Thirimanne was hospitalized at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital immediately after the accident. His condition is reportedly stable now.
As per reports, the accident occurred when the vehicle carrying Thirimanne crashed head-on with a lorry traveling in the opposite direction. Thirimanne was on a pilgrimage.
Thirimanne retired from international cricket in July 2023 after announcing his migration to Australia.
Thirimanne had an illustrious career for Sri Lanka. He played for his country across all formats. He made his international debut in 2010 and went on to play 44 Tests, 127 ODIs, and 26 T20Is. He captained the Sri Lankan team in five ODI matches, with his final international appearance occurring in March 2022.
Thirimanne is known for his unflappable temperament and exquisite cover drive. He was highly regarded within the Sri Lankan cricket community. His skills on the field, leadership qualities and contributions to the team have left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan cricket.
Harin Fernando’s decision paves the way for the ICC to end its sanctions on the board for failing to prevent ‘government interference’ in its administration of the game.
“I signed a gazette to revoke the decision appointing an interim committee for Sri Lanka Cricket, aiming to lift our ICC suspension,” posted Fernando on social media platform X (earlier known as Twitter).
Fernando has also asked the ICC for its observations on an audit report into alleged corruption by the board during the T20 World Cup last year in Australia.
ICC had suspended SLC due to government interference. The Sri Lanka government had sacked the SLC following the team’s disastrous show at the World Cup, where it lost seven of the nine games. SLC was reinstated by the court of appeal, thus further deepening the crisis in the country’s cricket governing body.
The huge development comes just a day after Sri Lanka’s campaign in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup in India came to an end with a five-wicket defeat to New Zealand in Bengaluru. In the tournament, Sri Lanka won two while losing seven games to end their campaign in ninth place, with its qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy in jeopardy as they are out of the top eight teams in the points table.
In the meeting held on Friday, the ICC said in a statement its Board “determined that Sri Lanka Cricket is in serious breach of its obligations as a Member, in particular, the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka.”
Incidentally, on the day Sri Lanka’s campaign in the Men’s ODI World Cup came to an end, its parliament unanimously passed a resolution, calling for the sacking of the SLC Board. The resolution in the parliament was supported by both the ruling and opposition parties.
The parliament resolution came two days after the Court of Appeal restored the SLC management headed by Shammi Silva on Tuesday, which had been sacked by Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe.
Ranasinghe had appointed former Sri Lanka cricketer and 1996 World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga as head of a seven-member interim committee to govern the cricketing affairs in the country in place of the SLC management.
There had been a public outcry in the country after Sri Lanka suffered a mammoth 302-run loss to India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 2, with many demanding the sacking of the SLC board led by Silva, who was elected to the chairman post in May this year.
SLC is the second full member to have its membership suspended by ICC in the last few years after Zimbabwe Cricket was suspended in 2019 for government interference.
It remains to be seen what conditions ICC imposes in terms of SLC suspension and the effect it can have on cricketing activities in the country, considering that Sri Lanka are also the host of the 2024 Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup to be held in January next year.
(Except for the headline, this story, from a syndicated feed, has not been edited by Odishatv.in staff)
It is expected that the rain will continue till 5PM and in the worst scenario, there could be a washout. A yellow alert has been forecasted accompanied by thunderstorms till November 10. The rain has been going on in the IT Hub for the last three to four days.
Although Chinnaswamy Stadium is equipped with one of the best drainage facilities and can be ready for action within half an hour of rainfall, it is raining relentlessly and there are no signs of stopping now.
What will happen if there is a washout? Will Pakistan qualify for the World Cup semifinals? Will there be a significant consequences in the World Cup points table?
Well, these are the many questions that are cropping up in the mind of every cricket lovers today.
If New Zealand and the Sri Lanka match is a washout, both will share points. New Zealand will be stuck with 9 points while Sri Lanka will be at 5. It is very well known that Sri Lanka has no chance of making it to the Semifinals, but the washout would severely dent New Zealand’s chances of qualifying for the semifinals.
Even as the New Zealand team started off the World Cup tournament with four wins in a row, they later ended up losing as many after that. Now, they desperately need to win against Sri Lanka to reach 10 points and qualify as the fourth-ranked side.
However, the washout would provide a golden opportunity for Pakistan to sneak into the semi-finals. Currently, Pakistan have 8 points and are scheduled to clash with England on Sunday. If they beat England, who are already out of the tournament, they will qualify for the semifinals.
As per reports, the court accepted a petition by board president Shammi Silva challenging minister Ranasinghe’s move on Monday to dismiss the Sri Lanka Cricket board and appoint an interim committee.
Board officials said Silva was due to return to work after securing an order that prevented the interim committee, headed by former skipper Arjuna Ranatunga, from continuing in office.
Earlier, Ranasinghe had suspended the whole Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board following team’s disastrous 302-run World Cup loss to India last week. He had also appointed an Interim Committee for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), chaired by World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga.
Notably, Ranasinghe has been at loggerheads with Sri Lanka Cricket, the richest sports organisation on the financially stricken island, for months over allegations of widespread corruption.
The action followed a public outcry and calls by Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe to Shammi Silva-led SLC to resign after Sri Lanka's 302-run loss to India in Mumbai on November 2.
Since the defeat, several demonstrations were organised opposite the SLC premises, demanding the resignation of the Silva administration.
The riot police were placed to protect the building.
This marked the return of Ranatunga, who also headed a similar interim committee in 2008, at the helm of affairs of Sri Lankan cricket.
Ranatunga, who headed the National Sports Council appointed by Ranasinghe, has been questioning the Silva administration.
Silva was elected as SLC chief in May for his third successive term which was to run until 2025.
Following the massive defeat, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has asked for an ‘urgent and comprehensive explanation’ from the entire coaching staff and selectors.
As per a statement issued by the apex body of Sri Lanka-SLC, the recent defeats were shocking and it raised questions about the team’s preparation, strategies and performance. They believe in transparency and the importance of addressing subject concerns promptly.
“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has expressed its deep concern and disappointment over the performance of the Sri Lanka National Team during the ongoing World Cup 2023, particularly the disappointing loss against India yesterday. In light of these concerns, SLC has called for an urgent and comprehensive explanation from the entire coaching staff and Selectors,” the statement issued by SLC read.
“The recent overall performance and shocking defeats have raised significant questions about the team’s preparation, strategies and performance. SLC management never interfered with the hired professional staff to carry out their duties and responsibilities as per the norms and regulations. However, SLC firmly believes in accountability, transparency and the importance of addressing subject concerns promptly,” it further read.
Well, apart from the dismal performances in the ongoing mega event, Sri Lanka have also been suffering with injury problems.
In the last game against England, India won comprehensibly against England in Lucknow. Rohit (87), Shami and Bumrah’s brilliance ensured India’s victory against the defending Champions.
On the other hand, Sri-lanka are having a mixed World Cup as they have registered only 2 wins out of 6 matches. The team is constantly hit by injuries which are doing no good to their prospects.
Here’s the playing XI of both the teams:
India: Playing XI: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
Sri-lanka: Playing XI: : Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka
More to follow…
In light of the permutations and combinations, as the World Cup reaches the home stretch with 14 matches still to be played, Rohit Sharma's team gets its first chance to secure the last-four berth on Thursday when it takes on Sri Lanka at the Waknhede Stadium in Mumbai.
After this match, India will take on second-placed South Africa on November 5 and the Netherlands on November 12.
India are currently at the top of the points table with 12 points from six wins, their opponents Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are placed seventh with two wins and four losses.
Sri Lanka too have some chances of making it to the last four stage -- their best opportunity is to win all three of their remaining matches and hope that New Zealand, Australia or other teams can finish on 10 points. They also have to improve their Net Run Rate majorly to improve their chances of making it to the semifinals. It is difficult but achievable if luck favours them.
But Sri Lanka has not enjoyed much luck in this tournament as they have lost some key players including skipper Dasun Shanaka and Lahiru Kumara and Matheesha Pathirana -- all to injuries. They have failed to impose themselves in both batting and bowling departments and the defeat to Afghanistan in Pune has really hurt their chances.
India too have faced injury problems with key all-rounder Hardik Pandya still doubtful and likely to miss Thursday's clash with Sri Lanka and the subsequent match against South Africa in Kolkata. But his replacement Mohammad Shami has claimed nine wickets in the two matches he has played so far.
The hosts have enjoyed a great campaign in the World Cup, probably their best-ever in the history of the event -- winning five matches while chasing and one by defending a small total against England. Their comfortable run based on comprehensive wins has been set up by their bowling unit which has worked with clockwork precision.
Jasprit Bumrah has claimed 14 wickets while Kuldeep Yadav has led the spinners with 10 wickets while Ravindra Jadeja has bagged eight wickets so far.
On the batting front, skipper Rohit Sharma has led from the front and is the leading run-scorer for India with 398 runs from six matches with one hundred and two fifties. Virat Kohli is not far behind with 354 runs from six innings, which includes one century and three fifties.
