Sri Lanka gear up for World Cup qualifiers with series win over Afghanistan

The series may have started with an ominous-feeling six-wicket defeat, but Sri Lanka bounced back to complete a 2-1 series win beating Afghanistan by nine wickets in Hambantota.

Afghanistan bowled out for 116 in third ODI

Fast bowlers Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara made early inroads, before spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana cleaned up the tail, as Sri Lanka bowled out Afghanistan for 116 in the third ODI in Hambantota.

Afghanistan opt to bat first in series-deciding ODI; Sri Lanka make one change

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and opted to bat first in the series deciding third ODI against Sri Lanka in Hambantota.

Confident Sri Lanka eye series win

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will play a crucial series deciding match when they clash in the third and final ODI scheduled to be played at the Sooriyawewa Stadium on Wednesday.

Cummins says WTC final, Ashes can secure legacy for Australia

Australia captain Pat Cummins said on Tuesday the World Test Championship final against India and the subsequent Ashes tour of England will define his side’s place in cricket history.

Broad hopes Pujara and Kohli make Australia toil ahead of Ashes

England bowler Stuart Broad hopes India stars Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli can make Australia toil ahead of the Ashes during this week’s World Test Championship final.

Australia and India are relaxed but ready as WTC23 Final arrives : Preview

The peace won’t last for long, with the ICC World Test Championship Final set to bring the noise inside the gates of the famous south London ground, but The Oval’s calmness is in harmony with the two squads’ attitudes ahead of their title-deciding clash.

Sri Lanka’s Chamari, Harshitha nominated for Women's ICC player of the month award

Sri Lanka’s Women’s team captain Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama have been nominated for the Women’s International Cricket Council (ICC) Player of the Month Award for May.

Unbeaten Madushka ton, Madushanka four-fer help Sri Lanka A to series-levelling win

Opener Nishan Madushka scored an unbeaten century after left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka ripped through the South Africa A top order as Sri Lanka A recorded a comfortable seven-wicket win in the second unofficial ODI in Pallekele.

Overlooked Dilshan Madushanka takes four wickets against South Africa ‘A’

Left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka, who was overlooked for the ODI series against Afghanistan, took four wickets as Sri Lanka ’A’ bowled out South Africa ’A’ for 175 runs in the second unofficial ODI in Pallekele.

Pakistan may pull out of Asia Cup after Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh reject ’Hybrid Model’: Report

Left with no option after Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan backed out of their proposed ’Hybrid Model’, hosts Pakistan may pull out of the Asia Cup in September.

World Test final takes centre stage amid T20 boom

The World Test Championship final between Australia and India at the Oval starts Wednesday against a backdrop of fears for the long format given the growth of Twenty20 franchise leagues.

Afghanistan Fined 20% Match Fee for Slow Over-Rate in First ODI vs Sri Lanka

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fined Afghanistan 20 percent of their match fee for failing to maintain an acceptable over-rate during their first ODI against Sri Lanka in Hambantota.

England spinner Leach ruled out of Ashes

England’s Ashes preparations were dealt a blow on Sunday as frontline spinner Jack Leach was ruled out of the series due to a lower back stress fracture.

Sri Lanka square ODI series with 132 run win over Afghanistan

Sri Lanka bounced back to square the three-match one-day international series against Afghanistan on Sunday, with a comprehensive 132-run win at Hambantota.

Top order runs, middle order cameos take Sri Lanka to 323 for 6 in second Afghanistan ODI

Strong top order contributions and cameos from Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga at the end propelled Sri Lanka to 323 for 6 in their 50 overs in the second ODI against Afghanistan in Hambantota a short while ago.

Zadran, Shah guide Afghanistan to win over hapless Sri Lanka

Right-handers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah cracked half-centuries laying the foundation for Afghanistan to ease to a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI played at the Sooriyawewa Stadium today.

Rashid Khan travels to India for treatment on lower back injury

Afghanistan’s 24-year-old bowling all-rounder Rashid Khan has travelled to India to receive treatment for his lower back injury, it is learnt.

Dhoni doing ’well’ after knee surgery - team

M.S. Dhoni is doing well after knee surgery, IPL champions Chennai Super Kings said Friday, as the skipper weighs up whether to play on.

Asalanka helps Sri Lanka to 268 in first ODI against Afghanistan

Charith Asalanka narrowly missed out on a second career ODI century with Sri Lanka bowled out for 268 in the first ODI against Afghanistan in Hambantota a short while ago.

SL vs AFG 1st ODI Live Score: Afghanistan Won The Toss, Opt To Bowl

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Live Score: Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bowl first

Afghanistan win the toss, opt to field first; debuts for Pathirana and Hemantha

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to field first in the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Hambantota.

Debuts for Hemantha and Pathirana on the cards as Sri Lanka build up to key World Cup qualifiers

Leg spinner Dushan Hemantha and sling-armed fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana are in line for One Day International debuts when Sri Lanka take on Afghanistan in the first ODI in Hambantota tomorrow.

Sri Lanka set to unleash IPL star Matheesha Pathirana ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Although Pathirana has played just one Twenty20 International, he is already a star after performing a key role for Chennai in the Super Kings’ run to a record fifth Indian Premier League title.

South Africa ’A’ team arrive in Sri Lanka

The South Africa ’A’ squad, led by batsman Tony de Zorzi, arrived in the island this morning, for three one day matches and two unofficial Tests.

Afghanistan star ruled out of opening ODIs of Sri Lanka series

Star spinner Rashid Khan will be sidelined for Afghanistan’s opening two matches of the three-ODI series against Sri Lanka due to a lower back injury.

Kaveen Bandara guides NCC to third successive win

An unbeaten 51 in 34 balls inclusive of five boundaries and two sixes by Kaveen Bandara paved the way for NCC to overcome Air Force SC by seven wickets and record their third successive win of the ongoing Major Club T20 cricket tournament played at P. Sara Stadium.

Test win over England would be new high for Irish cricket: Balbirnie

Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie said beating England in a Test would “easily be our best achievement in cricket” as the underdogs prepare to face Ben Stokes’ men at Lord’s this week.

Dhoni in no mood to retire

Contrary to speculations, Captain Cool springs another surprise — wants to return for at least 1 more season, provided the body allows him to.

South Africa’s ’A’ Team Arrival

The South Africa ’A’ Team will arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow morning.