Nissanka, Fernando and Mendis lead Sri Lanka blitz and bowlers complete series clean sweep. T20 series should decide new look Sri Lanka revival. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor) Yes, for quite a spell there was reason to believe Sri Lanka cricket was hit and miss, they have now dispelled that theory with another comprehensive thrashing of Afghanistan to take them to a 3-0 series sweep in the one-dayers in Pallekelle. Afghanistan won the toss in anticipation of gaining an advantage, but the gamble backfired as Sri Lanka’s search for depth turned up trumps as their reshuffled bowling attack restricted them to a gettable target. Pace and a new look spin attack bowled the Afgans out for 266 in 48.2 overs proving there’s plenty in the tank if needed. No Hasarsnga, Theekshana, and Chameera made little difference as Pramod Madushan 3 for 45, Asitha Fernando 2 for ...

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Batters hit top gear as Sri Lanka smash Afganistan to a series win – Same team but different mindset appears to be selectors master-stroke – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE  (eLanka Sports editor) Sri Lanka shed their ‘inconsistency’ tag thrashing Afganistan by 155 runs while lightning up the hills of Pallekelle to the dawning of a welcome form turnaround, and silencing their critics in the process. Teetering on the edge of being written off in all formats, Sri Lanka appear to have discovered the correct horses for courses strategy from the available talent, and Coach Chris Silverwood can breathe easy as the new selection committee goes about putting together the pieces and the right squads for the different formats. There’s no disputing the talent in Sri Lanka cricket, but issues off field has derailed the games administration creating an unwanted distraction to their performances on the field. The new look ...

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Zimbabwe expose Sri Lanka’s inconsistency to level T20 series – Matthews goes from hero to villain in dramatic loss – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE (eLanka Sports editor) Zimbabwe’s tail wagged vigorously as they bounced back to smash Sri Lanka by four wickets in game two of the three match T20 series at the R. Premadasa stadium in Colombo.  Chasing what seemed like a par total of 173, Craig Ervine, 70 off 54 with 2 sixers and 6 fours, and later tail enders Luke Jongwe 25 off 12 with 2 sixers and 2 fours, and Clive Madande 15 off 5 balls wit 2 sixers ripped Sri Lanka’s attack to shreds to motor to what appeared an unlikely win with a ball to spare. Jongwe’s last over heroics earned him the Player-of-the-match.  Angelo Matthews who earlier made a significant unbeaten 66 run contribution to Sri Lanka’s total, was at the receiving ...

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Sri Lanka scramble home in a nail biter – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE – (eLanka Sports editor) Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the T20 series against Zimbabwe, but the win was an unconvincing last ball thriller despite chasing a mediocre target. Adding to the drama was the questionable Angelo Matthews player- of- the match award for his face saving 46, despite a great allround performance from Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza that should have been rewarded despite being at the losing end. Razar smashed 62 off 42 balls with 2 sixers and 5 fours and then had Sri Lanka in a twist grabbing 3 for 13 off 4 overs to nearly win the game single-handedly. There must have been a few heads scratching at the decision.  Sri Lanka managed to stave off defeat thanks to Angelo Matthews (46), and former skipper Dasun Shanaka 26 off 18 balls), who ...

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Dasun Shanaka inspires Sri Lanka leveller. But validity of Indian team selection under question – By TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE India’s arrogance backfired on them when Sri Lanka led by skipper Dasun Shanaka turned tables on them breathing new life to a questionable three game T20 series. Smarting from the first game loss to India’s second string, the pride if the Lion rose in defiance to beat India and level the T20 series reigniting casual interest in what appeared to be a listless contest. Dasun Shanaka led his team with pride in a man-of-the-match performance to give the visitors some respect in their 16-run win. While the decider is of academic interest, India’s disrespect of an opponent with their team selection suggests a few things. Did they plan this tour to generate financial benefit to the cash strapped Sri Lankans, or are they fearful of failure before the Australian leg ...

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