But what has caught the eye is their contrasting style of batting in this event, while Rohit has hammer and tongs at the bowling from the start, Kohli has been played to the situation, been cautious and has played the finisher's role well. KL Rahul has contributed 216 runs, which includes a half-century. Other batters have failed to grab their opportunities and make some hefty contributions. It is this area that India needs to improve upon as they get into the business end of the tournament.
While the team has had a great run so far, winning one more match and getting 14 points will guarantee them a place in the knockout stage. Of course, going into the knockout stage with an all-win record will be a huge morale booster, but securing the semifinal spot should be their priority.
Therefore, the Indians can't afford to be complacent. They have had their troubles with a lot of travel as they play each of their matches at a separate venue.
Sri Lanka too can't afford to lose this match if they have to keep alive their chances. Their defeat to Afghanistan a couple of days back at Pune was a real dampener for them and they will be itching to get back to winning ways and maintain their chances of reaching the knockout stage.
India and Sri Lanka have faced each other on nine occasions in the ODI World Cups, with both teams winning four matches each and one ending in no result.
Overall, the two teams have played each other 167 times with India winning 98 of them and Sri Lanka 57. Of the remaining, 11 matches have ended in no result while one was tied.
At the Wankhede Stadium, India have won 11 out of the 20 ODIs they have played so far, losing nine. Of their 11 wins, only three have come batting first, so don't be surprised if Rohit Sharma opts to bowl first if he wins the toss on Thursday.
Sri Lanka have won two and lost one match at the Wankhede. But that one defeat has been a significant one as it was final of the 2011 World Cup that India won to lift the World Cup for the second time.
Rohit Sharma and his team will hope to beat Sri Lanka once again in a World Cup match at the Wankhede on Thursday and go on to lift the crown.
The result means that England's defence of their World Cup crown is likely over, with Jos Buttler's team needing to win all of their remaining results, produce a huge swing in net run rate and see other results go their way to stand any chance of reaching the semi-finals.
And Sri Lanka, who move up to fifth in the standings with the win, have now won all of their last five Men's Cricket World Cup meetings with England.
As disappointing as the defending champions were in Bengaluru, Sri Lanka were right on the money, ripping through the England attack with some excellent bowling performances from Maheesh Theekshana and the recalled pair of Lahiru Kumara and Angelo Mathews.
And they reached their lowly target of just 157 to win, thanks to outstanding half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama.
England were offered a glimmer of hope when David Willey struck twice in the opening Powerplay to remove both Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis.
Willey's impressive opening spell threatened to stunt Sri Lanka's chase, but Nissanka and Samarawickrama counterattacked to leave the Lankans in an exceptionally strong position.
And the pair put together a match-winning century stand, consolidating at first before accelerating to the win, giving their team a huge net run rate boost in the process.
The coin fell in the favour of England skipper Buttler and he elected to bat first, confirming three changes with Liam Livingstone, Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali returning at the expense of Harry Brook, Gus Atkinson and the injured Reece Topley.
But the Kusal Mendis-led side, who brought Mathews and Kumara back in, ran through England's top and middle-order in Bengaluru to bowl them out for 156 -- the lowest all-out total ever in an ODI in Bengaluru.
Kumara (3/35), Mathews (2/14), and Rajitha (2/36) were the top wicket-takers, while Theekshana tied England in knots, conceding just 21 runs from his 8.2 overs.
The Lankans also benefitted from some sharp work in the field, which included two run outs.
Dilshan Madushanka could have picked up a wicket with the very first ball, swinging one into Jonny Bairstow that replays showed clipped the bat before squirting off the bat to long on.
Sri Lanka opted not to review, and England's openers set about taking advantage with an aggressive opening partnership.
Dawid Malan was particularly fluent, only to fall in Mathews' first over, edging behind for 28 from 25 balls. This was the first time Mathews had bowled in an ODI since 2020, and came just days after he was added to the Sri Lanka squad as an injury replacement.
And England suffered another huge blow when Joe Root was run out for three.
A clipped shot was never likely to yield a run, but both Bairstow and Root initially set off, leaving Root stranded as he desperately dived to get back into his ground.
It's the fourth time that there has been a run out in a Root-Bairstow partnership in international cricket, with Root the player to be dismissed on all four occasions.
With their two likeliest anchors back in the hutch, England lost momentum as Sri Lanka pacers got the ball to swerve around and Theekshana held down an end.
And the wickets came from the pressure as England looked to counter-attack.
Bairstow couldn't make the most of his early luck, shanking a poor drive off Rajitha to mid-on.
And out-of-form Buttler departed for just 8 when he flashed at a wide delivery from Kumara and was well caught behind by Mendis.
Four soon became five, as England's returning batter Liam Livingstone (1) played all around a fast straight ball from Kumara to be trapped leg-before soon after, again by Kumara.
Ben Stokes survived a couple of close calls, to stay at the wicket, and managed to stitch together a small stand with Moeen Ali for the sixth wicket, to briefly give England hope of reaching a competitive total.
But just as things seemed to be normalising for England, Ali miscued a push into the off side to loft a simple catch to Kusal Perara off Angelo Mathews, leaving England hopes resting squarely on Ben Stokes.
Chris Woakes (0) was unhappy that a Samarawickrama catch was ruled out on replays, but had to depart without scoring. And Stokes' top-scoring effort of 43 from 73 balls came to a disappointing end when he shanked a heave into the deep.
And there was yet more ignominy to come for England, when Mendis brilliantly ran out Adil Rashid.
Mendis collected one down the leg-side and then quickly noticed that Rashid was still well out of his crease at the non-strikers' end, running him out with a splendid throw.
Mark Wood (5) was stumped in the last wicket to fall, with Willey on 14, meaning England had been skittled for just 156 in 33.2 overs, leaving their bowling attack with an almighty task.
Willey's excellent opening spell briefly raised the prospect of a tight finish in Bengaluru, as wickets fell early in the reply.
Kusal Perara (4) was the first to go, five balls into Willey's first over, misreading a ball that just held up a touch and clipping a catch to Stokes.
And Willey soon had the dangerous Mendis back in the dugout too, getting just rewards for an excellent spell against the Sri Lanka skipper, with Jos Buttler taking a steepling catch via a miscued flick off the legs.
The returning Woakes bowled better than his previous three appearances at the tournament, but looked largely unthreatening and was unable to match Willey's pressure with the new ball.
And Sri Lanka saw off the rest of the new-ball spell before attacking England's change bowlers of Rashid and Wood, accelerating towards their target.
England all-rounder Moeen had spoken prior to the match about the need for scoreboard pressure to give spinners a chance in Bengaluru. But there was nothing of the sort for either the 36-year-old or Livingstone to work with, as the pair were brought on later in proceedings with the writing firmly on the wall for England.
Samarawickrama finished unbeaten on 65 from 54 balls, while Nissanka brought up the win in style with a huge six to end with 77 from 83.
The result means that Sri Lanka have four points and have kept their semi-final hopes alive at the tournament.
Chamika Karunaratne will replace Shanaka in the Sri Lankan squad. The Event Technical Committee of the tournament has given the green light for Karunaratne.
Shanaka was ruled out due to a right thigh muscle injury he sustained during Sri Lanka’s match against Pakistan on October 10. He will require at least three weeks to recover fully.
Karunaratne was initially listed as the traveling reserve for Sri Lanka. Kusal Mendis serves as the designated vice-captain in the original squad. Sri Lanka are missing one of their star players Wanindu Hasaranga before the start of the tournament.
Notably, Sri Lanka have faced defeats in both of their matches so far in the tournament. They have lost against South Africa and Pakistan in two high-scoring contests. They will meet Australia in Lucknow on Monday. The injury-ravaged Sri Lankan team has a major challenge now to keep themselves in contention for a spot in the semifinal.
"India and Sri Lanka are embarking on a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations. The Ferry service brings alive all historical and cultural connections," he said in his virtual video address on the occasion.
"Partnership for progress and development is one of the strongest pillars of India - Sri Lanka bilateral relationship," he said further.
During the recent visit of Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe, Modi informed that a vision document was jointly adopted for an economic partnership with the central theme of connectivity. "Connectivity is not only about bringing two cities closer. It also brings our countries closer, our people closer and our hearts closer", Modi said.
He underlined that connectivity enhances trade, tourism and people-to-people ties, while also creating new opportunities for the youth of both countries. "Projects implemented with Indian assistance in Sri Lanka have touched the lives of the people," the Prime Minister added.
"Our vision for connectivity goes beyond the transport sector," he said, adding that India and Sri Lanka collaborate closely in a wide range of areas such as fin-tech and energy.
Noting that digital payments have become a mass movement and a way of life in India due to UPI, the PM informed that both governments are working on fin-tech sector connectivity by linking UPI and Lanka Pay.
He also touched upon connecting the energy grids between the two nations to enhance energy security and reliability as energy security is crucial for the development journey of both India and Sri Lanka.
Modi expressed his gratitude and thanked the Sri Lankan president, the government and the people of Sri Lanka for the successful launch of the ferry service today.
