Sri Lanka have named five uncapped players in their provisional 30-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in England and Wales in June.
Showing posts with label Sri Lanka. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sri Lanka. Show all posts
April 8, 2013
April 3, 2013
Sangakkara: Politics will not curtail spirit of the game
T20-League governing council last week decided to withdraw top Sri Lankan players from all the Chennai matches after intense political pressure from Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa as she refused to host them in view of the prevailing anti-Sinhalese sentiments in the state.
When asked at an event in Hyderabad, how politics has affected the participation of Sri Lankan players in Chennai, he replied, "Politics in this case has restricted our presence, our belief to play in every part of India. But I don't think, sports and the spirit of cricket is ever going to be curtailed by such prejudice."
"The buildup has been different and difficult for Sri Lankan players. But at the end of the day they are here to play T20-League. The Sri Lankan Cricket Board has made it clear that no Sri Lankan players will be (playing) in Chennai," Sangakkara said. He also mentioned that "India is much more than Chennai and Tamil Nadu and I think the rest of India has been very welcoming of us".
"We are here to play cricket representing Sri Lanka and also on behalf of our franchisee."
Arjuna Ranatunga had asked the Sri Lankan players to opt out of the tournament over this matter, when queried about Ranatunga's stance, Sangakkara replied, "It's been a divisive issue back home as well. But this is not a nation-vs-nation issue. It's only a state issue...and I don't think it is the entire state (Tamil Nadu). So, we just got to put it in right perspective."
He further added, "Foreign policies are not going to be dictated by that and had it been a nation-vs-nation issue then Sri Lankan players would not have been here."
March 29, 2013
Highlights: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh - 3rd ODI Pallekele
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 3rd ODI Highlights Pallekele 2013. 3rd ODI Highlights Bangladesh vs Sri played at Pallekele 2013. Ban vs SL 3rd ODI Highlights played at Pallekele on 28 March 2013. Watch England tour of New Zealand 2013 cricket highlights below.
Sri Lanka thrashed Bangladesh in the first ODI and then the next ODI got washed off by rain. Sri Lanka now will be looking to seal the series in the final ODI of the series at the Pallekele. Bangladesh have played competitive cricket so far in the series but were outplayed in the first ODI. Tillakaratne Dilshan smashed a brilliant century to give Sri Lanka
a 1-0 lead in the series. Tamim Iqbal too scored the century in first
ODI but is ruled of the remaining series due to hairline fracture on his
right thumb. Jahurul Islam replaced the opener in the 2nd ODI but did
not get a chance to bat. Bangladesh had also included the 21-year-old
all-rounder Mominul Haque in place of Abul Hasan in the 2nd ODI and
Haque too would be a part of the playing XI for the third ODI. Sri Lanka on the other hand have retained their 1st ODI squad for the final ODI of the series. Watch out for the highlights of 3rd ODI of Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh below:
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
March 28, 2013
SL allows players to join IPL
Sri Lanka’s cricket board said Wednesday it would allow its players to
take part in the IPL Twenty20 tournament in India next month after
receiving assurances about their safety.
The government in Colombo had threatened to prevent any of the 13 Sri Lankan players contracted to play in the Indian Premier League from taking part after they were all effectively barred from playing in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
But after talks with the sports ministry on Wednesday, the board said it would give the green light to the players provided they were happy to go and also did not play in Tamil Nadu.
‘If and when the players express their intention to play in the IPL 2013, they would be permitted to proceed with the restriction indicated on playing in the state of Tamil Nadu,’ said a statement from the board.
There was no immediate comment from the Sri Lankan government.
The safety concerns surfaced after signs of growing anger among Indian Tamils over the Sri Lankan government’s treatment of their ethnic kinsmen.
There have been several anti-Sri Lanka protests in recent weeks and Tamil Nadu lawmakers called Wednesday for New Delhi to impose an economic embargo on the Colombo government.
The government in Colombo had threatened to prevent any of the 13 Sri Lankan players contracted to play in the Indian Premier League from taking part after they were all effectively barred from playing in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
But after talks with the sports ministry on Wednesday, the board said it would give the green light to the players provided they were happy to go and also did not play in Tamil Nadu.
‘If and when the players express their intention to play in the IPL 2013, they would be permitted to proceed with the restriction indicated on playing in the state of Tamil Nadu,’ said a statement from the board.
There was no immediate comment from the Sri Lankan government.
The safety concerns surfaced after signs of growing anger among Indian Tamils over the Sri Lankan government’s treatment of their ethnic kinsmen.
There have been several anti-Sri Lanka protests in recent weeks and Tamil Nadu lawmakers called Wednesday for New Delhi to impose an economic embargo on the Colombo government.
March 27, 2013
IPL pulls SL players out of Chennai
The Indian Premier League Governing Council on Tuesday has said that no Sri Lankan players will play in Chennai in the upcoming IPL 6 edition which starts from April 3.
March 25, 2013
Hambantota unchanged despite bees, blackout
Sri
Lanka will host Monday’s one-day international against Bangladesh at
the same venue where their first game was disrupted by bees and a
blackout, an official said.
Sri Lanka Cricket Secretary Nishatha Ranatunga said Saturday’s intermittent power failure at the venue, named after President Mahinda Rajapakse, was under investigation, but he was confident of hosting Monday’s game without a hitch.
“We are playing tomorrow at the same venue as scheduled,” Ranatunga told AFP. “We are getting some replacements (for the electricity supply) and our (engineering) teams are working on it.”
Saturday’s opening game was reduced to 41 overs following the power outage that lasted 90 minutes while some players also had to duck a swarm of bees flying past the boundary line.
Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by eight wickets to gain a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Local officials said the authorities had smoked bees out of a hive at the sprawling grounds before the match.
