Chamari nominated for ICC Women’s T20I and ODI Cricketer of the Year awards

Sri Lanka’s sensational skipper Chamari Athapaththu has been nominated for both ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year and ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year awards.

Shortlist for ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year

Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)

Matches 21, Runs 720, Average 40, Highest Score 119*

21 wickets, Average 16.8, BBI 4/29

The year that was

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to brand Chamari Athapaththu as the most prolific female cricketer from Sri Lanka of all-time given her stellar record for the island nation, but the southpaw managed to go one further in 2024.

Despite encountering an unexpected slump in the Women’s T20 World Cup, Athapaththu was the second-highest run-getter in a calendar year in women’s T20Is. Her 720 runs included two hundreds and four half-centuries, with 86 fours and 32 sixes to her name.

Apart from her exploits with the willow, Athapaththu also picked 21 wickets in the period. Her best with the bat and the ball in T20Is came in 2024.

Memorable Performance

Amidst a series of remarkable performances, including the two centuries in Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, it was Athapaththu’s brilliant 61 against India in Dambulla on July 28 that stood out.

The innings helped Sri Lanka to their first-ever Asia Cup triumph, and came against much-touted India.

The Women in Blue elected to bat first, and got to 165/6 courtesy of Smriti Mandhana’s 60 from 47.

Sri Lanka had an early loss in response, but Athapaththu, who had earlier struck with the ball, held the innings together with Harshitha Samarawickrama. She took the lead in run-scoring as Sri Lanka added 87 runs for the second wicket. By the time Athapaththu was dismissed, she had set a solid base for her side. Samarawickrama then found support in Kavisha Dilhari, and the duo sealed a historic chase.

Melie Kerr (New Zealand)

Matches 18, Runs 387, Average 24.18, Highest Score 44*

Wickets 29, BBI 4/20, Average 15.55

The year that was

A maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title for your side, and the national record for most Women’s T20I wickets in a year marked quite a year for Melie Kerr. Besides, the all-rounder also starred with the willow, hitting five scores of 40+ while playing a key role in the New Zealand top order.

Undoubtedly, Melie Kerr’s finest moment came during White Ferns’ successful run to the title, where the all-rounder scored 135 runs and picked 15 wickets (a Women’s T20 World Cup record) in a historic win. Melie’s numbers picked up as the tournament progressed, with her finest punches coming in the knockout matches.

Memorable Performance

After New Zealand lost an early wicket in the quest for their maiden T20 World Cup title in the final against South Africa, Melie Kerr walked in stabilised the innings. She soaked in the pressure early on, and then anchored the innings, her solid presence allowing the likes of Brooke Halliday to go for her shots. Melie fell for 43, but helped the White Ferns to 158/5 in Dubai.

Her leg-spinners rattled South Africa’s chase, getting rid off Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch - the stars of the Proteas’ historic win over Australia, in the same over. This effectively sealed the game for the Kiwis, and Melie added another wicket of Annerie Dercksen to finish with 3/24 in a Player of the Match performance.

Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)

Matches 19, Runs 673, Average 39.58, Highest Score 102

The year that was

Having assumed leadership late in 2023, Laura Wolvaardt led from the front, starting the year with a flurry of impressive scores against Australia and Sri Lanka. This included a maiden T20I ton that guided the Proteas to a win against the Island Nation in Benoni.

Wolvaardt’s prolific run continued into the Women’s T20 World Cup, where the opener was the leading run-getter in the tournament. As a leader, she oversaw her side into their maiden final appearance.

Memorable Performance

Arguably South Africa’s most important T20 World Cup win came against Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final, where Wolvaardt joined Bosch to secure a stunning win.

But the foundation for that triumph was set earlier in Canberra, wherein the Proteas beat Australia for the first-ever time in a women’s international.