He also spoke about working towards resuming the ferry service between Rameswaram and Talaimannar. “India remains committed to working closely with Sri Lanka to further strengthen our bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of our people," the Prime Minister concluded.
New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched ferry services between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka.
"India and Sri Lanka are embarking on a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations. The Ferry service brings alive all historical and cultural connections," he said in his virtual video address on the occasion.
"Partnership for progress and development is one of the strongest pillars of India - Sri Lanka bilateral relationship," he said further.
During the recent visit of Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe, Modi informed that a vision document was jointly adopted for an economic partnership with the central theme of connectivity. "Connectivity is not only about bringing two cities closer. It also brings our countries closer, our people closer and our hearts closer", Modi said.
He underlined that connectivity enhances trade, tourism and people-to-people ties, while also creating new opportunities for the youth of both countries. "Projects implemented with Indian assistance in Sri Lanka have touched the lives of the people," the Prime Minister added.
"Our vision for connectivity goes beyond the transport sector," he said, adding that India and Sri Lanka collaborate closely in a wide range of areas such as fin-tech and energy.
Noting that digital payments have become a mass movement and a way of life in India due to UPI, the PM informed that both governments are working on fin-tech sector connectivity by linking UPI and Lanka Pay.
He also touched upon connecting the energy grids between the two nations to enhance energy security and reliability as energy security is crucial for the development journey of both India and Sri Lanka.
Modi expressed his gratitude and thanked the Sri Lankan president, the government and the people of Sri Lanka for the successful launch of the ferry service today.
He also spoke about working towards resuming the ferry service between Rameswaram and Talaimannar. “India remains committed to working closely with Sri Lanka to further strengthen our bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of our people," the Prime Minister concluded.
However, ahead of the start of the Asia Cup 2023, the tournament has been hit by a Covid storm. As many as two Sri Lanka cricketers were rendered doubtful for the event owing to Covid-19 infection.
Sri Lankan batters Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando have tested positive for Covid-19. As per reports, both the cricketers picked up the symptoms during the final stages of the LPL tournament. They will be only be picked in their national squad if they return with negative results.
Moreover, both the star players are presently under observation. Their selection in the Lankan squad will only depend on the speed of the recovery.
Notably co-hosts Sri Lanka will begin their Asia Cup campaign with a match against Bangladesh on August 31 at Pallekele. They will play their second group game in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on September 5.
Sri Lanka amassed a big total of 355/6, with the top four of Pathum Nissanka (57), Dimuth Karunaratne (52), Sadeera Samarawickrama (73) and top-scorer Kusal Mendis (78) being the main contributors.
Some late fireworks from Charith Asalanka (48 not out) and Hasaranga (23 not out) also contributed to Sri Lanka getting the biggest first-innings score of the tournament so far, after being pushed into batting first by the UAE.
In defence, Hasaranga removed three of the UAE's top five batters and went on to take 6-24 in a convincing victory for Sri Lanka. In the process, Hasaranga also recorded the third-best bowling figures by any Sri Lanka bowler and reached 50 wickets in the format too as UAE were bowled out for 180 in 39 overs.
In conditions which had a bit of movement on offer for the pacers, Karunaratne's solid technique came in handy as he gathered six boundaries in the Powerplay with immaculate ease.
On the other end, Nissanka struggled to get runs flowing from his bat. But he got past that initial period to hit back-to-back boundaries off Muhammad Jawadullah in the fifth over to get his innings going.
From there, Nissanka and Karunaratne kept the scoreboard ticking and, in the process, the latter brought up his third consecutive fifty. But he fell in the very next over as the 95-run partnership for the first wicket was ended by Ayaan Afzal Khan.
Joining hands with Mendis to build on the foundation, Nissanka too reached the 50-run landmark as Sri Lanka reached a comfortable 133/1 at the halfway stage of their innings.
After Nissanka fell, Mendis marched forward to hit ten fours in his classy 63-ball 78, and his 105-run partnership with Samarawickrama fired Sri Lanka towards a big total.
Sri Lanka faced some trouble when Mendis holed out to the substitute fielder off Ali Naseer, while Samarawickrama was run out to give UAE hope of restricting the scoring in the final six overs. But Asalanka had other ideas, unleashing boundary after boundary in a brilliant display of finishing to be 48 not out off just 23 balls, while Hasaranga hit three boundaries in the final over to finish with a score above 350.
In reply, UAE got off to a steady start until Lahiru Kumara pulled off a smart caught and bowled dismissal to remove open Rohan Mustafa for 12. Hasaranga arrived to remove Muhammad Waseem (39), Basil Hameed (0) and Asif Khan (8) in two overs to put Sri Lanka in complete control of the match.
After Vriitya Aravind was trapped lbw by Dhananjaya de Silva, Rameez Shahzad (26) and Naseer (34) hung around for some resistance. But Maheesh Theekshana cleaned up Naseer, and Hasaranga took two wickets in two balls as UAE's last five wickets fell for 13 runs.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka 355/6 in 50 overs (Kusal Mendis 78, Sadeera Samarawickrama 73, Ali Naseer 2-44) beat UAE 180 all out in 39 overs (Muhammad Waseem 39, Vriitya Aravind 39, Wanindu Hasaranga 6-24) by 175 runs
Though modern day cricketers are earning millions of rupees due to mushrooming of various T20 leagues across the globe, their predecessors didn’t have the same fortune. Even some of the greatest international cricketers who have represented their countries have found it hard to earn their living from the game. The situation has forced them to take other alternatives to make their living.
Former Sri Lankan cricketer Suraj Randiv is one such classic case. He was a regular member of his national team. However, Randiv is now residing in Melbourne and working as a bus driver there to earn his livelihood.
Moreover, Randiv is not the only cricketer to have this kind of tragic turn of fortune. Another former Sri Lankan cricketer, Chinthaka Jayasinghe, and Zimbabwe’s Waddington Mwayenga are also working for the same bus company Transdev. The company has a workforce of 1200 drivers and three international cricketers are part of the workforce.
As a right-arm off-spinner, Randiv had a successful career for Sri Lanka. He was part of the Sri Lanka’s 2011 ODI World Cup squad. He played in the summit clash against India. However, the Men in Blue led by MS Dhoni clinched the title. Randiv played 12 Tests, 31 ODIs, and 7 T20Is for Sri Lanka, taking 43, 36, and seven wickets in those formats respectively. He also played for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Though Randiv has retired from international cricket, he continues to play for a local club in Melbourne.
Moreover, Chinthaka Namaste has played five T20Is for Sri Lanka and scored 49 runs. Zimbabwe cricketer Mwayenga made his ODI debut against Pakistan in 2002. He played three ODIs and a single Test match for his country. Despite making significance contribution for their respective countries, their ordeal is not a good advertisement for the game across the globe.
After the loss, Sri Lanka are languishing behind West Indies in the World Cup Super League table for the final direct qualification spot with 81 points in their kitty. While Sri Lanka finished ninth in the table, West Indies are on the eighth spot with 88 points.
The Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lankan side will now visit Zimbabwe in June to compete in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier. A victory in the tournament will ensure Sri Lanka’s spot in the main tournament to be held in India later this year.
In the third match against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton, Sri Lanka were skittled out for 157 in 41.3 overs. Opener Pathum Nissanka (57, 64b, 8x4, 1x6) was the highest scorer for them. Mat Henry (3/14) was the pick of the bowlers for Kiwis.
In reply, New Zealand knocked off the target in 32.5 overs for the loss of four wickets with Will Young (86 no, 113b, 11x4) leading the run chase.
New Zealand are leading the World Cup Super League table with 175 points. Another top team who are fighting for the direct qualification is South Africa who are languishing on the 10th spot with 78 points.
Sri Lanka was the other team in contention for a spot in the WTC final. But now after losing the first Test to New Zealand by two wickets, it has cleared the path for India to go into the final and meet Australia in the summit clash.
With the Ahmedabad Test now heading towards a draw, Sri Lanka needed to beat New Zealand 2-0 in the two-match Test series to qualify. But rain in Christchurch took an entire session away in their quest to defend 284 runs against the Blackcaps.
Kane Williamson's unbeaten 121, and backed by Daryl Mitchell's outstanding 81 handed New Zealand a thrilling win and also ensured that India will meet Australia in the WTC final at The Oval from June 7-11, nine days after the end of IPL 2023.
Taking a 2-1 series lead in the opening three of four Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests at home against Australia proved to be enough for Rohit Sharma's side to clinch their spot in the WTC final.
But the icing on the cake to confirm their WTC final spot was to avoid defeat in the ongoing fourth Test at Ahmedabad, which is heading towards an inevitable draw. With Sri Lanka's defeat to New Zealand, Rohit Sharma's men cannot drop below second position in the WTC points table.
India began their WTC campaign for the 2021-23 cycle in England, taking a 2-1 lead in their series against Joe Root's men, before the fifth Test in Manchester was postponed until July 2022 due to Covid.