Ranatunga said Sri Lanka Cricket had employed the state-run electricity company to provide generators and back-up power to the 35,000 capacity stadium, which was initially built for the 2011 World Cup.
In a statement issued on Saturday night, Sri Lanka Cricket apologised.
“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to apologise to the millions of viewers and the general public for the inconvenience caused due to this technical fault,” it said.
It said two of the four light towers had failed due to a malfunction of the main electricity generator as well as a stand-by unit.
Some had thought the blackout was to do with Sri Lanka observing the earth hour, a symbolic global campaign in support for the planet, where people across continents switched off their lights for 60 minutes — all at 8:30 pm local time.
However, at the stadium the lights failed an hour and a half before the earth hour was officially observed in Sri Lanka.
After Monday’s game at Hambantota, the two teams move to Pallekele in central Sri Lanka for their 3rd one-day match on Thursday before a T20, also at Pallekele next Sunday.
Sri Lanka Cricket Secretary Nishatha Ranatunga said Saturday’s intermittent power failure at the venue, named after President Mahinda Rajapakse, was under investigation, but he was confident of hosting Monday’s game without a hitch.
“We are playing tomorrow at the same venue as scheduled,” Ranatunga told AFP. “We are getting some replacements (for the electricity supply) and our (engineering) teams are working on it.”
Saturday’s opening game was reduced to 41 overs following the power outage that lasted 90 minutes while some players also had to duck a swarm of bees flying past the boundary line.
Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by eight wickets to gain a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Local officials said the authorities had smoked bees out of a hive at the sprawling grounds before the match.
Ranatunga said Sri Lanka Cricket had employed the state-run electricity company to provide generators and back-up power to the 35,000 capacity stadium, which was initially built for the 2011 World Cup.
In a statement issued on Saturday night, Sri Lanka Cricket apologised.
“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to apologise to the millions of viewers and the general public for the inconvenience caused due to this technical fault,” it said.
It said two of the four light towers had failed due to a malfunction of the main electricity generator as well as a stand-by unit.
Some had thought the blackout was to do with Sri Lanka observing the earth hour, a symbolic global campaign in support for the planet, where people across continents switched off their lights for 60 minutes — all at 8:30 pm local time.
However, at the stadium the lights failed an hour and a half before the earth hour was officially observed in Sri Lanka.
After Monday’s game at Hambantota, the two teams move to Pallekele in central Sri Lanka for their 3rd one-day match on Thursday before a T20, also at Pallekele next Sunday.
March 24, 2013
Tamim ton boosts Tigers in Sri Lanka ODI
The left-handed opener (112) hit one six and 10 fours in his fourth one-day hundred to lead Bangladesh’s recovery after three wickets had fallen for 63 runs in the opening 13 overs.
Tamim, who reached his century with an edged four off seamer Angelo Mathews, put on 66 for the fourth wicket with Mohammad Mahmudullah (29) and 75 for the next with Nasir Hossain (73 not out).
The opener, who became the first Bangladeshi to score a hundred against Sri Lanka in one-day internationals, was run out in the 44th over.
Nasir cracked three sixes and six fours in his brisk 59-ball knock.
Pacemen Lasith Malinga and Mathews each bagged two wickets in the day-night match, briefly halted by a swarm of bees in the initial stages. The play was also held up late in the innings due to power failure.
Bangladesh, put in to bat, lost three wickets in the space of 19 runs after Tamim and Anamul Haque put on 44 for the opening wicket.
Seamer Thisara Perera struck in his second over when he bowled Anamul (13) while paceman Nuwan Kulasekara removed Mohammad Ashraful, who was superbly caught by a diving Kushal Perera at mid-off.
Mathews got a wicket with his fifth delivery when he trapped skipper Mushfiqur Rahim leg-before for three.
Tamim, who completed his half-century with a single to square-leg off Perera, gave a chance on 54 in the same over but Mathews dropped the catch at mid-off.
Bangladesh paceman Ziaur Rahman made his one-day debut.
March 23, 2013
Tigers hope to turn tide in Sri Lanka ODIs
Bangladesh
will seek inspiration from their Asia Cup victory over Sri Lanka when
they open a three-match one-day series in Hambantota on Saturday.
Mushfiqur
Rahim's Bangladeshis proved they were capable of surprising big teams
in the shorter format of the game when they beat World Cup finalists
India and Sri Lanka on their way to the Asia Cup final in Dhaka last
year.Bangladesh, who registered their third one-day win over Sri Lanka in 30 matches, produced more encouraging results at home last year, including a series victory over the West Indies.
The tourists also gave a good account of themselves in the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle before losing the second match and the series in Colombo recently.
"The way we played the first Test we can take a lot of positives. In the second Test, we bowled them out in one innings and that is quite a positive sign," Rahim said.
"We have been really playing well over the last one-and-a-half years."
Bangladesh's batting has been bolstered with the return of Mohammad Ashraful, who played his last one-dayer in October 2011. He looked in good touch in the recent Tests, scoring 190 in the opening match.
Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews will be keen to complete a double as captain after leading his side to victory in the Test series.
"It was important to win the (Test) series whoever you play against. We were under pressure to win and I think we played some really good cricket," said the Sri Lankan skipper.
Sri Lanka have also done well in recent one-dayers, winning a five-match series at home against New Zealand in November and then drawing a tough series 2-2 in Australia in January.
The second match will also be played in Hambantota on Monday, before the final encounter in Pallekele on March 28.
March 20, 2013
Hero Herath hailed
New Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews showered praise on Rangana Herath on Tuesday after the slow left armer's nagging accuracy did for Bangladesh in the second Test and brought up his 200th Test wicket.
