Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report COLOMBO: The Lanka Premier League 2022 came to a blockbuster end with 22000 fans cheering for their favourite stars at the Final on Friday, 23rd December 2022. The Jaffna Kings clinched their third consecutive title after pulling off a thrilling two-wicket victory over Colombo Stars in the summit clash at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. Along with providing exceptional action on the field, the tournament also brought smiles to the faces of the Sri Lankan people after a traumatic economic and political crisis in the nation. The competition also received support from cricket legends Wasim Akram and Sanath Jayasuriya, who were associated with LPL as brand ambassadors. Through the Lanka Premier League, the IPG Group has made a tremendous contribution in growing the cricketing talent at the grassroots level in Sri Lanka. Stepping on the platform laid by the LPL, the IPG Group is further looking to grow the game of cricket in Malaysia by starting a similar cricket league in the country next year. Anil Mohan, Founder and CEO of IPG, the official promoter of LPL said, “We are proud of what we have done in a short span of time. It’s nice to see so many fans coming out to the stadiums to watch the matches. The tournament has been a huge success and we hope to come back next year with the same zeal and excitement.” The third edition of the Lanka Premier League saw some exhilarating performances from young domestic cricketers as well as foreign players. West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, who played for Kandy Falcons franchise was the highest wicket taker and was awarded with Orange Cap in the competition. The right arm fast medium bowler took 18 wickets in 8 innings at an average of 9.88. He was closely followed by Nuwan Thushara of Galle Gladiators, who took 14 wickets in 9 matches. While, top-order batter Avishka Fernando of the Jaffna Kings was the highest run getter and received the Green Cap. The top-order batter scored 339 runs in 10 matches at an impressive average of 37.66, with a highest score of 54. He was closely followed by his teammate Sadeera Samarawickrama, who made 294 runs in 9 innings, at an average of 58.80, with a highest score of 62 (not out). Sadeera was also adjudged as Player of the Tournament for his superb all-round performance. Jaffna Kings’ legbreak bowler Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, who impressed with his performance and took 13 wickets in 8 innings was awarded Emerging Player of the tournament. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz of Jaffna Kings was given Innovative Player of the tournament. He also received the award for hitting maximum sixes (15) in the tournament. Meanwhile, Tournament Director, Samantha, said, “The fans have loved every minute of the tournament. The league has seen some exciting young players showcasing their skill on a global stage and I wish them all the best for their future. It has also helped in bringing joy and happiness among the people of this country as it has united the country after a turbulent period of time.”

Sports Bulletin Report COLOMBO (Sri Lanka): Jaffna Kings created history on Friday as they clinched the Lanka Premier League (LPL) title for the third year in a row after defeating Colombo Stars by 2 wickets in a thrilling final. Colombo Stars made 163/5 in 20 overs before Jaffna Kings chased down the target in 19.2 overs. Batting second, the Kings started their innings on a positive note as openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Avishka Fernando dispatched every bad ball towards the boundary line. Gurbaz went back to the Pavillion after scoring 36 runs off 18 balls including four boundaries and two sixes. However, Fernando stayed on the crease and completed his 50 off 43 balls. He also built a 72 runs partnership with Sadeera Samarawickrama (44) for the third wicket before Suranga Lakmal removed both batters. The Kings lost five quick wickets after Samarawickrama went back to the Pavillion. However, it was a little too late for the Stars as Binura Fernando took his team to victory in the last over. Suranga Lakmal and Benny Howell were the top bowlers for the Stars as they took three and two wickets, respectively. Earlier, Colombo Stars had a bad start after losing the toss. They lost Nishan Madushka (1) on just two runs. Dinesh Chandimal continued his good form as he built up a 75 runs partnership for the second wicket with Charith Asalanka. Chandimal scored 49 runs off 40 balls, while Asalanka hit 31 runs on just 23 balls before Ravi Bopara (47 not out) played another brilliant knock to take the Stars to a fighting total.  For Jaffna Kings, Thisara Perera, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage took a wicket each.