They would go on to lose the fifth Test match in Birmingham, though series wins against New Zealand, Sri Lanka at home, followed by an away series victory over Bangladesh set up their charge to the WTC final.
Their Border-Gavaskar Trophy series win sets up a final against Australia on neutral ground at The Oval in London, with the winner claiming the World Test Championship mace. India lost the inaugural World Test Championship final to New Zealand in 2021, as Kane Williamson's side chased down a target of 139 in Southampton.
Though, India are still determined to enter the final, their plans may be thwarted by Sri Lanka.
Currently, India are taking on Australia in the fourth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Sri Lanka will face New Zealand in a two-match Test series and the Dimuth Karunaratne-led team could potentially damage India’s hope of entering the WTC final.
A resurgent Sri Lankan team has the potential to upset India’s chances of entering the WTC final by performing well in their upcoming Test series against the Kiwis. If Sri Lanka manage to win both the Tests against New Zealand, they will earn crucial points that could push India out of the reckoning for the all-important match.
However, India’s fate is not entirely in Sri Lanka’s hands. India must also perform well in the fourth and the final Test against Australia to secure their spot in the final. However, Sri Lanka’s show against the Kiwis could certainly play an important role in determining the second finalist of WTC.
Another equation is a win in the fourth Test against Australia would secure a spot in the WTC final for India. In that scenario, even if Sri Lanka manage to win both the Test matches against New Zealand, they will be out of the race.
After Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj picked three wickets each to bundle out Sri Lanka for 215, the visitors' bowlers reduced India to 86/4. But Rahul kept his calm and batted sensibly under pressure to make an unbeaten 64 off 103 balls, and struck a crucial 75-run partnership with Hardik Pandya to take India over the line with 40 balls to spare, giving the hosts' a series win.
Chasing 216, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill smacked six boundaries in the first four overs. But Rohit fell in the fifth over to Chamika Karunaratne, giving a regulation catch to the keeper while looking to punch it through covers without any footwork.
Gill smacked Lahiru Kumara for back-to-back fours in the next over. But the pacer had the last laugh as Gill picked out short midwicket through a short-arm pull. Kumara inflicted more damage by getting a length ball to come in sharply and Virat Kohli, stuck in the crease, got an inside edge to the stumps, as India's top three fell in power-play.
Shreyas Iyer pulled with conviction twice off Karunaratne for a brace of fours and had some luck by getting boundaries off leading edges. His stay ended when he played the wrong line off Kumara and was rapped lbw. He took a review, but replays showed ball clipping leg-stump.
Rahul joined forces with Hardik to get India's chase back on track. The duo took their time to settle down in order and weather the early storm. After India's 100 was achieved, the duo began to punish loose deliveries from the Sri Lankan bowlers.
When Rajitha bowled too full and sprayed down leg, Hardik was quick in driving through mid-off and flicking through backward square leg for boundaries. When Hasaranga overpitched, Rahul leant forward to drive through cover for four. In the next over, Kumara overpitched and Rahul took full advantage by lofting high over mid-off for another four.
As the ball started to lose the shine and pitch began to be less spicy, India were cruising. Hardik brought out a front foot drive against Dhananjaya de Silva, the sixth bowling option and then flicked off Karunaratne for another four. But in an attempt to drive again off Karunaratne, Hardik was stuck at crease and nicked behind to keeper.
Axar Patel began well with an uppish drive through vacant extra cover gap off Karunaratne for a boundary which was called no-ball. He made full use of the free hit by fiercely pulling over deep mid-wicket and putting the pressure back on Sri Lanka.
His attempt to take the aerial route again backfired when his lofted extra drive was caught by long-off against de Silva. After Rahul got his fifty in 93 balls on a no-ball, Kuldeep Yadav took India closer to victory with a fierce cut through backward point for a boundary.
Rahul applied finishing touches to the chase with flicks and inside edges fetching him boundaries off Rajitha, followed by a top-edge on pull flying over keeper's head to make it three fours in an over. Kuldeep finished off the chase with a four slapped through mid-off to give India series win.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 215 all out in 39.4 overs (Nuwanidu Fernando 50, Kusal Mendis 34, Mohammed Siraj 3/30, Kuldeep Yadav 3/51) lost to India 219/6 in 43.2 overs (KL Rahul 64 not out, Hardik Pandya 36; Chamika Karunaratne 2/51, Lahiru Kumara 2/64) by four wickets
With his beautiful wristy shots, Suryakumar made the opponent team feel like he isn't from the same planet, treating every bowler with disdain to power India to a mammoth total of 228/5 in 20 overs. Apart from Suryakumar, Shubman Gill played a decent knock (46 off 36) while Rahul Tripathi gave India some quickfire runs in the Power-play with his 35 off 16.
In reply, openers Pathum Nissanka (15) and Kusal Mendis (23) gave Sri Lanka a solid start but they failed to build on it and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. The likes of Dasun Shanaka (23), Dhananjaya de Silva (22) and Charith Asalanka (19) got starts but couldn't score big as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 137 in 16.4 overs, losing by a huge margin of 91 runs.
Arshdeep Singh was the most successful bowler for India with 3-20, while Yuzvendra Chahal (2-30), Hardik Pandya (2-30) and Umran Malik (2-31) picked two wickets each with Axar Patel also getting one wicket.
Earlier, India, who won the toss and opted to bat first, lost the first wicket early as Ishan Kishan poked outside off and edged behind a swinging bouncing delivery from Madushanka in the very first over of the innings.
Kishan's opening partner Shubman Gill also struggled to open his account for the first nine balls before he smashed Madushanka for six and four in back-to-back deliveries to get things going.
Rahul Tripathi, who walked in to bat at No 3 again, showed his attacking intent by hitting Theekshana for three fours in an over. He smashed five fours and two sixes in his blistering innings of 35 off 16 balls to give the much-needed impetus to Indian innings. He got out, cutely steer the ball to third man and found the fielder in the 6th over.
Nonetheless, Tripathi's innings meant that India finished the Power-play at 53/2, which was good after they lost Ishan in the first over as Shubman Gill was batting steadily at the other.
But, it was Suryakumar Yadav, who wasted little time to get off the block and toyed with Sri Lankan bowlers by hitting them all around the park. The stylish batter got going with a four and a six off Karunaratne, driving over mid-off and executing the whip-pull. He also cracks a short ball from Hasaranga past point for a four.
Theekshana sneaked in a quiet over but the visitors couldn't keep Surya quiet for too long. A four coming down the track to Karunaratne followed by a typical scoop over fine leg for a six for Suryakumar helped India past 100 in the 11th over, and also brought up his half-century stand of 29 deliveries with Gill, who was watching the ball sail over the boundary line from the other end.
A boundary over extra cover brought the 14th T20I half-century for Suryakumar in just 26-balls. It was also Surya's ninth fifty-plus score (including a century) in his last 15 innings as India were 131/2 after 13 overs.
After watching the Suryakumar carnage from the other end, Shubman Gill too decided to free his arms and hit Hasaranga for an 84m six over mid-wicket. However, the spinner had the last laugh as he deceived Gill by the length and bowled him, leaving India at 163-3 after 14.4 overs.
Once Gill got out, the stage was set for finisher Hardik Pandya but the skipper couldn't capitalise on it and got out for just 4 runs. The next batter Deepak Hooda started his innings with a four but got out soon on a cutter from Madushanka.
But, there was no stopping Suryakumar, who slammed his third T20I century in 45 balls, which was the second fastest half-century by an Indian in the shortest format of the game after Rohit Sharma, who got the milestone in just 35 deliveries against Sri Lanka as well in 2017.
On the other hand, Axar Patel (21 not out off 9) continued from where he left in the previous game and played a little cameo towards the end. With both Suryakumar and Axar hitting, India scored 28 runs in the last two overs and posted a total of 228/5 in 20 overs.
Brief scores: India 228/5 in 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 112 not out, Shubman Gill 46, Rahul Tripathi 35; Dilshan Madushanka 2-55) beat Sri Lanka 137 all out in 16.4 overs (Kusal Mendis 23, Dasun Shanaka 23; Arshdeep Singh 3/20) by 91 runs47w35
Sent in to bat, India scored 162 for five at the Wankhede Stadium, reaching the total after being in a spot of bother at one stage of their innings.
In reply, Sri Lanka were all out for 160 in 20 overs with debutant pacer Shivam Mavi (4/20) picking the first two wickets. Skipper Dasun Shanaka top-scored for the visitors with 45 off 27 balls
For India, opener Ishan Kishan made 37 off 29 balls while new T20 captain Hardik Pandya chipped in with 29 in 27 deliveries. Deepak Hooda then blasted 41 off 23 balls while Axar Patel smashed a 20-ball 31.
Brief scores:
India: 162/5 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 37, Deepak Hooda 41 not out, Axar Patel 31 not out)
Sri Lanka: 160 all out in 20 overs (Kusal Mendis 28, Dasun Shanaka 45; Shivam Mavi 4/22).
After the Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to field, his bowlers justified his decision as they struck at regular intervals, making full use of the pitch that played a bit slow but was still good for batting.