Birthday boy Herath guides Sri Lanka to series win
Rangana
Herath celebrated his 35th birthday with a career-best 7-89 as Sri
Lanka clinched the series against Bangladesh with a comfortable
seven-wicket win in the second and final Test on Tuesday.
Opener
Tillakaratne Dilshan (57) and left-hander Kumar Sangakkara (55) put on
94 for the second wicket to steer the home team towards their 160-run
target on the penultimate day in Colombo.
The opening Test in Galle ended in a draw.
Former captain Sangakkara, who scored three successive centuries in the series, cracked eight fours in his 85-ball knock before being bowled by off-spinner Sohag Gazi.
He was named man of the series while Herath was man of the match.
Dilshan, bowled by paceman Robiul Islam, hit six fours in his 73-ball knock.
"What more can you ask from Herath? After Murali (Muttiah Muralitharan), Herath has been the man for us," said Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews, leading in his first Test series.
"We were put under a little bit of pressure in the first innings, but Sangakkara and (Dinesh) Chandimal scored those useful centuries. Bangladesh played really well but I never really doubted my team."
Bangladesh, trailing by 106 runs on first innings, were bowled out for 265 in their second innings after adding 107 to their overnight total of 158-4.
Left-arm spinner Herath did the damage by capturing four of the remaining six wickets in the morning. He also completed his third haul of 10 or more wickets in a Test, after bagging 5-68 in the first innings.
"We were probably 100 runs short in the second innings," said Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim, who still hailed his team's progress.
"We are really playing well over the last one-and-a-half years," he said. "A couple of young guys played really well against Sri Lanka in a pressure situation. Hopefully, they will get better with time."
Rahim (40) offered some resistance before becoming Herath's 200th Test victim, caught by Angelo Mathews at first slip after hitting one six and three fours in his 87-ball knock.
Tailender Abul Hasan cracked two sixes in his unbeaten 25 to help Bangladesh cross the 250 mark.
Herath had taken three wickets on Monday and struck again in his opening over of the morning, having Mominul Haque caught by Dimuth Karunaratne at short-leg with a delivery that turned and bounced.
Mominul had managed to add just one to his overnight score of 36.
Herath then bowled Nasir Hossain for a duck in his third over to reduce Bangladesh to 171-6.
Bangladesh counter-attacked, with Rahim smashing Herath for a straight six and Gazi (26) later lofting the spinner over long-off for his first six.
Gazi kept playing his shots after being dropped on 14 by Karunaratne at second slip off paceman Nuwan Kulasekara.
He hit the next two deliveries for fours but his flourish did not last long. He was caught by Suranga Lakmal at long-on while attempting a big slog off Herath, who shared the new ball with Kulasekara.
Sri Lanka on Monday were bowled out for 346 in their first innings in reply to Bangladesh's 240.
Sri Lanka 346 (Sangakkara 139, Chandimal 102) and 160/3
(Dilshan 57, Sangakkara 55) beat Bangladesh 240 (Mominul 64, Herath 5-68) and 265 (Tamim 59, Herath 7-89) by seven wickets
The opening Test in Galle ended in a draw.
Former captain Sangakkara, who scored three successive centuries in the series, cracked eight fours in his 85-ball knock before being bowled by off-spinner Sohag Gazi.
He was named man of the series while Herath was man of the match.
Dilshan, bowled by paceman Robiul Islam, hit six fours in his 73-ball knock.
"What more can you ask from Herath? After Murali (Muttiah Muralitharan), Herath has been the man for us," said Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews, leading in his first Test series.
"We were put under a little bit of pressure in the first innings, but Sangakkara and (Dinesh) Chandimal scored those useful centuries. Bangladesh played really well but I never really doubted my team."
Bangladesh, trailing by 106 runs on first innings, were bowled out for 265 in their second innings after adding 107 to their overnight total of 158-4.
Left-arm spinner Herath did the damage by capturing four of the remaining six wickets in the morning. He also completed his third haul of 10 or more wickets in a Test, after bagging 5-68 in the first innings.
"We were probably 100 runs short in the second innings," said Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim, who still hailed his team's progress.
"We are really playing well over the last one-and-a-half years," he said. "A couple of young guys played really well against Sri Lanka in a pressure situation. Hopefully, they will get better with time."
Rahim (40) offered some resistance before becoming Herath's 200th Test victim, caught by Angelo Mathews at first slip after hitting one six and three fours in his 87-ball knock.
Tailender Abul Hasan cracked two sixes in his unbeaten 25 to help Bangladesh cross the 250 mark.
Herath had taken three wickets on Monday and struck again in his opening over of the morning, having Mominul Haque caught by Dimuth Karunaratne at short-leg with a delivery that turned and bounced.
Mominul had managed to add just one to his overnight score of 36.
Herath then bowled Nasir Hossain for a duck in his third over to reduce Bangladesh to 171-6.
Bangladesh counter-attacked, with Rahim smashing Herath for a straight six and Gazi (26) later lofting the spinner over long-off for his first six.
Gazi kept playing his shots after being dropped on 14 by Karunaratne at second slip off paceman Nuwan Kulasekara.
He hit the next two deliveries for fours but his flourish did not last long. He was caught by Suranga Lakmal at long-on while attempting a big slog off Herath, who shared the new ball with Kulasekara.
Sri Lanka on Monday were bowled out for 346 in their first innings in reply to Bangladesh's 240.
Sri Lanka 346 (Sangakkara 139, Chandimal 102) and 160/3
(Dilshan 57, Sangakkara 55) beat Bangladesh 240 (Mominul 64, Herath 5-68) and 265 (Tamim 59, Herath 7-89) by seven wickets
March 19, 2013
Sri Lanka rest Herath for Bangladesh ODIs
Sri Lanka’s left-arm spinner Rangana Herath has been rested for the
first two home one-day internationals against Bangladesh, the national
selectors announced on Monday.