Wolvaardt led from the front in the January contest, playing the anchor in a chase of 143. A steady start along with Tazmin Brits put South Africa ahead, but jitters in the middle overs brought back Australia. The South Africa captain, however, kept her cool and remained unbeaten on 58 to secure a brilliant win with six balls to spare. She hit six boundaries in her patient knock.

Orla Prendergast (Ireland)

Matches 18, Runs 544, Average 36.26, Highest Score 80

Wickets 21, BBI 4/22, Average 12.9

The year that was

Orla Prendergast finished 2024 as the second-highest run-getter and the highest wicket-taker for Ireland in Women’s T20Is in any calendar year, and her exemplary numbers were the reason behind their success in the format this year.

Ireland began and ended the year with whitewashes over Zimbabwe and Bangladesh respectively, and Prendergast starred in both, also winning the Player of the Series award in the latter contest.

Later, her valiant efforts at home helped her side tie series against higher-ranked opponents like England and Sri Lanka.

Memorable Performance

Prendergast stood tall in the second T20I against neighbouring rivals, England at home in September.

Opening the bowler for her side, Prendergast bowled with control and later secured wickets of Georgia Adams and Hollie Armitage towards the end of the innings to get to 2/31 in her allotted overs, even as England finished at 169/8.

Then coming in at no. 3, Prendergast walked in after the dismissal of Amy Hunter in the very first over. She then shepherded the chase with a career-best 80, which came off 51 balls and had 13 boundaries in them.

By the time she was dismissed, Ireland were on the brink, and managed to seal the chase in the 20th over.

Shortlist for ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year

Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)

9 innings, 458 runs at 65.42, Strike Rate 101.10

9 wickets at 32.22 economy 4.61

The year that was

Athapaththu didn’t actually make her first ODI appearance of 2024 until April, but she immediately hit the ground running as she contributed scores of 51 and 195* in a 1-1 series result against South Africa away from home.

The 34-year-old continued with that rich vein of form into the three-match ODI series against the West Indies where she managed 130 runs and four wickets as Sri Lanka completed an emphatic 3-0 series sweep.

An innings of 48 and a three-wicket haul with the ball from Sri Lanka’s final ODI match of the year in Belfast saw Athapaththu end her 2024 on a high in ODI cricket.

Memorable performance

Athapaththu’s best performance ironically came in the same contest as Wolvaardt, with the Sri Lanka veteran scoring a superb 195 to lead her side to victory.

Chasing north of 300 in an ODI is never easy, but that’s exactly what Athapaththu and Sri Lanka made it look as they chased down South Africa’s score of 301/5 with more than five overs remaining.

The Sri Lanka skipper smashed 26 fours and five massive sixes during her 139-ball stay, trumping Wolvaardt’s effort that helped the island nation square the three-match series at 1-1.

Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)

12 innings, 697 runs at 87.12, Strike Rate 87.34

The year that was

Wolvaardt commenced the year in a glut as she managed just seven runs from three innings against Australia, but that lack of form didn’t last long as the South Africa captain went on a run-scoring spree in almost every ODI contest that followed that series.

A pair of unbeaten centuries against Sri Lanka - including a career-best 184* in Potchefstroom - whet Wolvaardt’s appetite and the 25-year-old then made it three centuries in four matches when she hit 135 against India in Bengaluru in June.

Another half-century followed against India, before Wolvaardt finished her 2024 campaign with a trio of good scores against England on home soil in December.

Memorable performance

Wolvaardt produced her best effort with the bat when she scored a career-best 184* against Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom in April.

It was an innings of pure class from the South African right-hander, who smashed 23 fours and four massive sixes in what was a superb individual performance.

The innings of 184 came from just 147 deliveries and helped South Africa amass a massive total of 301/5 against the Asian side.

Smriti Mandhana (India)

12 innings, 743 runs at 61.91, Strike Rate 96.99

1 wicket at 35.00 economy 8.75

The year that was

A pair of centuries in June against South Africa in Bengaluru really got Mandhana’s 2024 campaign rolling and the left-hander managed two further hundreds later in the year to stay in good touch right up until December.