India looked in deep trouble with half the side inside the dugout with 94 runs on the board but Hooda and Patel came together and raised 68 runs for the unfinished 6th wicket partnership to help India to a decent score.
Hooda hammered 41 not out off 23 deliveries, hitting one boundary and four sixes while Patel struck 31 not out off 20 balls (three fours and one six) as India recovered from a precarious 94/5 in the 15th over. Their sensible batting took India to a decent total and they can defend it if the bowlers manage to strike some early blows and put the Sri Lankans in early trouble.
The match started in whirlwind fashion as Ishan Kishan blasted 17 runs off the first over bowled by Kasun Rajitha, hitting the right-arm medium pacer for six and two fours as the bowler struggled for direction, even bowling a wide delivery.
But playing on a wicket that was not true, the Indians were soon in trouble as Shubman Gill, who made his debut with Shivam Mavi, did not survive for long. Gill, the India red-ball opener, who was given a chance in the absence of skipper Rohit Sharma, started with a four off Dilshan Madushanka but fell for seven runs, foxed by off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana as India slumped to 27/1 in the third over, Gill failing to overturn a decision on review.
Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka threw the ball to Theekshana after Rajitha was hammered in the first over and the spinner struck off his third delivery as he out-thought Gill, who picked up the carrom ball but was beaten by pace and trapped in front of the wicket. The opener reviewed the decision as the ball seemed to have hit him high on the pads but the third umpire went with the field umpire as the tracker showed the ball would have hit the stumps.
Suryakumar Yadav -- who was sensational in 2022, getting high praise for his 360-degree batting, failed to fire as he too got out early, caught by Bhanuka Rajapaksa off Chamika Karunaratne for 7, unable to execute his shot due to lack of pace.
Sanju Samson (5) did not last long, going for a six off Dhananjaya de Silva but hitting with the toe-end of his bat and was caught by Madushanka as India slumped to 46/3 in the seventh over.
Ishan Kishan (37, 29 b, 3x4, 2x6) and skipper Hardik Pandya (29, 27b, 4x4) added 31 runs for the fourth wicket but once both of them departed in quick succession, India were down to 94/6 in 15th over and looking down the barrel. Hooda and Patel then came together to give them a fighting total.
Brief scores:
India: 162/5 in 20 overs (Deepak Hooda 41 not out, Axar Patel 31 not out, Ishan Kishan 37, Hardik Pandya 29; Chamika Karunaratne1-22, Maheesh Theekshana 1-29) vs India.
Gill opened the India innings with Ishan Kishan while medium pacer Mavi came in place of Arshadeep Singh, who was unavailable, as the selectors continued to test youngsters after resting seasoned players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, K.L Rahul and Rishabh Pant.
On Tuesday, Mavi was handed his India cap by skipper Hardik Pandya while vice-captain Suryakuamr Yadav gave the cap to Gill, during the pre-match warm-up and practice before the toss.
The first indication of this came when Mavi stepped up to mark his run-up during practice while Arshdeep Singh did not do so.
Shubman Gill has played red-ball cricket for India, opening the innings in Test matches against Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh while bowler Mavi has played in Under-19 matches for India.
Both Gill and Mavi were teammates in the 2018 ICC U-19 World Cup-winning Indian team and Gill was the player of the Tournament, having scored 372 runs.
Bumrah last played for India in September and had also missed the T20 World Cup in Australia due to a back injury.
"The All-India Senior Selection Committee has included pacer Jasprit Bumrah in India's ODI squad for the upcoming Mastercard 3-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.
"The pacer has undergone rehabilitation and has been declared fit by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He will be joining the Team India ODI squad soon," said the BCCI in a statement.
The first ODI will be played in Guwahati on January 10, second in Kolkata on January 12 and third in Trivandrum on January 15.
With the focus on 50-over cricket in an ODI World Cup year, it is unlikely that Bumrah will feature in the shortest format till the ICC event at home in October-November.
His IPL workload too would be monitored closely by the NCA, as well as other "targeted" India players for the ODI World Cup.
One of the best in the business, Bumrah is vital to India's chances at the mega event as they look to win the coveted trophy for the second time at home after 2011.
Having made his India debut in 2016, the 29-year-old has represented the country in 30 Tests, 72 ODIs and 60 T20Is.
Experts including the great Michael Holding find Bumrah injury-prone as he generates serious pace with a short-run up.
"My problem with Bumrah, and I mentioned it to him when last time I saw him in England, is how long that body will hold up with that short run and the amount of effort he has to put into in his bowling, it is a human body. It is not a machine," Holding had said back in 2020.
India's updated squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (vc), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh.
The second and third matches of the series will be held in Pune (January 5) and Rajkot (January 7).
It is understood that Rohit Sharma's thumb injury might take some more time to heal.
However, there is no clarity whether he (Rohit) will step down from the T20 captaincy or the matter put on hold for the time being.
While it has been clear since India's T20 World Cup semi-final exit in Australia that there will be a change in guard once the new selection committee takes over, there has been no formal announcement yet.
Also despite speculation, it can be confirmed that there was no discussion on India's T20 captaincy in the Apex Council meeting.
"The matter wasn't even on the Apex Council agenda and it wasn't discussed on the forum. Only the selection committee can take a call on captaincy," a BCCI official privy to development told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
However, India's T20 structure could be totally revamped and all-rounder Hardik, who has shown his leadership acumen for the Gujarat Titans, is considered an ideal replacement.
While Rohit has had a thumb dislocation plus webbing injury, he will be rushing to get fit for the Sri Lanka series.
There are only six T20Is in a year where ODIs will get preference due to the 50-over World Cup and, with Rohit not in the scheme for the T20 World Cup in 2024, it is only imperative that he might skip the T20Is unless he decides on quitting the format altogether.
A BCCI old guard, who has been an office-bearer, had a suggestion for President Roger Binny and Secretary Jay Shah.
"The first T20I is at the Wankhede, which is Rohit's home ground. Why don't the selectors and the BCCI secretary (Shah) give him a farewell T20 match and there is a graceful changeover of the leadership baton?" he suggested.
However, in the case of ODIs, Hardik's fitness and workload management will be scrutinised before he is thrown into the deep end.
Sometimes, weird injuries take place in cricket. An unfortunate injury during a match in Lanka Premier League happened on Wednesday. Sri Lankan cricketer Chamika Karunaratne suffered a rare injury. The incident happened when a match was going on between Kandy Falcons and Galle Gladiators. Playing for Falcons, Chamika took a catch that cost him four of his teeth.
Chamika was fielding inside the circle on the off side and ran back to take a catch. However, he could not judge the ball properly.
Subsequently, the ball hit Chamika on his face before he collected is in his hands. Chamika somehow managed to take the catch, but he was in deep pain. He then asked his teammates not to celebrate with him as he had been hurt.
Chamika Karunaratne lost 4 teeth while taking a catchpic.twitter.com/WFphzmfzA1
— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) December 8, 2022
Later, it was revealed that Chamika had lost four of his teeth due to the ball hitting his mouth. The cricketer was admitted to a hospital in Galle immediately following the injury. Falcons management said that the cricketer is fine and is ready for the rest part of the tournament.
Notably, Falcons won the match by five wickets and it must have given some solace to injured Chamika.
It has been learnt that the 31-year-old Gunathilaka was arrested and taken to Sydney City police station in the wee hours of Sunday following an investigation into alleged sexual assault of a woman on November 2.
"Daushka Gunathilaka has been arrested for an alleged rape. The Sri Lankan team has left Australia without him," a source close to the Sri Lankan team told PTI. Sri Lankan team was eliminated from the tournament after losing to England on Sunday.
The left-handed batter played against Namibia in the first round match of the ongoing T20 World Cup and was out for a duck.
The New South Wales police, on its website, has also mentioned about the arrest of an unnamed Sri Lankan national.
"Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a Sri Lankan national following an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a woman in Sydney's east last week," the report said.
According to details on the wesbite, a 29-year-old woman had been sexually assaulted at a residence in Rose Bay earlier this week.
"The woman met with the man after communicating with him for a number of days via an online dating application; it's alleged he then sexually assaulted her on the evening of Wednesday 2 November 2022.
"As part of ongoing investigations, a crime scene examination was undertaken by specialist police at an address in Rose Bay yesterday. Following further inquiries, a 31-year-old man was arrested at a hotel on Sussex Street, Sydney, shortly before 1am today (Sunday 6 November 2022)," the report added.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is yet to issue a statement on the matter.
With this win, England also knocked out hosts and defending champions Australia from the tournament. On the other hand, Sri Lanka were already out of the semifinal race before the game.
Chasing a below-par target, England needed a steady start and they got more than that as Alex Hales and Jos Buttler put on an opening stand of 75 runs.
The batters looked at absolute ease against the Sri Lankan pacers. While Buttler played the second fiddle in the partnership, scoring 28 from 23 deliveries, Hales blasted his way to 47 from 30 deliveries.