Opener Tillakaratne Dilshan has been named in a 16-man squad but his
participation is subject to fitness, according to a Sri Lanka Cricket
statement.
Former captain Mahela Jayawardene was not considered for selection as he had yet to recover from a finger injury.
Sri Lanka, led by all-rounder Angelo Mathews, will play three one-dayers and a one-off Twenty20 match against Bangladesh after the ongoing two-Test
series.
The first two one-dayers will be played in Hambantota on March 23 and 25.
The squad for the remaining limited-overs games will be named later.
Squad: Angelo Mathews (capt), Dinesh Chandimal (vice-capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kushal Perera, Kumar Sangakkara, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Sachithra Senanayake, Upul Tharanga, Kithuruwan Vithanage, Angelo Perera, Shaminda Eranga, Sachith Pathirana.
Former captain Mahela Jayawardene was not considered for selection as he had yet to recover from a finger injury.
Sri Lanka, led by all-rounder Angelo Mathews, will play three one-dayers and a one-off Twenty20 match against Bangladesh after the ongoing two-Test
series.
The first two one-dayers will be played in Hambantota on March 23 and 25.
The squad for the remaining limited-overs games will be named later.
Squad: Angelo Mathews (capt), Dinesh Chandimal (vice-capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kushal Perera, Kumar Sangakkara, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Sachithra Senanayake, Upul Tharanga, Kithuruwan Vithanage, Angelo Perera, Shaminda Eranga, Sachith Pathirana.
Herath 3-wickets puts Bangladesh in spin
Sri
Lanka’s Rangana Herath grabbed three wickets to put Bangladesh under
pressure on the third day of the second and final Test in Colombo on
Monday.
The left-arm spinner removed Mohammad Ashraful and then
accounted for well-set Jahurul Islam and Mohammad Mahmudullah off
successive balls as Bangladesh reached 158-4 in their second innings at
stumps.
The tourists, trailing by 106 on first innings, are now just 52 runs ahead with six wickets in hand. Mominul Haque was unbeaten on 36 with skipper Mushfiqur Rahim seven not out.
The stumble came after Bangladesh made a strong start, with Tamim Iqbal (59) and Jahurul (48) putting on 91 for the opening wicket.
Jahurul lost his patience and wicket when he stepped out of the crease, but missed the line and was stumped by Dinesh Chandimal. He hit one six and one four in his defiant 170-ball knock.
Herath bowled Mahmudullah with his next delivery but missed out on a hat-trick. Nuwan Kulasekara later dropped Mominul at mid-off when the batsman was on 30, denying Herath a fourth wicket.
Tamim was the first to go, inside-edging a Shaminda Eranga delivery on to the stumps after hitting one six and four boundaries in his impressive 12th Test half-century.
Sri Lanka were earlier bowled out for 346 in their first innings in reply to Bangladesh’s 240. They lost their remaining four wickets for 52 runs in 18.3 overs after resuming at 294-6.
Off-spinner Sohag Gazi finished with 3-111 off 39 overs, while pacemen Abul Hasan, Robiul Islam and Rubel Hossain each took two wickets.
Abul got a big wicket in the seventh over of the morning session when he removed Kumar Sangakkara (139), adjudged caught behind by the TV umpire after adding 12 runs to his overnight score of 127.
Sangakkara, who scored a century in each innings of the drawn first Test in Galle, cracked 11 fours in his third successive hundred, and the 33rd of his career.
Gazi then got two wickets as he bowled Herath for three and had Kulasekara (22) caught by wicket-keeper Rahim, who took his fifth catch of the innings.
Spinner Mahmudullah ended the innings when he had Eranga (15) caught by Ashraful at the long-on boundary.
The tourists, trailing by 106 on first innings, are now just 52 runs ahead with six wickets in hand. Mominul Haque was unbeaten on 36 with skipper Mushfiqur Rahim seven not out.
The stumble came after Bangladesh made a strong start, with Tamim Iqbal (59) and Jahurul (48) putting on 91 for the opening wicket.
Jahurul lost his patience and wicket when he stepped out of the crease, but missed the line and was stumped by Dinesh Chandimal. He hit one six and one four in his defiant 170-ball knock.
Herath bowled Mahmudullah with his next delivery but missed out on a hat-trick. Nuwan Kulasekara later dropped Mominul at mid-off when the batsman was on 30, denying Herath a fourth wicket.
Tamim was the first to go, inside-edging a Shaminda Eranga delivery on to the stumps after hitting one six and four boundaries in his impressive 12th Test half-century.
Sri Lanka were earlier bowled out for 346 in their first innings in reply to Bangladesh’s 240. They lost their remaining four wickets for 52 runs in 18.3 overs after resuming at 294-6.
Off-spinner Sohag Gazi finished with 3-111 off 39 overs, while pacemen Abul Hasan, Robiul Islam and Rubel Hossain each took two wickets.
Abul got a big wicket in the seventh over of the morning session when he removed Kumar Sangakkara (139), adjudged caught behind by the TV umpire after adding 12 runs to his overnight score of 127.
Sangakkara, who scored a century in each innings of the drawn first Test in Galle, cracked 11 fours in his third successive hundred, and the 33rd of his career.
Gazi then got two wickets as he bowled Herath for three and had Kulasekara (22) caught by wicket-keeper Rahim, who took his fifth catch of the innings.
Spinner Mahmudullah ended the innings when he had Eranga (15) caught by Ashraful at the long-on boundary.
March 17, 2013
Tigers fall to Herath heroics
Sri
Lanka’s Rangana Herath bagged five wickets as Bangladesh were bowled
out for 240 in their first innings on the opening day of the second and
final Test in Colombo on Saturday.