Mandhana managed a total of 343 runs from three innings in a Player of the Series effort against South Africa got her third hundred of 2024 when amassing 100 in the final match of India’s home series against New Zealand right after the completion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Another hundred followed in the final match of her side’s three-game series with Australia in December, but that was in vain as the Aussies completed a 3-0 series sweep of their own.

Memorable performance

Mandhana’s best all-round effort came in the second match of India’s home series against South Africa in June, when she scored a century and picked up a key wicket to help her side to a narrow four-wicket victory.

The 28-year-old got India; innings going with a brilliant innings of 136 from just 120 deliveries, that included 18 fours and two sixes - as the side managed to amass a big total of 325/3 after they were sent into bat.

Mandhana then picked up the key wicket of Sune Luus during South Africa’s reply as the Proteas fell agonisingly short of victory.

Annabel Sutherland (Australia)

9 innings, 369 runs at 52.71, Strike Rate 100.27

13 wickets at 17.69 economy 4.19

The year that was

The 23-year-old commenced the year with a two-wicket haul in Australia’s victory over India in Mumbai and was then relatively quiet during a three-match series at home against South Africa that the Aussies managed to win 2-1.

Opportunities were scarce for Sutherland during Australia’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh in March, although the talented all-rounder did manage an unbeaten innings of 58 in an easy victory in the series opener in Mirpur.

It wasn’t until the backend of the year in consecutive series against India at home and New Zealand away that Sutherland really shone, with the youngster scoring centuries in consecutive matches against different opponents and claiming Player of the Series honours for her efforts against Harmanpreet Kaur’s side.

Memorable performance

Sutherland’s best all-round effort came at the famous WACA Ground in Perth when she scored her third ODI century to lead her side to an emphatic 3-0 series sweep over India.

The 23-year-old smashed nine fours and four massive sixes at the Perth ground to score 110 from just 95 deliveries and backed up that effort with the bat by claiming the crucial wicket of India captain Harmanpreet Kaur in reply as Australia ran out easy winners.

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First World Test Championship 2025 finalist confirmed

Grafting a strong batting effort, South Africa clinched the first of two Tests against Pakistan by two wickets and booked their slot in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final.

The Proteas were already on top of the WTC standings after a 2-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka at home. Having played 11 Tests in the ongoing cycle, South Africa boast seven wins and a 66.67%.

Having started off the ongoing cycle with a drawn series at home against India, followed by a clean sweep at the hands of New Zealand, the Proteas bounced back with impressive wins away from home against West Indies and Bangladesh, followed by dominant displays at home.

The Temba Bavuma-led side pipped Australia, India and Sri Lanka – who are also in contention – to become the first team to book a spot in the Final at Lord’s next year, barring any point deductions owing to slow-over rate.

Requiring a win to confirm qualification, South Africa had been dealt early blows by Pakistan late on the third day after the visitors had set up a total of 148. At Stumps on Saturday, the Proteas were three down for 27.

But starting the day’s play on Sunday, skipper Temba Bavuma combined alongside Aiden Markram to restore some calm, but Pakistan forged another comeback with pacer Mohammad Abbas snapping six wickets in the second innings.

The Proteas were left teetering at 99/8 when Kagiso Rabada (31*) joined Marco Jansen (16*) in the middle. The duo combined to add runs for the ninth wicket to seal the win.

Earlier, South Africa had won the toss and elected to field first in Centurion.

The hosts were put in the driving seat after Dane Paterson (5/61) and debutant Corbin Bosch (4/63) ran through the visiting batting on the opening day.

With Pakistan putting a fight back with the ball, Aiden Markram and Corbin Bosch gritted it out with the bat to help the home team gain a 64-run lead in the first innings.

Despite half-centuries from Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, Pakistan were unable to capitalise with the bat and post a challenging total.

Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers for the Proteas, snapping the third fifth-wicket haul of his career as Pakistan bundled out for 211.

