SRI LANKA CRICKET NEWS
(JULY 2025)
Compiled by Victor Melder
Sri Lanka the touring Bangladeshi’s by 77 runs in the first ODI played at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Scores:
Sri Lanka – 244 in 49.2 Overs (Asalanka 106, K.Mendis 45, Liyanage 29, Ahmed 4/47, Sakib 3/45)
Bangladesh – 167. 35.5 Overs (Hasan 62, Ali 51, Shanto 23, Hasaranga 4/10, K. Mendis 3/1)
Player of the Match: Charith Asalanga (Sri Lanka)
ODI Debut: Pravez Hossein Emon, Tanvir Islam, Allahuddien (Bngladesh), Milan Rathnayake (Sri Lanka)
The touring Bangladeshi’s beta Sri Lanka by 16 runs in the second ODI, playued at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Scores:
Bangladesh – 248 in 45.5 Overs (Emon 67, Hridoy 51, Sakib 33no, A.Fernando 4/35, Hasarangas 3/60)
Sri Lanka – 232 in 48.5 Overs (Liyanage 78, Kusal Mendis 56, Kamindu Mendis 33, Islam 5/39, Sakib 2.34)
Player of the Match; Tanvir Islam (Bangladesh)
Sri Lanka beat the touring Bangladeshi’s by 99 runs in the final ODI played at the Pallekelle International Stadium, Kandy. Scores:
Sri Lanka – 285/7 in 50 Overs ( Kusal Mendis 124, Asalanka 58, Nissanka 35, Hosan 3/48, Ahmed 2/51)
Bangladesh – 186 in 39.4 Overs (Hridoy 51, Hasan 28, Hossaqn 28, A.Fernando 3/33, Chameera 3/51, Hasaranga 2/35)
Sri Lanka won the 3-match series, 2-1.
Player of the Match: Kusal Mendsi (Sri Lanka)
Player of the Series: Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)_
Sri Lanka has named a formidable squad for their upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, headlined by the return of two key figures, former captain Dasun Shanaka and all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne. Shanaka, who last played for Sri Lanka in 2024 during a T20I series against India, returns after impressive performances in the domestic circuit. A proven match-winner with both bat and ball, his ability to deliver under pressure makes him a key figure in Sri Lanka’s T20 setup. His leadership experience also adds value to the squad in a supporting role. On the other hand, Chamika Karunaratne, who hasn’t featured since 2023, is another significant inclusion. Known for his aggression, energy, and ability to contribute in all three departments, Chamika’s return provides crucial depth to the bowling unit and stability in the lower middle order. Leading the side will be Charith Asalanka, supported by a strong group of batters including Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and Avishka Fernando. The middle order is further bolstered by Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Perera, both capable of shifting gears when needed. Sri Lanka’s spin department looks solid with Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, and Jeffrey Vandersay, offering both control and wicket-taking ability. The pace attack features young firepower and variety, with Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, and Eshan Malinga joining the returning Chamika Karunaratne. The T20I series will be played at three venues: Pallekele (10 July), Dambulla (13 July), and R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo (16 July). Squad: Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Eshan Malinga. (Ceylon Today, 9.7.2025)
Sri Lanka bat the touring Bangladeshi’s by 7 wickets in the first T20 played at Pallekelle International Stadium, Kandy. Scores: Bangladesh – 154/5 in 20 Overs (Emon 38, Naim 32, Miraz 29, Thheskshana 2/37)
Sri Lanka – 159/3 in 19 Overs (Kusal Mendis 73, Nissanka 42, Perera 4, Saifuddin 1/22)
Player of the Match: Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
The touring Bangladeshi’s beat Sri Lanka by 83 runs in the second T20 played at Rangiri International Stadium, Dambulla. Scores:
Bangladesh – 177/7 in 20 Overs(Das 73, Hossian 48, Hridoy 31, Binura Fernando 3/31)
Sri Lanka – 94 in 15.2 Overs (Nissanka 32, Shanaka 20, Hossein 3/18, Islam 2/21, Saifuddin 2/21)
Player of the Match: Litton Das (Bangladesh)
The touring Bangladeshi’s beat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in the third and final T20 played at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Scores:
Sri Lanka – 132/7 in 20 Overs (Nissanka 46, Shanaka 35no, Kamindu Mendis 31, Hasan 4/11, Hossain 1/10)
Bangladesh – 133/2 in 16.4 Overs (Hasan 73no, Das 32, Hridoy 27no, Thushara 1/25)
Player of the Match: Mahedi Hasan Bangladesh)
Player of the Series: Litton Das (Bangladesh)
Bangladesh won the 3-match series, 2-1.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is set to host a domestic T20 triangular tournament starting August 7 at the SSC Grounds, following the postponement of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), which was originally scheduled for August. With no international matches until the Zimbabwe tour begins on August 29, SLC has seized the opportunity to organize a high-intensity, competitive series aimed at sharpening the national T20 squad. The tournament will feature three teams—Team Blues, Team Greens, and Team Greys—composed of a blend of national and ‘A’ team players. Each side will play four round-robin games, with the top two teams meeting in the final on August 16. The tournament is being treated as the main selection trial for the upcoming Zimbabwe T20I series and the Asia Cup in September. Selectors are particularly focused on filling key batting positions, especially at No. 4 and No. 6, following Sri Lanka’s recent 2-1 T20I series loss to Bangladesh—a series that exposed gaps in the middle order and inconsistent fielding. The lack of explosive power hitters remains a major concern, especially ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and India. To address this, a specialized power-hitting training camp led by renowned coach Julian Wood began yesterday (July 30) and will continue until August 5. The camp focuses on advanced power-hitting techniques and biomechanics to improve players’ strike rate and finishing ability. The T20 triangular series will begin immediately after this camp, providing selectors with a real-time gauge of improvements and current form. “This tournament is a great opportunity to assess players in key roles ahead of the Zimbabwe tour,” said National Chief Selector Upul Tharanga, who also confirmed that the National and Provincial Selection Committees are jointly finalizing the squads. The tournament promises high-intensity action, with the cream of Sri Lanka’s white-ball talent vying for national spots in front of selectors. (Daily News, 31.7.2025)