The left-arm spinner finished with 5-68, his 15th haul of five or more wickets in a Test innings, while fast bowler Nuwan Kulasekara took three wickets as the tourists were all out in the last session after being put in to bat.
Sri Lanka lost opener Tillakaratne Dilshan for no score before reaching 18-1 in reply at stumps. Opener Dimuth Karunaratne was unbeaten on 12 with Kumar Sangakkara (three not out).
Mominul Haque, who made 55 on debut in the drawn first Test in Galle, top-scored for Bangladesh with an impressive 64. Nasir Hossain (48), opener Jahurul Islam (33) and Sohag Gazi (32) were the other main scorers.
“We thought it would help the seamers. Luckily, I got some wickets but our bowlers bowled well on this track,” said Herath.
“I didn’t get much help before lunch, but after lunch I just kept the ball in the right place and that’s why I was successful.”
Herath dismissed skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (seven) and Mohammad Mahmudullah (eight) in four overs in the second session before removing Mominul, Gazi and Nasir in the last.
“It was a good wicket and the ball was coming nicely on to the bat. Herath did well because he maintained a good line and length,” said Mominul.
“If the outfield had been good (fast) our score could have reached 300-320.”
Nasir, who put on 59 for the seventh wicket with Gazi, cracked one six and two fours in his 87-ball knock before being the last man out, trapped leg-before by Herath.
Rahim, who became the first Bangladeshi to score a Test double-century in the last match, was bowled while Mahmudullah was caught by skipper Angelo Mathews, who dived from the slips to take a smart catch.
The 21-year-old Mominul put on 49 for the third wicket with Jahurul to steady the innings after Bangladesh had lost two crucial wickets in the first session.
Hard-hitting opener Tamim Iqbal was trapped leg-before for 10 while Mohammad Ashraful, who scored a brilliant 190 in the last match, was run out for 16.
Jahurul hit just two fours in his patient 129-ball knock before being caught by wicket-keeper Dinesh Chandimal off fast bowler Shaminda Eranga in the afternoon session.
Sri Lanka struck in the seventh over of the morning session when Kulasekara removed Tamim, returning to the side after missing the first match with an injury.
Sri Lanka made one change from the side that played the opening Test, bringing in paceman Suranga Lakmal in place of spinner Ajantha Mendis.
Bangladesh replaced Anamul Haque, Elias Sunny and Shahadat Hossain with Tamim, Robiul Islam and Rubel Hossain.
The left-arm spinner finished with 5-68, his 15th haul of five or more wickets in a Test innings, while fast bowler Nuwan Kulasekara took three wickets as the tourists were all out in the last session after being put in to bat.
Sri Lanka lost opener Tillakaratne Dilshan for no score before reaching 18-1 in reply at stumps. Opener Dimuth Karunaratne was unbeaten on 12 with Kumar Sangakkara (three not out).
Mominul Haque, who made 55 on debut in the drawn first Test in Galle, top-scored for Bangladesh with an impressive 64. Nasir Hossain (48), opener Jahurul Islam (33) and Sohag Gazi (32) were the other main scorers.
“We thought it would help the seamers. Luckily, I got some wickets but our bowlers bowled well on this track,” said Herath.
“I didn’t get much help before lunch, but after lunch I just kept the ball in the right place and that’s why I was successful.”
Herath dismissed skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (seven) and Mohammad Mahmudullah (eight) in four overs in the second session before removing Mominul, Gazi and Nasir in the last.
“It was a good wicket and the ball was coming nicely on to the bat. Herath did well because he maintained a good line and length,” said Mominul.
“If the outfield had been good (fast) our score could have reached 300-320.”
Nasir, who put on 59 for the seventh wicket with Gazi, cracked one six and two fours in his 87-ball knock before being the last man out, trapped leg-before by Herath.
Rahim, who became the first Bangladeshi to score a Test double-century in the last match, was bowled while Mahmudullah was caught by skipper Angelo Mathews, who dived from the slips to take a smart catch.
The 21-year-old Mominul put on 49 for the third wicket with Jahurul to steady the innings after Bangladesh had lost two crucial wickets in the first session.
Hard-hitting opener Tamim Iqbal was trapped leg-before for 10 while Mohammad Ashraful, who scored a brilliant 190 in the last match, was run out for 16.
Jahurul hit just two fours in his patient 129-ball knock before being caught by wicket-keeper Dinesh Chandimal off fast bowler Shaminda Eranga in the afternoon session.
Sri Lanka struck in the seventh over of the morning session when Kulasekara removed Tamim, returning to the side after missing the first match with an injury.
Sri Lanka made one change from the side that played the opening Test, bringing in paceman Suranga Lakmal in place of spinner Ajantha Mendis.
Bangladesh replaced Anamul Haque, Elias Sunny and Shahadat Hossain with Tamim, Robiul Islam and Rubel Hossain.
March 16, 2013
Sri Lanka face pressure from buoyant Bangladesh
Bangladesh exceeded expectations in the drawn first Test in Galle, posting their highest total of 638 in 76 matches since gaining Test status in 2000. The draw was their first after 12 successive defeats against Sri Lanka.
Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim led from the front with a solid 200, the first double-century by a Bangladeshi batsman in Tests. Mohammad Ashraful and Nasir Hossain also scored hundreds, dominating the Sri Lankan attack.
The home team’s batsmen also caught the eye in Galle, with Kumar Sangakkara scoring a century in each innings of the Test. Tillakaratne Dilshan, Lahiru Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal also made hundreds.
Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews, captaining in his first Test series, will hope the pitch at the R. Premadasa stadium in Colombo offers help to his bowlers, who struggled for success on the flat Galle track.