Sports Bulletin Report COLOMBO (Sri Lanka): The Colombo Stars reached the final of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2022 with a thrilling 6-wicket win over Kandy Falcons in Qualifier 2 on Thursday. The Falcons made 168 runs with the loss of six wickets in 20 overs before the Stars chased down the target in 18.5 overs. Batting second, the Stars did not begin the chase strongly. They lost the first wicket on just 13 runs as Nishan Madushka (11) got caught by Pathum Nissanka before Dinesh Chandimal built a big 90 runs partnership with Charith Asalanka. Chandimal scored 38 runs off 33 balls, while Asalanka hit 64 runs off 40 balls. Kandy Falcons tried to get back into the match with the wickets of Chandimal and Asalanka, however, Ravi Bopara (29 not out) had other ideas on his mind. He played fantastic strokes and made a good partnership of 45 runs with captain Angelo Mathews (21 not out) to take the Stars to the final of the tournament. Kamindu Mendis took two wickets, while Carlos Brathwaite grabbed one wicket for Kandy Falcons. Earlier, after losing the toss, Kandy Falcons also failed to get a good start as they lost two wickets on just four runs. Kamindu Mendis scored 23 runs off 29 balls to stop the flow of the wickets before captain Wanindu Hasaranga scored 77 not out off 34 balls to build a 92 runs partnership with Ashen Bandara (40) for the fourth wicket. Hasaranga hit eight boundaries and three sixes, while Bandara hit two boundaries. Carlos Brathwaite also scored 15 not out to take the Falcons to a big total. For Colombo Stars, Kasun Rajitha took four wickets, while Dominic Drakes and Mohammad Nabi took one wicket each. Man of The Match: Kasun Rajitha

Sports Bulletin Report COLOMBO: Riding on a strong bowling performance, Colombo Stars made their way to Qualifier 2 of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2022 after defeating Galle Gladiators by 7 wickets in the Eliminator on Wednesday.  The Gladiators scored 108/9 after the match was reduced to 18 overs per side due to heavy rain. On the other hand, Colombo Stars chased down the target in just 16.5 overs.  Batting second, the Stars did not begin the chase strongly. They lost the first wicket on just 16 runs as Dinesh Chandimal (13) got caught by Nuwanidu Fernando. Nishan Madushka (13) and Charith Asalanka (10), also failed to play big innings. However, Ravi Bopara (43 not out) and captain Angelo Mathews (20 not out) played till the end to ensure that Colombo Stars get to the finishing line. Nuwan Pradeep and Imad Wasim took one wicket each for Galle Gladiators. Earlier, Galle Gladiators failed to get a good start, as they lost three wickets on just 16 runs. Sahan Arachchige scored 53 runs off 31 balls including three boundaries and three sixes. However, the Gladiators kept losing wickets on the other end and failed to reach a big total. Apart from Arachchige, only Imad Wasim (17) managed to get into the double figures.  For Colombo Stars, Benny Howell took three wickets while Kasun Rajitha, and Mohammad Nabi took two wickets each.

Sports Bulletin Report COLOMBO: In a rain interrupted match, defending champions Jaffna Kings defeated Kandy Falcons by 24 runs using D/L method in Qualifier 1 at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Wednesday, in the ongoing Lanka Premier League 2022. Batting first, Kandy Falcons posted a competitive total of 143 for the loss of 8 wickets. Chasing down the target, for Jaffna Kings, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Avishka Fernando opened the innings. The duo got off to flying start before Gurbaz was dismissed by Brathwaite for 10 runs. The team was at 2/54 in 3.5 overs. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dunith Wellalage remained not out on 15 and 19 runs respectively before rain played spoilsport. For Kandy Falcons, Carlos Braithwaite was the pick of the bowlers as he took 2/32 from 3 overs, while Chamika Karunaratne took 1 wicket. Earlier, after winning the toss, Kandy Falcons elected to bat first. For Kandy Falcons, Pathum Nissanka and Andre Fletcher opened the innings. The duo didn’t get to a perfect start as Fletcher was dismissed for 2 by Thisara Perera. Pathum was team’s highest scorer with 35 runs from 31 deliveries. His innings was laced with 5 boundaries. Kamindu Mendis and Najibullah Zadran contributed with 26 and 22 runs respectively. For Jaffna Kings, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth was the pick of the bowlers as he scalped 3/30 from his allotted 4 overs. Maheesh Theekshana took 2/24 from his 4 overs, while Thisara Perera, Binura Fernando and Zaman Khan picked one wicket each.