Both Buttler and Hales looked in a hurry to finish off the game but Wanindu Hasaranga had other plans as he sent both batters back to their dugout in consecutive overs. Those two wickets triggered a collapse and England went on to lose four more wickets in the space of just 47 runs, making the chase extremely difficult for themselves.
While wickets kept tumbling at one end, Ben Stokes played a calm and composed knock from the other end as he remained unbeaten on 42 from 36 deliveries. The experienced all-rounder took the game deep and Chris Woakes (5 not out) finished the chase off with a boundary in the final over with two deliveries to spare.
Wanindu Hasaranga (2-23), Dhananjaya de Silva (2-24), and Lahiru Kumara (2-24) were the wicket-takers for Sri Lanka.
Earlier, the Sri Lankan openers put on a stand of 39 runs in the first four overs. At 80/2 at the end of 10 overs, Sri Lanka were in a very good position in the game.
Although Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva departed, Nissanka carried on and made his way to a fine knock of 67 from 45 deliveries. Sri Lanka were 118/4 when Nissanka departed and things started going haywire after that as they scored only 23 runs from their last 27 deliveries in the innings.
The England bowlers clawed their way back into the game after a difficult start and kept the target within a chaseable limit. Mark Wood (3-26) claimed three wickets, while Ben Stokes (1-24), Chris Woakes (1-24), Sam Curran (1-27) and Adil Rashid (1-16) took one each for England.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 141/8 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 67; Mark Wood 3-26) lost to England 144/6 in 19.4 overs (Alex Hales 47, Ben Stokes 42; Wanindu Hasaranga 2-23, Dhananjaya de Silva 2-24) by 4 wickets.
After big-hitting fireworks from Jan Frylinck (44) and JJ Smit (31 not out) helped Namibia post a competitive 163/7 in 20 overs, the bowlers produced a superb collective show, mixed their fuller and short lengths well to bowl out Sri Lanka for 108 in 19 overs for a historic win over a major cricketing nation.
Frylinck backed up his superb batting performance with a brilliant 2/26 in his four overs to be adjudged Player of the Match in Namibia's famous victory and ease their path towards a Super 12 qualification while causing a huge dent in Sri Lanka's net run rate.
Apart from him, David Wiese, Bernard Scholtz and Ben Shikongo took two wickets apiece.
In defence of 163/7 on a two-paced pitch, Wiese brought the first breakthrough for Namibia, as Kusal Mendis top-edged a pull on his short ball to keeper in the second over.
Shikongo broke the back of Sri Lanka's innings with his back-to-back double strikes in a maiden fourth over.
While Pathum Nissanka holed out to mid-on, Danushka Gunathilaka poked at a nipping away delivery and gave an outer edge behind to keeper to depart for a golden duck. Post power-play, Dhananjaya de Silva was next to depart, mistiming a flick to long leg off Frylinck.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dasun Shanaka added 34 runs for the fifth wicket, before the former mistimed a slog to deep mid-wicket off left-arm spinner Bernard Scholtz. Wanindu Hasaranga was next to fall, slog-sweeping straight to deep mid-wicket off Scholtz.
When Shanaka fell by top-edging a slog to keeper off Frylinck, a victory for Namibia was just inevitable.
Brief Scores: Namibia 163/7 in 20 overs (Jan Frylinck 44, JJ Smit 31 not out; Maheesh Theekshana 1/23, Wanindu Hasaranga 1/27) beat Sri Lanka 108 all out in 19 overs (Dasun Shanaka 29, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 20; David Wiese 2/16, Bernard Scholtz 2/18) by 55 runs.
Needing nine runs to win from the last over, which became three runs off the final ball, Nida Dar was run-out while attempting to take a second run, as Pakistan managed to make 121/6 in their 20 overs, falling just a run short of Sri Lanka's 122/6 in 20 overs.
Electing to bat first, though captain Chamari Athapaththu fell for ten early in the innings, other batters stepped up when it mattered the most. There was a 50-run partnership between Harshitha Madavi (35 off 41 balls, one four) and Nilakshi de Silva (14 off 27 balls) for the third wicket.
Apart from the duo, opener Anushka Sanjeewani made 26 off 21 balls, which included one four and one six. For Pakistan, left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu bagged figures of 3/17 while spinners Sadia Iqbal, Nida Dar and right-arm fast bowler Aiman Anwer took one wicket each.
Chasing 123, Pakistan's openers Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin shared a 31-run stand, before the former ran herself out on the first ball of the fourth over. Captain Bismah Maroof joined Sidra and the pair added a 16-run partnership for the second wicket, before the latter gave a catch to diving short third man while playing a reverse sweep off Inoka Ranaweera on the last ball of the seventh over.
Pakistan were in a spot of bother when they lost Omaima Sohail in the 11th over. But Bismah joined forces with Nida for a 42-run stand for the fourth wickets. Bismah was going strong and leading the chase for her team before being castled for 42 off 41 balls, laced with four fours.
Bismah's dismissal gave a ray of hope to Sri Lanka to make a comeback in the match. They did make full use of that chance and restricted Pakistan to 121/6, with Nida making a run-a-ball 26, and hitting one four, but couldn't her team to the final of Women's Asia Cup. For Sri Lanka, Inoka bagged 2/17, while Sugandika Kumari and Kavisha Dilhari had a scalp each as the side entered Women's Asia Cup final after 14 years.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 122/6 in 20 overs (Harshitha Madavi 35, Anushka Sanjeewani 26; Nashra Sandhu 3/17) beat Pakistan 121/6 in 20 overs (Bismah Maroof 42, Nida Dar 26; Inoka Ranaweera 2/17) by one run
The 12 were rescued by the Hovercraft of the Indian Coast Guard from the 4th islet in Dhanushkodi police station limits. Those arriving on Tuesday included 3 men, 3 women, and 6 children. Dhanushkodi police told IANS that the 12 belong to three different families and have paid their lifetime savings for the fishing boat to drop them at the 4th islet.
They were taken to Rameswaram police station and after necessary medical checkups and proper verification of identities, all 12 were shifted to Mandapam refugee camp.
Since the commencement of the domestic crisis in Sri Lanka, 170 people have arrived on the Tamil Nadu coast.
A 71-year-old woman Sri Lankan refugee Parameswari who had landed at the Dhanushkodi mound along with her husband, Periyannan (80) died in the Government Rajaji Medical College, Hospital at Madurai on July 2. The woman had arrived at Rameswaram along with her husband on June 27 and was rescued by the Indian Coast Guard and Coastal Security Group after they had waded through neck-deep water into Dhanushokodi shores. The woman and her husband were immediately taken to the hospital for dehydration, where Parameswari passed away. This was the only incidence of a refugee dying after reaching Indian shores since the commencement of the refugee movement into India.
Once deemed unfit and dropped on fitness grounds, Rajapaksa gave a befitting reply with his bat and scored a humongous 71 not out off 45 balls.
Like actress Anuksha Sharma who stays solid and strong with her husband Virat Kohli during his rough phase, Rajapaksa’s wife Sandrine Perera does the same. Despite repeated controversies and bans, she stayed strong all throughout and encouraged him to be strong.
As per reports, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Sandrine Pereira had been dating right from his days at Royal College. After having dated each other for quite a long time, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Sandrine Pereira finally decided to take their relationship to the next level and tied the knot on 2 April 2021.
She has been his pillar of strength and stood by him no matter what. Now, the result has been finally shown.
When he went to bat in the middle, Sri Lanka were in a creek at 3/36. Soon, two more departed and they were 5/59. Panic
screamed on the spectators and dressing room, but Rajapaksa remained unaffected through all these travails and tension.
Pakistan pacers and spinners tried to intimidate him, but he remained un-trapped. Soon, he caught his rhythm and started hitting it out of the boundaries.
Sri Lanka were off to a terrible start, losing three wickets inside the power play against the quality pace bowling. With 58/5 in 8.5 overs, Sri Lanka were in danger of getting bowled but Rajapaksa showed a fighting spirit and counter-attacked.
He looked in control against spinners and slowly started hitting boundaries. After the wicket of Hasaranga, Rajapaksa had the responsibility of batting till the last over and he did that with perfection. He hit boundaries and sixes to complete his half-century in 35 balls.
He remained not out and took Sri Lanka to 170/6 in 20 overs.
Thanks to his decision for not to retire, the star batsman has proved again that he has a lot of cricket left in him and can do wonders for his country.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 170/6 in 20 overs (Bhanuka Rajapaksa 71 not out, Wanindu Hasaranga 36; Haris Rauf 3/29) beat Pakistan 147 all out in 20 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 55, Iftikhar Ahmed 32; Pramod Madushan 4/34, Wanindu Hasaranga 3/27) by 23 overs
Before this match, Sri Lanka and Pakistan had met in three Asia Cup finals -- the former won in 1986 and 2014 while the latter emerged victorious in 2000.
Pakistan made two changes in their team for this important game as Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan came in place of Usman Qadir and Hasan Ali.
"We'll bowl first. Looking forward to the match. The confidence level is high. We've played very well in this tournament. Every match we have a new POTM. Shadab, Naseem back. Usman and Hasan out," said Azam at the toss.