Spinners Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis and paceman Shaminda Eranga each conceded more than 100 runs in the first innings.
While another draw will be a moral victory for Bangladesh, it would severely dent Sri Lanka’s bowling reputation.
“It looks like a sporting wicket. To win a Test match we need to take 20 wickets,” said Mathews.
“We try to be as positive as we can. Bangladesh are a very dangerous team, so we cannot underestimate them. They performed extremely well in Galle, so we got to be careful,” he said.
The Bangladesh captain, who described the draw as a “huge achievement”, said he hoped his team would be able to repeat their Galle performance.
“They (Sri Lanka) are a pretty strong side and I am sure they will come hard at us. We want to be consistent. That’s our main target,” said Rahim.
“The last Test is history. Probably there will be couple of changes in our side. Tamim Iqbal is fit and ready to play.”
Hard-hitting opener Tamim missed the first Test due to injury, while left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak may also make it to the playing XI.
March 13, 2013
Sangakkara, Dilshan excel in drawn eight-ton Test
Sri
Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara completed his second century of the match
before the opening Test against Bangladesh ended in a tame draw on the
fifth and final day in Galle on Tuesday.
Sangakkara cracked a solid 105 and opener Tillakaratne Dilshan an impressive 126 as Sri Lanka declared their second innings at 335-4 at tea to set Bangladesh an improbable 268-run victory target in the last session.
The tourists finished at 70-1 in their second innings.
The flat track at the Galle International Stadium produced eight centuries, equalling the record of most tons in a Test, set during the West Indies-South Africa match at Antigua in 2005.
“The draw is huge and it was also the first time we took the lead against Sri Lanka,” said Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim, who was named man of the match.
“It is really enjoyable. The team is playing very well together. We didn’t really bowl well first up, so we had a chat that we need to show character and then our batsmen did really well.”
Sri Lanka added 219 to their overnight total of 116-1 for the loss of three wickets, with debutant Kithuruwan Vithanage (59) and skipper Angelo Mathews (38 not out) being the other main scorers.
Sangakkara completed his 32nd century, the highest by a Sri Lankan in Tests, with a single off off-spinner Mohammad Mahmudullah. He hit 10 fours in his 172-ball knock.
The former captain, who scored a brilliant 142 in the first innings, also became the fifth Sri Lankan to make a century in each innings of a Test after Duleep Mendis, Asanka Gurusinha, Aravinda de Silva and Dilshan.
“It was disappointing not to win the match. It was hard work for the bowlers, but the batsmen batted really well,” said Sri Lanka skipper Mathews.
“The batters would have loved to bat for another two days on this pitch. We have a couple days to freshen up and I look forward to the next game.”
Dilshan, 63 overnight, played some good shots in the opening session and reached his 16th Test hundred when he turned left-arm spinner Elias Sunny to square-leg for a single.
Dilshan and Sangakkara fell in the space of 19 runs after lunch, but not before putting on 213 for the second wicket.
Sangakkara, 49 overnight, was caught by Jahurul Islam off Mahmudullah at short mid-wicket, while Dilshan was caught by Abul Hasan at deep square-leg off the same bowler after hitting nine fours in his 190-ball knock.
Bangladesh also put in a solid batting performance in the match as they posted their highest Test total of 638 in their first innings on Monday in reply to Sri Lanka’s 570-4 declared.
Rahim top-scored with 200, the first Test double-century by a Bangladeshi batsman. Mohammad Ashraful (190) and Nasir Hossain (100) were the other main scorers.
The second and final Test starts in Colombo on Saturday.
Sri Lanka 570/4 dec (Sangakkara 142, Thirimanne 155, Chandimal 116*) and
335 /4 dec (Sangakkara 105, Dilshan 126, Vithanage 59) drew with
Bangladesh 638 (Mushfiqur 200, Ashraful 190, Nasir 100) and 70/1 (Jahurul 41*)
Sangakkara cracked a solid 105 and opener Tillakaratne Dilshan an impressive 126 as Sri Lanka declared their second innings at 335-4 at tea to set Bangladesh an improbable 268-run victory target in the last session.
The tourists finished at 70-1 in their second innings.
The flat track at the Galle International Stadium produced eight centuries, equalling the record of most tons in a Test, set during the West Indies-South Africa match at Antigua in 2005.
“The draw is huge and it was also the first time we took the lead against Sri Lanka,” said Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim, who was named man of the match.
“It is really enjoyable. The team is playing very well together. We didn’t really bowl well first up, so we had a chat that we need to show character and then our batsmen did really well.”
Sri Lanka added 219 to their overnight total of 116-1 for the loss of three wickets, with debutant Kithuruwan Vithanage (59) and skipper Angelo Mathews (38 not out) being the other main scorers.
Sangakkara completed his 32nd century, the highest by a Sri Lankan in Tests, with a single off off-spinner Mohammad Mahmudullah. He hit 10 fours in his 172-ball knock.
The former captain, who scored a brilliant 142 in the first innings, also became the fifth Sri Lankan to make a century in each innings of a Test after Duleep Mendis, Asanka Gurusinha, Aravinda de Silva and Dilshan.
“It was disappointing not to win the match. It was hard work for the bowlers, but the batsmen batted really well,” said Sri Lanka skipper Mathews.
“The batters would have loved to bat for another two days on this pitch. We have a couple days to freshen up and I look forward to the next game.”
Dilshan, 63 overnight, played some good shots in the opening session and reached his 16th Test hundred when he turned left-arm spinner Elias Sunny to square-leg for a single.
Dilshan and Sangakkara fell in the space of 19 runs after lunch, but not before putting on 213 for the second wicket.