Sports Bulletin Report COLOMBO: One of the most revered figures in the world of cricket and brand ambassador for the Lanka Premier League 2022, Wasim Akram will be in attendance during the final of the tournament on 23rd December, 2022. Talking about witnessing the final in Sri Lanka, one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, who picked up 916 international wickets said, “My association with the Lanka Premier League has been terrific. I am excited to see the final. I have been following the league and have seen some superb performances from young domestic players. Congratulation to IPG and Sri Lanka Cricket for successfully hosting the tournament in a short span of time.” Anil Mohan, Founder and CEO of IPG, the official promoter of LPL said, “We are excited about Wasim Akram confirming his presence for the final match. He has been a role model for several youngsters and I am sure that these young players will get an opportunity to interact with him and learn from his experience.” Speaking about on how the Lanka Premier League is helping in boosting the country’s economy, he said, “This tournament is a great addition to the domestic cricket calendar and has found some great talents. It gives us an ideal platform to find and nurture the best cricketing talent. I am sure we will see several players from the LPL playing for the national cricket team in coming years.” Tournament director, Samantha, said, “We are looking forward to welcome Wasim Akram to grace us with his presence for the final. The league has seen some exciting young players and I wish them best for their future.”

Sports Bulletin Report COLOMBO: Jaffna Kings beat Colombo Stars by 8 wickets in the first match at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Monday, in the ongoing Lanka Premier League 2022. Batting first, Colombo Stars could only manage 128 on the scoreboard for the loss of 9 wickets. Chasing down the target, for Jaffna Kings, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Avishka Fernando opened the innings. The duo put up a mammoth 105-run partnership to set the platform for a comfortable win for the Kings. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 69 runs from 40 balls, which included 8 boundaries and 4 sixes, while Avishka remained unbeaten on 40 from 38 balls. For Colombo Stars, Dominic Drakes and Jeffrey Vandersay took 1 wicket each. Earlier, after winning the toss, Jaffna Kings elected to bowl first. For Colombo Stars, Dinesh Chandimal and Captain Niroshan Dickwella opened the innings. Stars didn’t get off to a good start as both the openers were dismissed quickly. Both the openers were dismissed for a duck as the team was struggling at 4/16 in 3.4 overs. Nishan Madushka played a brilliant knock of 35 runs, which included 1 six. Towards the end of the innings, Dominic Drakes contributed with a quickfire 38 runs from 20 deliveries. His innings was laced with 4 boundaries and 2 sixes. For Jaffna Kings, Shoaib Malik was the pick of the bowlers as he scalped 2/4 from his 2 overs, while Thisara Perera took 2/14 from 3 overs. Meanwhile, Zaman Khan, Asitha Fernando, Suminda Lakshan and Praveen Jayawickrama took 1 wicket each.

Sports Bulletin Report COLOMBO: Kandy Falcons beat Colombo Stars by 9 wickets in the second match at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Saturday, in the ongoing Lanka Premier League 2022. Batting first, Colombo Stars could only manage 106 as Chamika Karunaratne took 4 for 11 in 3.1 overs. Chasing down the target, for Kandy Falcons, Minod Bhanuka and Andre Fletcher opened the innings. Colombo Stars got the perfect start as Bhanuka was dismissed early for just 6 runs by Lakmal. Andre Fletcher and Kamindu Mendis then up a 101-run partnersgip to register an easy win for the Kandy Falcons. Andre scored 44 (not out) from 41 balls, which included 4 boundaries and 2 sixes, while Mendis remained unbeaten on 51 from 48 balls. His innings was laced with 5 boundaries. For Kandy Falcons, Chamika Karunaratne was the pick of the bowling with an impeccable spell. He took 4/11 from 3 overs. Meanwhile, Oshane Thomas took 3/20 from his 4 overs and Isuru Udana took 2/37. Fabian Allen took 1/20. Earlier, after winning the toss, Colombo Stars elected to bat first. For Colombo Stars, Niroshan Dickwella and Dinesh Chandimal opened the innings. Dickwella was dismissed for a duck by Udana. Chandimal and Charith Asalanka then put up a 34-run partnership. Captain Angelo Mathews contributed with 41 runs from 38 balls, which included 4 boundaries and 1 six. However, the team really couldn’t put up a big total as wickets kept falling at regular intervals. For Colombo Stars, Suranga Lakmal took the lone wicket with bowling figure of 1/19 from 2 overs.