The hosts eventually managed to chase down the total in the most dramatic of ways to make it to the WTC Final for the first time.

--ICC

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Mendis, Wanindu among frontrunners for ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of The Year

Two Sri Lankan standouts, a young Afghanistan all-rounder and a belligerent batter from the West Indies stand in the running for ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

26 wickets at 15.61, economy 5.36, 87 runs at 17.40, strike rate 101.16

The year that was

Wanindu Hasaranga continued to cement his reputation as a wizard of white-ball cricket, taking a wicket inside every three overs in 2024 ODI cricket.

Hasaranga boasted 11 wickets in his first three 50-over matches of the calendar year, taking 7/19 in 5.5 overs against Zimbabwe, before a 4/27 (6.5) performance against Afghanistan in Pallekele in mid-February.

Six wickets came in the three-match ODI series away in Chattogram, before a 3/58 effort against India upon his return to the bowling crease in August. Spells of 2/18 (6) and 4/40 (8) followed against the West Indies, completing a five-match stretch of consecutive multiple-wicket outings for the leg-spinner.

Memorable performance

Flicking the calendar back to January, Hasaranga made early 2024 headlines when he claimed 7/19 from just 5.5 overs against Zimbabwe in Colombo.

Kusal Mendis had already utilised four bowlers when he threw the ball to his leg-spinner for just the ninth over of the match, though the decision was vindicated after Hasaranga found Takudzwanashe Kaitano’s top edge for an easy catch for Dilshan Madushanka at short fine-leg.

The wicket began a procession for Hasaranga and Sri Lanka, with Joylord Gumbie and Craig Ervine falling in his next over, and Milton Shumba in his third over to go from 43/0 to 48/4.

Hasaranga returned to claim Clive Madande for a golden duck, before cleaning up the tail with wickets of Wellington Masakadza and Blessing Muzarabani, as the Zimbabweans were bundled out for just 96.

The leg-spinner walked off with 7/19 off just 5.5 overs, and was adjudged Player of the Match for his exploits.

Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)

17 innings, 742 runs at 53.00, Strike Rate 90.59

The year that was

Kusal Mendis’ name was prominent in what was a packed year of ODI cricket for Sri Lanka.

Making half-centuries against all six opponents in ODI cricket across 2024, Mendis also celebrated a century against New Zealand, and finished the calendar year with an average of over 50.

Mendis began the year with scores of 46, 17 and 66* against Zimbabwe in January, with the latter score made just 51 balls, having been moved down to No.3.

He remained at first-drop for the rest of the year in the 50-over format, and continued to show his consistency with three double-digit scores against Afghanistan in February, including another half-century in Pallekele.

Mendis toured Bangladesh, making 59 (75) in the first ODI in Chattogram, and made an impression against India, also making 59 (82) in a home series match in Colombo.

While the 29-year-old had threatened to peel off a big score throughout the year, and he duly delivered at the backend of the year, making an unbeaten 56* from just 22 balls against the West Indies, and 217 runs across two knocks against New Zealand. Mendis smashed a 128-ball 143 against New Zealand in Dambulla, before a collected 74* from 102 balls when the teams met in Pallekele.

Mendis also enjoyed a good year with the gloves, claiming 19 dismissals across the matches, and Sri Lanka lost just three of their 17 ODIs over the course of the year.

Memorable performance

It was a career-best day for Mendis in November against New Zealand that stands out, blasting 143 in just 128 balls to help his side to victory in a rain-affected match in Dambulla.

Mendis and Avishka Fernando pressed forward in the first Powerplay after the aforementioned batter was dropped on 11, eventually moving to his half-century in 64 balls. Hard on the sweep against the spinners and hitting quick bowlers straight of the wicket, the pair put on 206 in 215 balls, providing a launchpad for the team to post a 300+ score.