Sangakkara, 49 overnight, was caught by Jahurul Islam off Mahmudullah at short mid-wicket, while Dilshan was caught by Abul Hasan at deep square-leg off the same bowler after hitting nine fours in his 190-ball knock.
Bangladesh also put in a solid batting performance in the match as they posted their highest Test total of 638 in their first innings on Monday in reply to Sri Lanka’s 570-4 declared.
Rahim top-scored with 200, the first Test double-century by a Bangladeshi batsman. Mohammad Ashraful (190) and Nasir Hossain (100) were the other main scorers.
The second and final Test starts in Colombo on Saturday.
Sri Lanka 570/4 dec (Sangakkara 142, Thirimanne 155, Chandimal 116*) and
335 /4 dec (Sangakkara 105, Dilshan 126, Vithanage 59) drew with
Bangladesh 638 (Mushfiqur 200, Ashraful 190, Nasir 100) and 70/1 (Jahurul 41*)
Highlights: 1st Test Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka- Day 5
Eight tons highlight Galle stalemate by ccnextday061
March 11, 2013
Highlights: 1st Test Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Day 4
Sri Lanka 570/4d and 116/1; Bangladesh 638
Mushfiqur 200 | Ashraful 190 | Nasir 100
Sri Lanka lead by 48 runs with 9 wickets remaining
Stumps: Day 4
Bangladesh make first 600-plus total by ccnextday061
March 10, 2013
Highlights: 1st Test: Sri Lanka v Bangladesh at Galle - day 3
Ashraful, Mushfiqur demoralise Sri Lanka by ccnextday061
Ashraful, Mominul lead Tigers fightback
Lahiru
Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal cracked maiden Test centuries to put
Sri Lanka in command on the second day of the opening Test against
Bangladesh in Galle on Saturday.
Left-handed Thirimanne hit a solid 155 not out and Chandimal an unbeaten 116 as the hosts declared their first innings closed at 570-4 after adding 209 to their overnight total of 361-3 for the loss of just one wicket.
Bangladesh were 135-2 in their first innings at stumps, with Mohammad Ashraful unbeaten on 65 and debutant Mominul Haque 35 not out.
Paceman Shaminda Eranga struck first when he had opener Jahurul Islam (20) caught behind and then unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis bowled debutant Anamul Haque (13) in his first over to put pressure on Bangladesh.
Ashraful then steadied the innings as he added 70 for the unfinished third-wicket stand with Mominul. He has so far hit seven fours in his 108-ball knock.
Thirimanne, playing his ninth Test, hit 14 fours in his 256-ball knock while Chandimal, in his sixth Test, smashed two sixes and 12 fours in a 151-ball innings. The pair dominated the Bangladeshi attack for more than a session.
“It was a great day for me. This is a dream start for a young cricketer like me,” said Thirimanne, 23.
“It was a great opportunity for me to bat with Chandimal. We have batted together at under-19 level also. He played his normal game and was a bit more aggressive.”
Bangladesh failed to make the most of the chances that came their way in the morning as they twice let off Chandimal early in his innings. The Sri Lankan went on to add 203 with Thirimanne.
“We have eight wickets in hand and I think if we can bat throughout the day tomorrow, the game will be in balance,” said Bangladesh’s Anamul Haque.
Thirimanne, 74 overnight, completed his hundred in the morning when he lofted left-arm spinner Elias Sunny over mid-on for two runs while Chandimal reached his century in the afternoon with three runs off spinner Mominul.
Chandimal went for big shots after scoring a 91-ball fifty as he took 45 more deliveries to complete his century, hitting a six each off spinners Mohammad Mahmudullah and Sohag Gazi.
Off-spinner Gazi finished with 3-164 off 50 overs, taking all of his wickets on Friday. Seamer Abul Hasan was the other wicket-taker, finishing with 1-112 off 27 overs.
Hasan, playing his second match, got a maiden Test wicket when he held a return catch to remove Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews early in the morning.
Mathews, who could add just two runs to his overnight score of 25, put on 62 for the fourth wicket with Thirimanne.
Scorecard
SL v BD, 1stTest, Day 2
SL 1st innings: 570/4d in 135 overs (Thirimanne 155*, Mathews 27, Chandimal 116*, Hasan 1/27,Gazi 3/50)
BD 1st innings: 135/2 in 43 overs (Jahurul 20, Anamul 13, Ashraful 65* Mominul 35*, Eranga 1/25, Mendis 1/28)
Left-handed Thirimanne hit a solid 155 not out and Chandimal an unbeaten 116 as the hosts declared their first innings closed at 570-4 after adding 209 to their overnight total of 361-3 for the loss of just one wicket.
Bangladesh were 135-2 in their first innings at stumps, with Mohammad Ashraful unbeaten on 65 and debutant Mominul Haque 35 not out.
Paceman Shaminda Eranga struck first when he had opener Jahurul Islam (20) caught behind and then unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis bowled debutant Anamul Haque (13) in his first over to put pressure on Bangladesh.
Ashraful then steadied the innings as he added 70 for the unfinished third-wicket stand with Mominul. He has so far hit seven fours in his 108-ball knock.
Thirimanne, playing his ninth Test, hit 14 fours in his 256-ball knock while Chandimal, in his sixth Test, smashed two sixes and 12 fours in a 151-ball innings. The pair dominated the Bangladeshi attack for more than a session.
“It was a great day for me. This is a dream start for a young cricketer like me,” said Thirimanne, 23.
“It was a great opportunity for me to bat with Chandimal. We have batted together at under-19 level also. He played his normal game and was a bit more aggressive.”
Bangladesh failed to make the most of the chances that came their way in the morning as they twice let off Chandimal early in his innings. The Sri Lankan went on to add 203 with Thirimanne.