On the other hand, Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka decided to stick with the same playing XI, which helped them win their Super Four game against Pakistan.
"Would've bowled as well. But happy to bat as it's a final. Openers have stood up. Madushanka and Mahesh have been brilliant. Good sign for the World Cup. Record has been good in this tournament. Same team," said Shanaka.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
Sri Lanka made two changes in their team for this match, with Pramod Madushan making his debut.
"We'll bowl first. Been lucky with the toss, you never know what will happen. But it's been our charm to bowl first. It's good we are playing Pakistan once before the final," said Shanaka at the toss.
"Two changes - DDS (Dhananjaya de Silva) coming in for Asalanka, and Pramod Madushan making his debut for Asitha Fernando. We need to try our best XI before the World Cup and the final," he added.
On the other hand, Babar Azam led Pakistan also made two changes as Usman Qadir and Hasan Ali came in place of Shadab and Naseem.
"We would have also bowled first. Two changes - Shadab and Naseem are not playing, Usman Qadir and Hasan Ali are in. Shadab should be fit for the final, we just wanted to rest them to try a different combination before the final," said Babar.
Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan have already reached the final of the tournament and will look to fine-tune their skills prior to the summit clash.
Playing XIs:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Dhananjaya de Silva, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan(w), Babar Azam(c), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Asif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali , Haris Rauf, Usman Qadir, Mohammad Hasnain
The result left the Men in Blue at the mercy of the other teams to have a chance of making it to the final. It also meant that India skipper Rohit Sharma's scintillating 41-ball 72 went in vain, as the islanders completed a chase of 174 with a ball to spare.
Needing 21 in 12 balls, Sri Lanka scored 14 runs off the penultimate over bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, almost sealing it in their favour.
India will be out of the tournament if Pakistan beat Afghanistan on Wednesday.
Chasing what looked like a par score at the innings break, the Sri Lankans were off to a blazing start with openers Kusal Mendis (57 off 37 balls) and Pathum Nissanka (52 off 37 balls) putting on 91 runs at a brisk rate.
The fifty was up in the sixth over with both batters regularly finding the gaps and the boundaries with consummate ease, putting tremendous pressure on the Indian bowling attack that looked clueless against the positive approach adopted by the two Lankan batters.
However, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal had other ideas as he struck twice in the 12th over to put the brakes on Sri Lanka's march.
Ravichandran Ashwin sent back Danushka Gunathilaka (1) to leave Sri Lanka in a spot of bother at 110 for three in the 14th over.
In the first ball of the next over, Sri Lanka suffered a body blow as Chahal got the big wicket of Mendis, who was trapped lbw in front of the wicket.
But Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka and (33 not out) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (25 not out) remained till the end to complete the task for their team with a match-winning, fifth-wicket partnership of 64 runs.
Earlier, Rohit led by example with his fine knock.
Rohit blazed away after India lost two early wickets, hitting five fours and four sixes during his entertaining knock. He was well supported by Suryakumar Yadav (34 off 29 balls) during a stand of 97 runs for the third wicket.
But Rohit's dismissal triggered a slide as India added 63 runs after being 110 for three in the 13th over, when the skipper got out.
Sri Lanka were off to a dream start as they removed opener KL Rahul (6) and one-down Virat Kohli (0) in quick succession, leaving defending champions India in early trouble at 13 for two in the third over.
Right after getting a boundary with a lofted drive over extra over, Rahul was trapped in front of the wicket by off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana's arm ball in the second over of the game.
Having failed to connect with the ball after coming down the wicket, Rahul had opted for a review but it did not go his way as replays showed the ball going on to hit the leg stump.
In came Kohli, only for the Indian star to walk back to the dressing room after facing four deliveries for his zero, bowled neck and crop by left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Trying to slog a length ball over midwicket, Kohli missed and his off and middle stumps were disturbed.
Rohit though remained positive and kept the scoreboard moving at a healthy rate, making his intention clear when he played Chamika Karunaratne over wide mid-on for a boundary.
Fast-medium bowler Asitha Fernando was introduced into the attack, and Rohit smashed him for a six and a four off successive balls as 14 runs came in the fifth over.
The Indian captain then hit Theekshana for a four over square leg, helping India score 44 runs in the six powerplay overs.
Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and Karunaratne then bowled a couple of tight overs, succeeding in containing the duo of Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav.
Meanwhile, Rohit was dropped at extra cover when batting on 40, off Hasaranga's bowling.
Suryakumar brought up his first boundary after playing 12 balls, which was also India's first after a quiet period.
In the next over, Rohit took advantage of his reprieve and whipped Asitha Fernando over deep square-leg for a six, and then reached his half century with a four.
Suryakumar also got into the act, striking Madushanka for a maximum. It was then again Rohit's turn to get a six as the Indian captain danced down the wicket to loft Hasaranga over long-on. He followed that up with a four and then another six.
However, Karunaratne dismissed Rohit in the next over with a slower one.
Fans are nervous as well as excited after India lost to Pakistan on Sunday, September 4. While India had won the first game, Pakistan defeated India by five wickets in the second game.
Even as Virat Kohli’s batting has strengthened and the star batsman is back in form, fans are a bit worried as Sri Lanka has successfully chased two games and maintained their winning streak.
After a bad start against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka has came back stronger and won two games consecutively. So, it is high time, Indian players look to bounce back after the defeat to Pakistan in the last-over thriller.
All eyes are on openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul who are expected to stay more than 6 overs. Now, the absence of Ravindra Jadeja due to knee injury has also added to the troubles of team India.
Furthermore, the dilemma between Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik is also a concern for the team. Also, if Avesh Khan fails to recover in time, then Deepak Chahar can get a call in the India’s squad as he is their stand by player.
Worth mentioning, India won all the 3 matches against Sri Lanka in T20Is, the last time when they played in Feb 2022.
India (Probable Playing XI): Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul/Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Deepak Hooda, Ravi Bishnoi, Yuzvendra Chahal/Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh
Sri Lanka (Probable Playing XI): Dasun Shanaka (Captain) Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, , Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka
Match Details at a glance:
Asia Cup 2022, Super 4
Date: 6th September, 2022 (Tuesday)
Match: India vs Sri Lanka
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Dubai International Stadium, UAE
Toss: 7:00 PM
Rajapaksa, 73, fled the country on July 13 after months-long mass public demonstrations demanding his immediate resignation on July 9 gained momentum after protesters stormed the President's House in Colombo and several other state buildings in the capital.
Rajapaksa arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport amidst a heavy security presence. After being received at the airport by several ministers and Parliamentarians of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, Rajapaksa left the airport in a heavily-guarded motorcade.
The ex-president returned to Sri Lanka on a Singapore Airlines flight. He travelled from Thailand to Singapore to take the flight as there are no direct flights between Bangkok and Colombo, sources said.
Rajapaksa will be living in a state bungalow close to Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo while a large security contingency will be appointed to maintain security in the area, Daily Mirror Lanka reported.
As a former president, Rajapaksa is entitled to a government house, security and other privileges.
Rajapaksa fled Sri Lanka to the Maldives on a Sri Lanka Airforce plane and then proceeded to Singapore, from where he sent in his resignation on July 14.
Later, he flew to Thailand, seeking temporary shelter. Thailand had said that Rajapaksa can stay in the country for 90 days because he is still a diplomatic passport holder.
However, Rajapaksa was not allowed to engage in political activities in Thailand. He was confined to a hotel and surrounded by security personnel.
Local media reports on August 19 quoted Rajapaksa's Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam as saying that his party had requested the president to facilitate the former president's return and ensure security and necessary facilities".
After Rajapaksa was ousted, Sri Lanka's parliament elected then-Acting President and six-time former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the new Head of State.
Wickremesinghe has a mandate to serve out the rest of Rajapaksa's term, which ends in November 2024.
Rajapaksa, an ex-military officer, became president in November 2019.
Sri Lanka is going through its worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948 which was triggered by a severe paucity of foreign exchange reserves.
The IMF on Thursday announced that it will provide Sri Lanka with a loan of about USD 2.9 billion over four years under a preliminary agreement to help the bankrupt island nation tide over its worst economic crisis and protect the livelihoods of the people.
Following months of street protests over the country's worst-ever economic crisis that led to the acute shortage of basic essentials like food, fuel, medicine and cooking gas, Rajapaska, who came to power with a thumping Sinhala Buddhist majority votes in November 2019, announced his resignation two-and-a-half years before the end of his term.
Rajapaksa secretly fled to the Maldives first with the intervention of former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed and then to Singapore.
Following the intervention of the Sri Lankan government, Rajapaksa who holds a diplomatic passport, flew to Thailand where he was allowed a 90-day stay.
Rajapaksa's initial attempt to flee to the US where his son lives with his family, had failed after Washington refused to provide a visa.
A former duel citizen, Rajapaksa had to give up the US citizenship in order to run in the 2019 presidential election.