Mendis brought up the century in 102 balls before his late acceleration, hitting 17 fours and two sixes to eventually help the side to 324/5 in 49.2 overs before weather intervened. Play resumed, with the hosts claiming a confident 45-run win on the DLS method.

Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)

12 innings, 417 runs at 52.12, Strike Rate 105.56, 7 wickets at 20.47, economy 4.90

The year that was

Underlining his credentials as one of the most versatile white-ball players in the world, Azmatullah Omarzai was a thorn in the side for opponents with both bat and ball in 2024.

With blade in hand, Omarzai made early headlines with a knock of 149* from just 115 balls against Sri Lanka in Pallekele back in February, before a half-century against the same opponents five days later, albeit in a series defeat.

As the year progressed, Omarzai sizzled in both facets to series-defining effect. Omarzai played a key role in Afghanistan’s first-ever ODI series win over South Africa, making an unbeaten 86* from just 50 balls before claiming 1/17 (3) in the second ODI to move into an unassailable 2-0 lead. He then emulated the success against Bangladesh, claiming Player of the Match honours with 70* (77) and 4/37 (7) in a series-deciding third ODI.

Memorable performance

Omarzai will have fond memories of Afghanistan’s trip to Sri Lanka, making a stunning 149* from just 115 balls in the first ODI back in February, even if his performance came in a defeat.

After watching Pathum Nissanka sparkle in a knock of 210* (139) earlier in the day, some of it at the expense of his own bowling figures, Omarzai showcased his world-class talent in response.

Omarzai figured he had nothing to lose when walking out to bat with his side reeling at 19/3, only to lose two partners soon after in the chase. He then found company in Mohammad Nabi, as the pair put on 242 in just 222 balls.

The right-hander smashed 13 fours and six sixes in his stay at the crease, finishing the innings with a six as a final exclamation, even if his side were unable to chase down 382.

Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies)

425 runs at 106.25, average 106.25, strike rate 120.05.

The year that was

Noted more for his prowess in the shorter white-ball format, Sherfane Rutherford flourished in the ODI game in 2024, bringing over his batting belligerence.

Not succumbing to the pressures of playing away from home, Rutherford began his year in the format with three consecutive half-centuries against Sri Lanka, albeit in a 2-1 series defeat. Rutherford’s 204 runs not only came at a strike rate of 107.36, but the left-hander was only dismissed once.

The 26-year-old still made an impression even with just one opportunity against England at home in Antigua, making 54 (36), though the best was yet to come in December, where Rutherford was again in the runs in a home series against Bangladesh.

Rutherford made light work of a chase of 295 in St Kitts, making 113 in just 80 balls, helping his side take a 1-0 series lead. He closed out with an unbeaten 24* and a knock of 30 in the series, of which both helped the West Indies to a 3-0 series win.

Memorable performance

St Kitts was treated to a batting exhibition from Rutherford in early December, who hit 113 off just 80 balls against Bangladesh, turning a tricky chase into a Basseterre cakewalk.

Rutherford walked out at 94/3 in the 22nd over in the chase, unperturbed by run rate pressure with his side at one stage needing 161 off just 114 balls, and after being struck on the helmet twice in proceedings.

After a circumspect start, Rutherford in one stretch blazed 94 runs in 51 balls, turning the match on its head with the help of Shai Hope and Justin Greaves. Rutherford lost his wicket seven runs short of the target, though his efforts ensured the team comfortably secured victory with 14 balls to spare.

--ICC--

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Airmen lift off with big 36-15 win over CH and FC

Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club (SLAF) triumphed over the more favoured CH and FC with a comprehensive 36 points (four goals, one try, one penalty) to 15 (one goal, one try, one penalty) win in the opening match of the Mastercard Inter-club ‘A’ Division Rugby League at the Air Force Grounds in Ratmalana yesterday. Despite the scores being level at 8-8 at halftime, the Airmen dominated the second half to seal a bonus point victory.


The match kicked off with a strong start from Air Force. In the 13th minute, Sharaka Werella scored the first try of the league season and Air Force’s first of the match. The try, which was unconverted, gave Air Force a 5-0 lead.