“We have eight wickets in hand and I think if we can bat throughout the day tomorrow, the game will be in balance,” said Bangladesh’s Anamul Haque.
Thirimanne, 74 overnight, completed his hundred in the morning when he lofted left-arm spinner Elias Sunny over mid-on for two runs while Chandimal reached his century in the afternoon with three runs off spinner Mominul.
Chandimal went for big shots after scoring a 91-ball fifty as he took 45 more deliveries to complete his century, hitting a six each off spinners Mohammad Mahmudullah and Sohag Gazi.
Off-spinner Gazi finished with 3-164 off 50 overs, taking all of his wickets on Friday. Seamer Abul Hasan was the other wicket-taker, finishing with 1-112 off 27 overs.
Hasan, playing his second match, got a maiden Test wicket when he held a return catch to remove Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews early in the morning.
Mathews, who could add just two runs to his overnight score of 25, put on 62 for the fourth wicket with Thirimanne.
Scorecard
SL v BD, 1stTest, Day 2
SL 1st innings: 570/4d in 135 overs (Thirimanne 155*, Mathews 27, Chandimal 116*, Hasan 1/27,Gazi 3/50)
BD 1st innings: 135/2 in 43 overs (Jahurul 20, Anamul 13, Ashraful 65* Mominul 35*, Eranga 1/25, Mendis 1/28)
March 8, 2013
Sri Lanka bank on spin in Bangladesh Test
Hosts
Sri Lanka look set to extend their dominance over Bangladesh when they
open a two-Test series at their happy hunting ground in Galle on Friday.
Sri Lanka have won six and drawn one of their last eight Tests on the traditionally spin-friendly Galle wicket, and slow bowlers Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis are once again expected to play key roles.
Left-armer Herath grabbed 11 wickets in the last Test played in Galle in November to help Sri Lanka crush New Zealand by 10 wickets.
The unorthodox Mendis, set to play a Test for the first time since May 2011, is a proven match-winner with 62 wickets in 16 Tests.
The hosts will be at full-strength, barring the injured Mahela Jayawardene, after resolving a pay dispute with Sri Lanka Cricket earlier this week.
Sri Lanka’s batting has been bolstered by the return of veteran Kumar Sangakkara, who missed the third and final Test against Australia in January due to finger injury.
Sri Lanka go into the series under new captain Angelo Mathews with a 12-0 win record against Bangladesh, who will be without star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan due to calf injury.
Bangladesh have struggled at the Test level since their entry in 2000, losing 65 of their 75 matches so far, winning just three.
But former captain Mohammad Ashraful was confident his side will put up a good show.
“It doesn’t matter what happened in the past,” the middle-order batsman said. “Ours is a new side and Sri Lanka are also going through a transition. It should be a good contest.”
All-rounder Mohammad Mahmudullah said it was important for Bangladesh to start well in the Test. “Sri Lanka have the home advantage, so it is up to us to adapt quickly,” he said. “Like always, the first two sessions on day one will be crucial.”
Bangladesh will also play three one-day internationals and a one-off Twenty20 match on the month-long tour.
Sri Lanka (from): Angelo Mathews (capt), Dinesh Chandimal, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kumar Sangakkara, Lahiru Thirimanne, Shaminda Eranga, Kushal Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Kithuruwan Vithanage, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Chanaka Welegedara, Suranga Lakmal, Rangana Herath, Tharindu Kaushal.
Bangladesh (from): Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), Mohammad Mahmudullah, Abul Hasan, Anamul Haque, Elias Sunny, Jahurul Islam, Marshall Ayub, Mohammad Ashraful, Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Robiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Shahadat Hossain, Sohag Gazi, Tamim Iqbal.
Sri Lanka have won six and drawn one of their last eight Tests on the traditionally spin-friendly Galle wicket, and slow bowlers Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis are once again expected to play key roles.
Left-armer Herath grabbed 11 wickets in the last Test played in Galle in November to help Sri Lanka crush New Zealand by 10 wickets.
The unorthodox Mendis, set to play a Test for the first time since May 2011, is a proven match-winner with 62 wickets in 16 Tests.
The hosts will be at full-strength, barring the injured Mahela Jayawardene, after resolving a pay dispute with Sri Lanka Cricket earlier this week.
Sri Lanka’s batting has been bolstered by the return of veteran Kumar Sangakkara, who missed the third and final Test against Australia in January due to finger injury.
Sri Lanka go into the series under new captain Angelo Mathews with a 12-0 win record against Bangladesh, who will be without star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan due to calf injury.
Bangladesh have struggled at the Test level since their entry in 2000, losing 65 of their 75 matches so far, winning just three.
But former captain Mohammad Ashraful was confident his side will put up a good show.
“It doesn’t matter what happened in the past,” the middle-order batsman said. “Ours is a new side and Sri Lanka are also going through a transition. It should be a good contest.”
All-rounder Mohammad Mahmudullah said it was important for Bangladesh to start well in the Test. “Sri Lanka have the home advantage, so it is up to us to adapt quickly,” he said. “Like always, the first two sessions on day one will be crucial.”
Bangladesh will also play three one-day internationals and a one-off Twenty20 match on the month-long tour.
Sri Lanka (from): Angelo Mathews (capt), Dinesh Chandimal, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kumar Sangakkara, Lahiru Thirimanne, Shaminda Eranga, Kushal Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Kithuruwan Vithanage, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Chanaka Welegedara, Suranga Lakmal, Rangana Herath, Tharindu Kaushal.
Bangladesh (from): Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), Mohammad Mahmudullah, Abul Hasan, Anamul Haque, Elias Sunny, Jahurul Islam, Marshall Ayub, Mohammad Ashraful, Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Robiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Shahadat Hossain, Sohag Gazi, Tamim Iqbal.
