unattainable. It also throws a heavy cloud over coach Chris Silverwood who confidently predicted a memorable tour. If by memorable he really meant nightmarish, the tour so far, is forgettable and delivered just that. Silverwood who appeared to be the Island nation’s good luck charm is now probably scratching his head for answers as the teams in all formats continue to flounder. Where they actually belong has been unravelled by New Zealand ...

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New Zealand batters bludgeon Sri Lanka attack then strike crucial blows – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls feasted on  Sri Lanka’s mediocre bowling attack blasting scintillating double centuries as the Kiwis took control of the second Test. Together with Henry Nicholls, Williamson led the the Kiwis on a leather hunt as the slow green tinged surface in Wellington gave no assistance to the Sri Lanka attack as runs flowed freely and in abundance.  New Zealand amassed 580 for 4 in quick time before Skipper Tim Southee invited Sri Lanka to bat 21 overs left on day two in a endeavour to gain an early advantage.  They managed to do just that as Sri Lanka’s batting struggled to 26 for two in 14 overs before bad light stopped play. Sri Lanka’s reply appeared to suggest that what was an easy paced batters’s paradise was transformed into ...

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New Zealand batters produce whirlwind chase to pull off a last ball thriller. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE Kane Williamson capitalised on an early life to propell New Zealand to a dramatic last ball win over a luckless Sri Lanka at Haply Oval in Christchurch.  The former skipper plotted a well thought out plan to lead the Kiwis to a fascinating victory, albeit heart stopping, as they scrambled for a leg bye and only just made it as the bowler, Asitha Fernando, threw down the stumps at the bowlers end. The memorable victory breathed new life into Test cricket as the Kiwis, led by Williamson and  Darryl Mitchell weilded the willow in lusty one-day style to run down the target on a rain restricted game reduced to 53 overs. Williamson was unbeaten on 121 off 194 balls with 1 six and 11 fours, and Mitchell followed his first innings ...

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SRI LANKA DREAM OF A WORLD TEST FINAL – BEATING KIWIS DAUNTING CHALLENGE BUT ACHIEVABLE – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE  An experienced Sri Lanka squad begin their quest to gain some respect in world cricket by toppling New Zealand at home in a two Test series, which in this case, may not be far fetched.  Sri Lanka sits perilously at number three in the World Test Championship, and a clean sweep against the Kiwis and an Australian win in India could propel them into a dream final against Australia in England.  Dimuth Karunaratne leads a well balanced outfit strengthened by the inclusion of some veterans who will bring much needed stability to a team otherwise on a roller coaster in the shorter formats. Apart from the skipper,  Angelo Matthews,  Dinesh Chandimal and Oshada Fernando give the Lankans vital experience and stability particularly in the batting against the locals who ...

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Springvale RSL – all things entertainment and cuisine with a Sri Lankan touch thanks to the culinary expertise of Chef John Fernando – by Trevine Rodrigo (Melbourne – eLanka) Springvale RSL has taken a keen interest in all things entertainment and cuisine with a Sri Lankan touch thanks to the culinary expertise of Chef John Fernando. A memorable night of entertainment provided by Ebony and a feast of Sri Lankan and international food on an endless smorgasbord made it a tantalising experience allround. An international crowd enjoyed a sold out event at a very reasonable price that would never be repeated for its abundance. Good music, great food and wonderful company, made the night complete. View the full photo album on eLanka Facebook page – Click Here ...

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Women’s World Cup in South Africa – Sri Lanka flatter, then flop as they receive a Kiwi hiding – by BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE Sri Lanka’s dream of making the World Cup semi finals evaporated on the back of a lacklustre performance against New Zealand after a 101-run thrashing. A dream start with wins over hosts South Africa and then Bangladesh soon turned to a nightmare when holders Australia and the New Zealand handed them successive thrashings showing them the door out from the competition. It was not all doom and gloom though, as the plucky Lankans showed they are on the rise and should be a formidable force in the not too distant future. What arose from the exposure was some exciting talent in both batting and bowling that should be harnessed and nurtured. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu has carried this team with the bat for a long period ...

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Valentine’s day at the Grand on Princes – By Trevine Rodrigo It was a night about, love, loving that special one, and music that creates the mood. Valentine’s day at the Grand on Princes delivered just that as Corrine Almeida and Ebony and Stan Azzopardi with Stex, comprising Lex Pirotta and Denis Bugat belted out some fantastic songs to suit the occasion. Esric Jackson joined the celebration with his own rendition of Country favourites that has been his trademark over many decades. Corrine was in scintillating form as the veteran of Sri Lanka music showcased why she has been on top of her game over a long successful journey in music. Personally, Valentine’s day should be every day, if you love someone. That’s my personal perspective. But the special day dedicated to it, (February 14) each year brings out the romantic in most couples and also delivers a reason for ...

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WOMEN’S WORLD CUP IN SOUTH AFRICA – Relentless Aussies burst Sri Lanka bubble – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE (eLanka Sports editor) Sri Lanka’s dream start at the Women’s World Cup was jolted to reality when defending champions Australia cruelly burst their bubble with a comprehensive thrashing of the Islanders. With much riding on this game from a Sri Lankan perspective, on the road of discovery as to their true standing, the Island nation soon discovered the yawning gap between the best and the rest.  The Aussies won the toss and challenged the Lankans to show what they’ve got with the bat. They didn’t have much, or a challenging target to offer, mainly due to the accuracy of Australia’s bowlers backed by brilliant fielding that restricted Sri Lanka to a mere113.  Then openers Alyssa Healey 54 off 43 balls with one six and 6 fours, and Beth Mooney 56 off ...

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WOMEN’S WORLD CUP IN SOUTH AFRICA – Pumped up Sri Lanka women romp against Bangladesh – By TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE Sri Lanka’s women proved their win over South Africa in the opener was no flash-in-the-pan going on to demolish Bangladesh in their second stint while raising exciting possibilities of playing finals for the first time.  The plucky Lankans, in a new mindset of self belief, have stunned the competition at its outset and need a win over heavy weights Australia the holders or New Zealand to make the top two in their group.  Winning the toss and batting first, Bangladesh were in early strife against a varied Sri Lanka attack now proving to be lethal particularly among the spinners led by Inoka Ranaweera and Oshadi Ranasinghe.  This time however, Skipper Chamari Athapaththu chimed in with two wickets to help contain the Bangladeshis to a gettable 126 in their allotment. ...

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‘Creamy’ dubious Indians escape sanction despite irregular practice. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE.  India sidestepped the furore of possible ball tampering and set a precedent that must be maintained if no action is taken against Ravinda Jadeja and Mohamed Sriraj. In what was definitely a breach of match protocols, the Indian duo blatantly helped each other with what was later claimed to be a ‘pain relieving cream’ while Jadeja was bowling against Australia.  The wily spinner who claimed five wickets in Australia’s first innings was clearly picked up by cameras rubbing a substance off the back of Sriraj’s hand and applying it to his spinning finger. Controversy raged following the incident as cricket fans and experts debated whether it constituted ball tampering. The new interpretation of the rules don’t allow anything to be introduced to the ball that could enhance its performance that would give the bowler an unfair ...

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