"The President should not have left the country but he could have given up the presidency while living in Sri Lanka," Jagath Kumara, an MP from Rajapaksa's Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, told the media on Friday while welcoming the return of the former leader.
"He is a citizen of this country and nobody can take the law into his or her hand," the MP said when he was asked about the safety of the former President.
Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe had earlier stated that it was not safe for Rajapaksa to return to the country.
As per Shanaka, chasing will be important on an already-used wicket. The same pitch was used for India versus Hong Kong clash on Wednesday.
"We are going to bowl first. It's a used wicket, so chasing will be important. We had a good preparation coming into this game. We need to concentrate on our batting. We will try to play as we have been playing for the last two years. The team that comes up with a good performance wins," the Sri Lankan skipper said at the toss.
On the other hand, Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangladesh made three changes in their playing XI for this game.
"We wanted to field first, but that's not in our control. We didn't bat well against Afghanistan, but today is a different day. We have three changes in our team, and we have made quite a few changes. Hopefully, that will work for us today," said Shakib.
"We want to play some good cricket today, we are not concerned about what is being talked about in the media," he added.
Playing XIs:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka(c), Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando
Bangladesh: Sabbir Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Shakib Al Hasan(c), Afif Hossain, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Ebadot Hossain
In a strongly worded tweet, Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka on Saturday said, "We have noted the remarks of the Chinese Ambassador. His violation of basic diplomatic etiquette may be a personal trait or reflecting a larger national attitude."
Without directly referring to India, the Chinese envoy in Colombo Qi Zhenhong had stated that "External obstruction based on so-called security concerns but without any evidence from certain forces is de facto a thorough interference into Sri Lanka's sovereignty and independence."
Qi Zhenhong was referring to the arrival of the high-tech ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship, which was originally scheduled to arrive at the Chinese run Hambantota Port on August 11 but was delayed when Sri Lanka requested to defer the arrival following security concern raised by India.
"His view of #SriLanka's northern neighbour may be coloured by how his own country behaves. #India, we assure him, is very different. His imputing a geopolitical context to the visit of a purported scientific research vessel is a giveaway," in a tweet Indian High Commission hit out at the comment made by the representative of Beijing.
"Opaqueness and debt driven agendas are now a major challenge, especially for smaller nations. Recent developments are a caution. #SriLanka needs support, not unwanted pressure or unnecessary controversies to serve another country's agenda," Indian High Commission stressed in its twitter thread.
Writing an article on Friday, Chinese Ambassador had stated, "Looking back at the great history of the island, Sri Lanka who overcome aggression from its northern neighbour for 17 times, colonisation by the west for 450 years, and an anti-terrorism war for nearly three decades, is now still standing in the world bravely and proudly. Any infringement on the national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka shall not be tolerated."
Following China's repeated meetings with Colombo, Sri Lanka allowed the ship to enter Hambantota and stay from August 16 to 22 but on conditions that it would keep the Automatic Identification System (AIS) switched on within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Sri Lanka and no scientific research be conducted in Sri Lankan waters.
An MoU is to be signed between the two countries to issue a set of stamps under the theme of �Democracy', Sri Lanka Cabinet spokesman and Media Minister Bandula Gunawardena said on Tuesday.
The postal departments of India and Sri Lanka are to jointly issue the stamps to mark the 75th anniversary of Sri Lanka's Independence from British rule. The stamps are to depict the Parliaments of the two South Asian neighbours.
Sri Lanka Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said that 3,000 stamp sets, 5,000 souvenir sheets and 2,000 first-day covers are to be exchanged between India and Sri Lanka.
After India attained Independence after a long struggle on August 15, 1947, Sri Lanka became independent on February 4, 1948.
Port workers gave an enthusiastic welcome to the Yuan Wang 5, waving Sri Lankan and Chinese flags, while the ship, which will remain docked till August 22, displayed a large banner reading, "Hello Sri Lanka", reports CNN.
However, the ship's arrival appears to have aggravated tensions between New Delhi and Beijing, who have both spent billions of dollars on development and deals with Sri Lanka, an island of 22 million people that sits on a key trading route.
The Yuan Wang 5 had originally requested permission to dock at the port last week, but the visit was delayed after concerns were raised about the ship's presence, though India denied putting any pressure on Colombo.
China says the ship is used for scientific research, but the US Defense Department says the ship is under the command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and is capable of tracking satellites and missile launches, CNN reported.
On August 13, Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry said the government had engaged in "extensive" consultations with "all parties concerned" with a "view to resolving the matter in a spirit of friendship, mutual trust and constructive dialogue".
It said the ship had been given permission to dock on the condition that no scientific research was conducted in Sri Lankan waters.
The ship's arrival was always going to be controversial -- China leased the Hambantota port from Sri Lanka in 2017 for 99 years after Colombo failed to pay debts related to the construction of the facility.
At the time, the deal raised concerns that it would give China access to a key shipping route, putting it within India's traditional sphere of influence. And the presence of a ship packed with advanced technology has made Sri Lanka's neighbours nervous, CNN reported.
According to a US Defense Department report published last year, the vessel is under the command of the PLA's Strategic Support Force (SSF), "a theater command-level organization established to centralize the PLA's strategic space, cyber, electronic, information, communications, and psychological warfare missions and capabilities".
"The SSF also operates Yuan Wang space support ships that track satellite and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches," the report said.
Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain and former director of operations at the US Pacific Command's Joint Intelligence Center, said New Delhi's concern about the ship's presence in Sri Lanka was likely due to its monitoring capabilities, CNN reported.
"Spying is not her primary mission, her primary mission is satellite tracking and monitoring PRC rocket launches, telemetry, and satellite status, but that same capability can and often is employed to monitor other countries' satellite operations, downlinks and missile telemetry," he said.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday the ship is conducting scientific research "in accordance with international law".
It "does not affect the security and economic interests of any country, and should not be interfered with by third parties", spokesman Wang Wenbin said.
Jayasuriya, a former Sri Lankan cricket captain, met India's High Commissioner in Colombo, Gopal Baglay, on Monday.
"Sri Lanka's newly-appointed tourism brand Ambassador, cricket legend @Sanath07 met High Commissioner today. The meeting focused on strengthening ties between the people of India and Sri Lanka and promoting tourism as an instrument for economic recovery," the Indian High Commission tweeted.
Responding to the tweet, Jayasuriya on Tuesday thanked Baglay for agreeing to meet him.
"We will concentrate on promoting the Ramayana trail to the Indian tourists," he tweeted.
Both India and Sri Lanka agreed in 2008 to work on enhancing shared cultural and religious values based on the Ramayana heritage.
The Ramayana is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India and an important text of Hinduism. There are 52 sites on the Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka.
India in May re-emerged as Sri Lanka's top inbound tourist market with 5,562 arrivals followed by the UK with 3,723 arrivals.
The 53-year-old former Sri Lankan cricketer and captain was appointed as the Brand Ambassador of Tourism for Sri Lanka last week.
Monday's meeting between Jayasuriya and Baglay was the second this year. Jayasuriya met with Baglay in April and sought India's assistance in obtaining essential medicines for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has been witnessing one of the worst economic crises since its Independence in 1948. The government declared bankruptcy in mid-April by refusing to honour its international debt.
India has been at the forefront of extending economic assistance of nearly USD 4 billion to Sri Lanka during the year.
The decision to move the tournament out of Sri Lanka was taken due to the ongoing political turmoil in the island nation.
"The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is eagerly looking forward to conducting its much-awaited Asia Cup tournament from August 27th to September 11th , 2022, as scheduled," a Asian Cricket Council statement said.
"However, considering the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka, the ACC after extensive deliberation has unanimously concluded that it would be appropriate to relocate the tournament from Sri Lanka to the UAE," it added.
Sri Lanka is going through one of its worst crisis with supplies of food and fuel drying up. The country has still been able to host bilateral cricket, with Australia and Pakistan making the trip over, but with the Asia Cup being a multi-team tournament, the challenges of hosting it in the midst of economic turmoil were considered a tough task.
BCCi secretary and ACC President Jay Shah said that every effort was made to host the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the decision to shift the venue to the UAE was taken after much deliberation.
"Every effort was made to host the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the decision to shift the venue to the UAE was taken after much deliberation. The UAE will be the new venue while Sri Lanka will continue to retain hosting rights. This edition of the Asia Cup is extremely important as it will help Asian nations prepare for the ICC World Cup, and I thank the SLC and the Emirates Cricket Board for their understanding and cooperation," said Shah.
The six-team Asia Cup will be played in the T20 format this year as a precursor to the T20 World Cup in Australia. The UAE also hosted the previous edition of the tournament, in the ODI format in 2018, an event that was won by India.
"We were really looking forward to hosting our Asian neighbours in Sri Lanka for the much-anticipated Asia Cup," SLC President Shammi Silva said.
"While I fully stand by the ACC's decision to shift the Asia Cup to UAE considering the current context and magnitude of the event, Sri Lanka cricket will work closely with the ACC and the Emirates Cricket Board to ensure that we still have an exciting edition of the Asia Cup," he added.