Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Vandersay stars as Sri Lanka crush Zimbabwe to clinch ODIs 2-1

Vandersay stars as Sri Lanka crush Zimbabwe to clinch ODIs 2-1

Sri Lankan spinner Jeffrey Vandersay returned figures of 4-10 to lead Zimbabwe's 184-run rout in the third one-day international as the hosts clinched the series 2-1 on Friday.

Zimbabwe crashed out for 70 in 24.4 overs as Sri Lankan bowlers combined to defend their total of 254-9 in Kandy.


Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera and offspinner Ramesh Mendis claimed two wickets each.

Opening batsman Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 55 and Charith Asalanka made 52 to boost Sri Lanka's score despite a disciplined bowling effort by Zimbabwe.

But leg-spinner Vandersay made the match his own with career-best figures as Sri Lanka earned crucial Super League points in their attempt to get a direct entry into the 2023 World Cup.

"We played really good cricket throughout, but I think winning the toss played a really big role, especially today," skipper Dasun Shanaka said after the win.

"It was more on the slower side, we thought 270 would be ideal, so we felt we were maybe 20 runs short. But we always knew we were in it with our spinners were always in with a chance."

Sri Lanka bounced back from their opening loss despite missing several key players including Wanindu Hasaranga and Dhananjaya de Silva.

"It's really good to have so many good players sitting out, we haven't had such depth for many years and it's a good sign for Sri Lanka cricket for the coming years," said Shanaka.

Sri Lankan bowlers came all guns blazing to defend the lowest total of the series that witnessed a successful chase of 297 in the opening match by the hosts who then fell 22 runs short of their target of 303 in the second game.

- Chatara's 100 wickets -

Chameera struck on successive deliveries to send back Regis Chakabva for one and skipper Craig Ervine for nought in the third over of the chase.

Sean Williams avoided the hat-trick but soon got bowled by off spinner Maheesh Theekshana for six.

Vandersay got Takudzwanashe Kaitano, who made his ODI debut in the series, stumped for 19 with wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis taking off the bails in a flash.

Ramesh, who made a valuable 26 with the bat, made it count with two wickets after he replaced Nuwan Pradeep and the opposition batting fell like a pack of cards.

Earlier Nissanka got Sri Lanka off to a good start as he put on 80 runs with opening partner Kusal Mendis.

Zimbabwe hit back with wickets to dent the hosts who wobbled despite a 56-ball knock Asalanka who became Tendai Chatara's 100th ODI scalp.

Chatara became the fastest Zimbabwe bowler to a century of ODI wickets in 76 matches as he surpassed former captain and fast bowler Heath Streak's effort from 81 matches.

Richard Ngarava returned figures of 2-46 from his nine overs.

Chamika Karunaratne, who made 30, and Ramesh put on 48 runs for the seventh wicket to add to the total which turned out to be a winning one.

"We've put in some really good performances in the first two games, but it's really disappointing to end the series with a display like that," said Ervine.

"In terms of positives, our opening partnership is definitely a plus. Kaitano has been great and I'm sure he's gonna be around for a while."

More For You

Alcaraz-Wimbledon-Getty

Carlos Alcaraz plays a forehand against Novak Djokovic in the Gentlemen's Singles Final on July 14, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Wimbledon draw: Alcaraz opens against Fognini, Sabalenka faces qualifier

CARLOS ALCARAZ will begin his attempt to win a third straight Wimbledon title against Italian Fabio Fognini, while women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka opens her campaign against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine.

The draw, held on Friday at the All England Club, featured several notable first-round matchups.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sir Sajid Javid leads commission 'tackling social divisions'

Sir Sajid Javid (Photo by Tom Nicholson-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Sir Sajid Javid leads commission 'tackling social divisions'

A cross-party group has been formed to tackle the deep divisions that sparked last summer's riots across England. The new commission will be led by former Tory minister Sir Sajid Javid and ex-Labour MP Jon Cruddas.

The Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion has backing from both prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. It brings together 19 experts from different political parties and walks of life.

Keep ReadingShow less
Prabhas Kalki 2898 AD anniversary

Kalki 2898 AD showcased Prabhas in a genre-blending sci-fi mythological role

One year of 'Kalki 2898 AD': How Prabhas reminded everyone he’s still the pan-India superstar

It’s been a year since Kalki 2898 AD hit theatres, and whether you loved it, questioned it, or are still figuring out what you watched, one thing’s clear: it cemented Prabhas’ place at the top. A unique experiment packed with mythology, sci-fi, and big-screen ambition, Kalki didn’t just push boundaries—it made sure everyone was paying attention.

Here’s how Kalki quietly reinforced what audiences across India (and beyond) already suspected: Prabhas isn’t going anywhere.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Masum

Masum was seen on CCTV trying to steer the pram away and, when she refused to go with him, stabbed her multiple times before walking away and boarding a bus. (Photo: West Yorkshire Police)

West Yorkshire Police

Habibur Masum convicted of murdering estranged wife in front of baby

A MAN who stabbed his estranged wife to death in Bradford in front of their baby has been convicted of murder.

Habibur Masum, 26, attacked 27-year-old Kulsuma Akter in broad daylight on April 6, 2024, stabbing her more than 25 times while she pushed their seven-month-old son in a pram. The baby was not harmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shreena Patel

Shreena Patel

Shreena Patel on turning pain into paint and becoming a voice for British South Asian art

In her own words, the London-based artist shares 10 defining moments that turned glitter into grit, pain into power and creativity into connection.

Shreena Patel has built a vibrant, shimmering world with her signature metallic-sparkle acrylics, one canvas at a time. A graduate of the prestigious University of the Arts London, the London-based abstract artist has earned acclaim both in the UK and internationally, creating bespoke pieces for celebrities, private collectors and public institutions.

Keep ReadingShow less