CH and FC responded in the 22nd minute with a try from Nirosh Perera, following a penalty awarded to the Gymkhana Club. With the successful conversion, the score was level at 5-all.

The first half continued to be closely contested. In the 31st minute, Air Force earned a penalty right in front of the posts after a tackle on their player. Gayantha Iddamalgoda made no mistake with the kick, giving Air Force an 8-5 lead. However, CH and FC equalised in the 37th minute with a penalty of their own, and the scores remained tied at 8-8 as the teams headed into the ‘lemons’.

After the restart, Air Force came out firing. Within five minutes, they scored a converted try, taking a 15-8 lead. In the 54th minute, Isahara Madushan crossed the line for Air Force’s third try, following a beautiful series of passes. Gayantha Iddamalgoda added the conversion, extending the lead to 22-8.

Despite some strong defensive work from CH and FC in the final 20 minutes, they were unable to close the gap. In the 70th minute, Charith Silva scored a try for CH and FC, reducing the deficit to 22-15 with a brilliant conversion. However, Air Force responded strongly in the dying minutes of the match.


In the final moments, Air Force captain Rumesh Wasantha touched down for the bonus-point try, and Iddamalgoda’s conversion pushed the score to 29-15. Just before the whistle, Darshana Dabare sealed the victory with a try at the right-hand corner after a turnover, taking the final score to 36-15.

Referee: Gihan Yatawara.

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Jaffna Titans register second consecutive win

Charith Asalanka smashed an explosive 56 off 24 balls, with 5 fours and 5 sixes, as Jaffna Titans cruised to a comfortable 40-run win over Colombo Jaguars in the Lanka T-10 Super League on Thursday. The match, held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, was the only game played on the second day (12). Asalanka was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.

This was Jaffna Titans’ second consecutive win, during which they registered the highest team total so far in the tournament, scoring 138 for 6 wickets in 10 overs. The experienced pair of Charith Asalanka and Kusal Mendis, who scored 37 off 19 balls with 6 fours and a six, put on an 80-run second-wicket stand to set up Jaffna Titans’ challenging total. Colombo Jaguars skipper Angelo Mathews and Ali Khan claimed two wickets each.

Colombo Jaguars managed only 98 for 6 in their allotted 10 overs. Young off-spinner Treveen Mathew impressed again with figures of 3 for 18, following his brilliant 4 for 10 in the previous game against Hambantota Bangla Tigers. He has easily become the highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far.

The first two matches of the second day faced rain interruptions. The game between Kandy Bolts and Nuwara Eliya Kings was reduced to 3.3 overs, with Kandy scoring 38 for 1. The second match between Galle Marvels and Hambantota Bangla Tigers was abandoned without a single ball bowled. However, the third game, between Jaffna Titans and Colombo Jaguars, was played without any interruptions.

Galle Marvels-Nuwara Eliya Kings game called off

On the third day, rain once again disrupted the first game between Galle Marvels and Nuwara Eliya Kings, forcing it to be called off. Both teams shared one point each. When the game was halted, Galle Marvels were at 54 for 4 in 5.5 overs. Niroshan Dickwella, returning after suspension, scored 13, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa remained unbeaten on 12. Right-arm leg-spinner Dushan Hementha took 2 for 7 in his only over, putting pressure on Galle before the rain halted play.


Chief scores

Galle Marvels and Nuwara Eliya Kings – No result due to rain

Galle Marvels 53 for 4 wickets in 5.5 overs (Niroshan Dickwella 13, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 12*, Dushan Hementha 2/7) vs Nuwara Eliya Kings

Jaffna Titans beat Colombo Jaguars by 40 runs

Jaffna Titans 138 for 6 wickets in 10 overs (Kusal Mendis 37, Charith Asalanka 56, Tom Abell 13 ,Angelo Mathews 2/22,Ali Khan 2/20)

Colombo Jaguars 98 for 6 wickets in 10 overs (Daniel Lawrence 28, Najibullah Zadran 17, Asif Ali 13, Ramesh Mendis 15*, Treveen Mathew 3/18)

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Sri Lanka to tour New Zealand in Dec-Jan

The Sri Lanka Men’s National Team will tour New Zealand during the December–January period to take part in a T20I and ODI series, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced today (11).