Sports Bulletin Report COLOMBO: Dambulla Aura beat Galle Gladiators by 48 runs at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Saturday, in the ongoing Lanka Premier League 2022. Batting first, Dambulla Aura posted a competitive total of 178 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Chasing down the target, for Galle Gladiators, Thanuka Dabare and Captain Kusal Mendis opened the innings. The team didn’t get to a good start as Kusal Mendis was dismissed by Dasun Shanaka for a duck. Shorty after that, Thanuka was sent back to the pavilion by Pramod Madushan. Lahiru Udara and Asad Shafiq then put up a 41-run partnership to give the chase a stability. But Dambulla Aura’s bowlers hit back strong as they kept taking wickets at regular intervals to bowl them out for 130. Lahiru was team’s highest scorer with 32, while Asad pitched in with 28 and Iftikhar Ahmed made 21. For Dambulla Aura, Pramod Madushan and Sikandar Raza were the pick of the bowlers as they took 3 and 2 wickets respectively. Dasun, Matthew, Dilum Sudeera and Noor Ahmad all took one wicket each. Earlier, after winning the toss, Dambulla Aura elected to bat first. For Dambulla Aura, Shevon Daniel and Jordan Cox opened the innings. The opening duo put up a mammoth 163-run partnership from 17.4 overs to set up a strong platform for the team. Shevon Daniel made 80 from 55 balls, which included 5 boundaries and 5 sixes. Meanwhile, Jordan Cox made 77 from 58 balls. His innings was laced with 6 boundaries and 3 sixes. However, towards the end of the innings, Galle Gladiators bowlers took some wickets to keep the Dambulla Aura to 178 for the loss of 5 wickets. For Galle Gladiators, Nuwan Pradeep was the pick of the bowler as he took 3/37 from 3 overs, while Nuwan Thushara took 1/29 from 4 overs.

Sports Bulletin Report COLOMBO: One of the most destructive batters of all-time ‘Master Blaster’ Sanath Jayasuriya had taken up a new role as the Brand Ambassador of the Lanka Premier League 2022. Along with this, he is also a mentor for the Kandy Falcons franchise and is now looking to give something back to the game and helping nurture young talent. Sanath Jayasuriya said that he was excited about the ongoing season of the LPL and said that it would help in finding and unearthing new talents. He said, “This tournament is a great addition to the domestic cricket calendar and has found some great talents in Sri Lanka. It gives us an ideal platform to find and nurture the best cricketing talent. LPL is helping the country to build its T20I arsenal. I am sure that Sri Lanka national team will see lot of players from here, and I believe the national team has a bright future ahead of them.” Discussing the positive impact of LPL 2022, Anil Mohan, Chairman and Managing Director of IPG Sports, the official promoter of LPL, said, “The tournament has had a positive impact as we are getting good response from the audience who are coming to the see the matches every day. The atmosphere during the matches is ecstatic which also lifts the spirit of the players on the field and motivate them to give their best every time.” Kandy Falcons have won 5 out of 6 matches played and are top of the table. Speaking about the team, he said, “The team has been performing exceptionally well. Players like Isuru, Wanindu among others are giving their best. We have so many young players who have impressed. It’s a learning curve for the domestic players playing along with international stars who have tons of experience.” “I am also talking to the players, giving them advice, whenever they come up to me. I am always there to help them. They are always looking to learn, which is a good thing as you become better player by learning constantly,” he concluded.