In the weeks that followed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s big election win, Sri Lanka witnessed some rapid international outreach — both from and to Colombo — reflecting the strategic and geographic prominence of the Indian Ocean island that is home to 21 million people.India was among the earliest to reach out to the new leader, perhaps reflecting South Block’s hope of emerging Sri Lanka’s foremost partner. Mr. Rajapaksa had barely assumed charge as President when External Affairs Minister Jaishankar landed in Colombo, to hand over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to New Delhi. In about a fortnight after his election, the newly-elected Sri Lankan President flew to New Delhi, promising to renew strong ties after a period of “misunderstanding” between India and the Rajapaksas. In an interestingly-timed interview to Indian website Bharat Shakti ahead of his departure, President Rajapaksa said his government will not do anything … [Read more...] about Sri Lanka and the world under the new presidency
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Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Play called off on Day 4 due to wet outfield
Overnight rain and poor light continued to mar Pakistan’s first home Test in a decade on Saturday, with officials calling the fourth day off before play had begun. Groundsmen wiped water from the pitch covers and rolled out a super sopper, but overcast conditions and poor light forced umpires Richard Kettleborough and Michael Gough to call off play at 12:00 local time (0700 GMT).Both the Pakistan and Sri Lanka teams remained in their hotel in Islamabad. Sri Lanka had won the toss and opted to bat on the first day, but play was called off after 68.1 overs due to bad light. Only 18.2 overs were possible on day two and 5.2 on the third.Also read: ‘Easy to switch formats’ - Mayank Agarwal makes ambitions clear after Test successSri Lanka were 282-6 in their first innings with Dhananjaya de Silva unbeaten on 87 and Dilruwan Perera not out on six. For Pakistan, 16-year-old pacer Naseem Shah (2-83) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-58) were … [Read more...] about Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Play called off on Day 4 due to wet outfield
India vs Sri Lanka: BCCI, Assam CA to ‘monitor’ situation ahead of Guwahati T20I
The BCCI and Assam Cricket Association (ACA) will be “closely monitoring” the security situation in Guwahati in the wake of protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, keeping in mind the January 5 T20 International between India and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka are coming to India for a short three-match T20 International series, which starts at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, but the prevailing security situation has cast a shadow of doubt.“Right now, we cannot comment on whether the T20 International in Guwahati will happen or not. All the authorities (state Police, Home Ministry) will be monitoring the situation. We have to wait for some time. There is still three weeks to go so we have to be hopeful,” Assam CA vice-president Parikshit Dutta told PTI. Both BCCI and ACA need to be extra cautious as it involves the security of an international team.Also read: Australia take huge lead against New Zealand in first TestDue … [Read more...] about India vs Sri Lanka: BCCI, Assam CA to ‘monitor’ situation ahead of Guwahati T20I
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Fourth day’s play washed out without a ball bowled
The fourth day of the opening Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was called off without a ball being bowled on Saturday due to rain and a wet outfield.The weather-hit opening match has not had full play on any of the four days and not even one innings has been completed since tourists Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat.Sri Lankan batsman Dhananjaya de Silva will hope play will resume on the final day to allow him to score the 13 more runs he needs to complete his sixth hundred in Tests. Captain @AzharAli_ singing as Pakistan team waits to leave for the ground. #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/husJw2o5Qi— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 14, 2019 Dilruwan Perera was not out on six at the other end with the touring side on 282 for 6. … [Read more...] about Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Fourth day’s play washed out without a ball bowled
History! Sri Lanka become first Asian team to claim series in South Africa after eight-wicket win
The unheralded Sri Lankans became the first team from Asia to win a Test series in South Africa. Unlike their dramatic, unexpected one-wicket win in the first Test in Durban, the Sri Lankans surged to victory as Fernando and Mendis shared an unbeaten 163-run third wicket partnership studded with crisp, authoritative strokes. Every Test, ODI, T20I, and BBL match live. Get it all on Foxtel Fernando made 75 not out off 106 balls and Mendis scored 84 not out off 110 deliveries as Sri Lanka chased down a victory target of 197, reaching the mark by lunch. Day 1: Proteas top order collapse against Sri Lanka Cricket: South Africa's top order had a torrid time on day one of their second test against Sri Lanka at St George's Park. Resuming at 60 for two, Fernando and Mendis batted positively from the start of play, scoring nine runs off the second over of the day, bowled by Kagiso Rabada. No South African bowler was able to settle into a consistent rhythm. Dale Steyn was brought into … [Read more...] about History! Sri Lanka become first Asian team to claim series in South Africa after eight-wicket win