During the tour, Sri Lanka will play 03 ODIs and 03 T20Is against New Zealand.

The schedule is as follows:

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Niroshan Dickwella’s ban reduced, eligible to play cricket again

Sri Lankan cricketer Niroshan Dickwella’s ban from playing any form of cricket has been significantly reduced from three years to three months.

Accordingly, this makes him eligible to play all forms of cricket effective from today (11).

After the consideration of an appeal made by Dickwella, the appeal panel has declared that as per the medical evidence it is clearly established that the player has consumed a substance of abuse out-of-competition and that it is unrelated to sports performance.

Accordingly, the panel has stated that therefore, they are of the view that the player Niroshan Dickwella’s 3 years ineligibility period imposed by the disciplinary panel, should be reduced to 3 months ineligibility period, commencing from 13 August 2024.

Furthermore, the panel has mentioned that this decision balances the player’s right to fair consideration with the principles of anti-doping, ensuring fairness while maintaining the integrity of sport.

The appeal panel which considered Dickwella’s appeal consisted of Retired Judge Upali Samaraweera, Prof. Asela Mendis and Attorney-at-Law Gimhana Jagodaarachchi.

Attorney-at-Law Suminda Perera with Senior Attorney-at-Law Ranil Prematilake appeared for Niroshan Dickwella.

On August 16, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed that Dickwella was suspended from participating in all forms of cricket with immediate effect due to an alleged anti-doping violation.

Dickwella was found guilty of a doping violation during the recent Lanka Premiere League (LPL).

This had reportedly been revealed following a doping test conducted by the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency.

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Nissanka’s 89 steadies Sri Lanka’s innings

Kyle Verreynne’s manic sprint to a third Test century lit up the second morning and sent South Africa speeding to a total of 358. But the afternoon and evening sessions belonged to Sri Lanka. Their top four produced their best collective effort in the series so far, with Pathum Nissanka hitting 89 off 157 balls, forging a 109-run second wicket stand with Dinesh Chandimal.

With Angelo Mathews not out on 40 at stumps, and Kamindu Mendis unbeaten on 30, Sri Lanka have seven wickets in hand, and are well-placed to take a lead in the first innings. They have for the first time in the series, put serious pressure on a South Africa attack that seemed short of options on a flattening Gqeberha deck.

Kagiso Rabada was the most menacing of their bowlers, conceding only 40 and taking the wicket of Dimuth Karunaratne for the third time in the series, in his 15 overs. He’d also had Nissanka dropped by David Bedingham at second slip, on 22. Sri Lanka negotiated Marco Jansen with much more confidence than they had in the first Test, in which he’d claimed 11 wickets. By stumps, Jansen had given away 75 off his 18 overs, and was the only frontline bowler without a wicket.

Though there were occasional plays and misses against Rabada in particular, Nissanka was largely watchful, scoring only eight runs off his first 50 deliveries. He eventually began to attack the shorter deliveries, and it was the pull shot that he favoured through the remainder of the innings, taking to Jansen’s shorter balls in particular. Most of his run-scoring came square of the wicket, and he raised his batting tempo in Chandimal’s company, settling into accumulation mode against the spin of Keshav Maharaj in particular.

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India U-19 thrash Sri Lanka to enter Asia Cup final

India’s Under-19 team, led by Mohamed Amaan, made a fine all-round effort to enter the Asia Cup final when they beat Sri Lanka Under-19s by 7 wickets in their semi-final cricket fixture played at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

India, chasing a target of 175, started strong with openers Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi adding 91 runs in just 8.1 overs, setting the tone for victory. Suryavanshi was particularly aggressive from the beginning, scoring a superb 67 off 36 balls, with six fours and five sixes, earning him the Player of the Match award. Mhatre supported well with a knock of 34 off 28 balls, hitting seven fours.

