Sri Lanka bounced back in the second T20I to level the series 1-1 against the West Indies, securing a commanding 73-run victory. Pathum Nissanka’s crucial half-century helped Sri Lanka post a total of 162 for 5, while the home side’s spinners wreaked havoc on a turning track to bundle out the visitors for just 89 in 16.1 overs.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Sri Lanka struggled in the early overs, scoring just 8 runs in the first three. However, Pathum Nissanka’s aggressive hitting in the second over, which included four boundaries, kickstarted the innings. Nissanka then partnered with Kusal Mendis to accelerate the scoring, as Sri Lanka reached 50 by the end of the PowerPlay.

Despite some breakthroughs for West Indies, including the dismissal of Mendis, Nissanka anchored the innings, reaching his 50 before falling to Shamar Joseph. Late contributions from Kamindu Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga pushed Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 162.

West Indies’ chase got off to a rocky start, with Sri Lankan debutant Dunith Wellalage picking up key early wickets, including Brandon King and Evin Lewis. Maheesh Theekshana and Wellalage tightened the noose, as the West Indies struggled to handle the spin-friendly conditions. The visitors went 37 deliveries without a boundary, and despite a brief resistance from Rovman Powell and Alzarri Joseph, West Indies collapsed for 89, handing Sri Lanka a comprehensive win.

Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 162/5 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 54, Kusal Mendis 26; Romario Shepherd 2-23, Shamar Springer 1-24)
West Indies 89 in 16.1 overs (Rovman Powell 20, Alzarri Joseph 16; Dunith Wellalage 3-9, Maheesh Theekshana 2-7)
Sri Lanka won by 73 runs.

Sanath Jayasuriya has been confirmed as the head coach of the Sri Lanka men’s cricket team until the end of the 2026 T20 World Cup. He had been serving as the interim head coach since July, but his recent performances and contributions have led Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to give him the role on a full-time basis.

During his interim tenure, Jayasuriya led the team to several significant achievements. Sri Lanka secured their first bilateral ODI series victory over India in 27 years. Additionally, the team recorded a historic away Test win against England after a decade and recently whitewashed New Zealand 2-0 in a home Test series. These performances have given Sri Lanka a fighting chance to qualify for the World Test Championship final.

The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket noted the team’s positive performances under Jayasuriya’s leadership. The board’s decision was influenced by his ability to deliver results in crucial series against India, England, and New Zealand, where he was in charge as the interim coach.

This marks Jayasuriya’s first significant step into coaching. He has previously stated that his primary role as head coach is to create an environment that allows players to perform with freedom. Players have responded well to his coaching style, with many offering positive feedback publicly.

Previously, Jayasuriya was involved with the team as the chief selector during two separate periods. However, his stints were overshadowed by a two-year ban under the ICC’s anti-corruption code, which has since been lifted.

His first assignment as the official head coach will be the upcoming limited-overs series against the West Indies, with matches set to be played in Dambulla and Pallekele.

Sri Lanka secured a 63-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Galle, taking a 1-0 lead in the series, thanks to a brilliant performance by spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. It took just 22 balls on the final morning for Sri Lanka to wrap up the game, with Jayasuriya claiming the last two wickets to dismiss New Zealand for 211.

New Zealand entered the final day needing 68 runs to win, with two wickets in hand and Rachin Ravindra unbeaten on 91. However, Jayasuriya quickly ended their hopes by trapping Ravindra leg-before with a delivery that straightened off the leg stump. Despite a review, Ravindra was dismissed, dashing New Zealand’s chances.

Jayasuriya continued to apply pressure and soon dismissed William O’Rourke, sealing his five-wicket haul and the win for Sri Lanka. His figures of 5/68, combined with Ramesh Mendis’ 3/83, were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s triumph.

Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka 305 & 309 (Dimuth Karunaratne 83; Ajaz Patel 6/90)
New Zealand 340 & 211 (Rachin Ravindra 92; Prabath Jayasuriya 5/68, Ramesh Mendis 3/83)

Sri Lanka won by 63 runs.

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat in the 1st Test against New Zealand at the Galle International Stadium. The match started at 10 AM on Wednesday, with both teams eager to make a strong start in this crucial series, which will influence their standings in the World Test Championship.

Sri Lanka, fresh off a dominant victory over England in their previous Test series, is brimming with confidence. New Zealand, on the other hand, is looking to begin their new Test season on a positive note after their one-off Test against Afghanistan was washed out due to rain.

The game saw an important moment right after lunch as Sri Lankan batter Dinesh Chandimal was dismissed, leaving the hosts to regroup as they look to post a strong total on the board. Both teams are aiming for a win to kick-start the series with momentum.

The upcoming England vs Sri Lanka Test series is set to be an intriguing contest, with former England middle-order batter Ian Bell now on the Sri Lankan side as their batting coach. The first Test will take place at Manchester on August 21.

Ian Bell’s New Role with Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has brought in Ian Bell to leverage his deep understanding of English conditions, aiming to provide their team with valuable insights.

• Ashley De Silva, CEO of SLC: “We appointed Ian to bring in a person with local knowledge to help the players with key insights on the conditions there. Ian has a lot of experience playing in England, and we believe his inputs will help our team in this crucial tour.”

Bell’s Cricketing Credentials

Bell, known for his elegant stroke play, had a distinguished career with England from 2004 to 2015. He scored 7727 runs in Tests at an average of 42.69, including 22 centuries.

• Role Commences: August 16, continuing through the three-match series.

England vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule

This series is important for both teams as they aim to improve their standings in the ICC World Test Championship.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that Charith Asalanka will captain the national team in the upcoming ODI series against India. The three-match series is set to begin on August 2. Asalanka, who recently captained the T20I team, will now also lead the ODI squad.

The 16-man squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. Key batsmen include Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis at the top order, with Sadeera Samarawickrama providing stability in the middle. Asalanka and Chamika Karunaratne round out the batting lineup. The spin-bowling duties will be handled by Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage, who impressed in the Asia Cup 2023. The pace attack includes Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, and Asitha Fernando.

📢 Sri Lanka ODI squad for India Series 📢 #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/FRVzXGyOoW

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 30, 2024

Notably absent from the squad are veteran players Angelo Matthews and Dasun Shanaka. Matthews, a long-time mainstay of the team, has been left out, while Shanaka, who missed part of the ODI World Cup 2023 due to injury, has not been recalled. Other omissions include Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thusara, both sidelined due to injuries.

The series will serve as a crucial opportunity for the Sri Lankan team to test their strength against a strong Indian side and build momentum ahead of future tournaments.

Chris Silverwood has resigned as the head coach of Sri Lanka’s national cricket team citing personal reasons. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board announced his departure on Thursday June 27 marking the end of a two-year tenure.

Silverwood’s decision comes shortly after Mahela Jayawardene stepped down from his role as consultant coach following Sri Lanka’s disappointing performance in the recent T20 World Cup. The team failed to progress beyond the group stage a setback that has prompted significant changes in the coaching setup.

In his farewell statement Silverwood emphasized the challenges of balancing international coaching with family life. “Being an international coach means long periods away from loved ones” he explained. “After lengthy conversations with my family and with a heavy heart I feel it is now time for me to return home.”

The 49-year-old Englishman took charge of Sri Lanka in April 2022 fresh off his stint with the England national team. His tenure saw both highs and lows including an Asia Cup victory in 2022 and a 3-2 ODI series win against Australia. However recent World Cup performances have been less than stellar.

As Sri Lanka Cricket looks to the future the search for a new head coach begins. The board will be keen to find a leader who can build on Silverwood’s successes while addressing the team’s recent struggles in major tournaments.