Skipper Mohamed Amaan hit a six off leg-spinner Praveen Maneesha in the 22nd over, sealing a seven-wicket win with an unbeaten 25 off 26 balls.

Sharujan Shanmuganathan scored 42 off 78 balls with two fours, while Lakvin Abeysinghe contributed 69 off 110 balls with three fours and two sixes. The duo added a valuable 93-run partnership for the fourth wicket, but it wasn’t enough to post a challenging target as Sri Lanka was bowled out for 174 in 46.2 overs.

Earlier, Sri Lanka skipper Vihas Thewmika won the toss and chose to bat first. However, opener Pulindu Perera was run out for 6, followed by quick dismissals of Dulnith Sigera (2) and Vimath Dinsara (a first-ball duck) by paceman Chetan Sharma, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 8 for 3 in 3.4 overs.

Paceman Chetan Sharma was the most successful bowler, taking 3 for 34 and troubling the Sri Lankan batting lineup.

India will face the winner of the Pakistan and Bangladesh semi-final in the final tomorrow at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Chief scores

Sri Lanka Under 19’s 173 in 46.2 overs (Sharujan Shanmuganathan 42, Lakvin Abeysinghe 69, Kavija Gamage 10, Vihas Thewmika 14, Chetan Sharma 3/34, Kiran Chormale 2/32, Ayush Mhatre 2/37)

India Under 19’s 175 for 3 wickets in 21.4 overs (Ayush Mhatre 34, Vaibhav Suryavanshi 67, Andre Siddarth 22, Mohamed Amaan 25, KP Karthikeye 11,Vihas Thewmika 1/33, Viran Chamuditha 1/38, Praveen Maneesha 1/27)

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Mihiran secures semi-final spot at Asian Boxing

Guaranteeing Sri Lanka at least a bronze medal in the flyweight (51kg) category, Umayanga Mihiran secured a spot in the semifinals of the ASBC Asian Elite Men and Women Boxing Championships, which continued in Chiang Mai, Thailand, yesterday.

The 21-year-old boxer delivered a composed and tactical performance, defeating Malaysia’s Muhammad Abdul Qayyum in the quarterfinals. Both fighters entered the ring after byes in the previous round, but Mihiran’s precision punches and superior movement set him apart.

Starting cautiously, Mihiran used sharp left jabs to control the first round. He then shifted gears, unleashing well-timed uppercuts and hooks while evading Qayyum’s attacks with fluid lateral movement. Despite one judge scoring in favour of Qayyum, Mihiran’s dominance and ring control were undeniable.

Mihiran will face a formidable challenge in the semifinals on Sunday, taking on Uzbekistan’s Asilbek Jalilov, the reigning Asian U22 champion. Jalilov advanced after defeating Kazakhstan’s 2021 World Champion Saken Bibossynov in a close contest.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s other quarterfinalists, Nuwan Jinadasa (light flyweight, 48kg) and Ravindu Kumara, were eliminated after suffering technical knockouts. Jinadasa’s promising start against Japan’s Kazuma Aratake ended abruptly in the final round when a series of powerful combinations forced the referee to stop the fight. Kumara struggled against Uzbekistan’s hard-hitting opponent, who brought the Sri Lankan to his knees twice in the second round before the referee intervened.

With Jinadasa and Kumara out, Sri Lanka’s hopes now rest solely on Mihiran. His upcoming clash promises to be a true test of his talent against one of Asia’s finest boxers.

The championships, featuring elite athletes from 21 nations, continue to showcase the intensity of Asian boxing, with Mihiran emerging as a symbol of Sri Lanka’s fighting spirit in the international ring.

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