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South Africa crushes Sri Lanka with bowling masterclass

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A bowling masterclass from South Africa lit up New York as wickets tumbled in the first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 game to be held in the city.

Nortje and Baartman make immediate impact

The brilliance of Ottneil Baartman and Anrich Nortje ripped Sri Lanka apart in New York, with Baartman taking a wicket with his very first ball and conceding just nine runs from his four overs, and Nortje posting extraordinary figures of 4/7 from 4 overs.

And while the chase of 78 was far from straightforward for South Africa, it was the Proteas who eased to victory and got their campaign off to a winning start.

South Africa keep their cool in steady chase

Faced with a target of just 78 to win their tournament opener, South Africa inched their way to victory in Nassau County as the Sri Lanka bowlers ensured the first-ever T20 World Cup match in New York was a low-scoring thriller.

Quinton de Kock anchored the chase with 20 from 27 balls – a knock that illustrated just how tough it was for even experienced international stars to score on a surface that offered plenty for quicks and spinners alike.

Nuwan Thushara and Dasun Shanaka made the powerplay breakthroughs that Sri Lanka desperately required after reaching just 77 all out in their first innings.

And a double strike from Wanindu Hasaranga to remove De Kock and Tristan Stubbs (13 from 28) gave the Lankans hope.

But 78 was never likely to be enough to deny South Africa’s powerful batting lineup, and the double-act of Heinrich Klaasen (19* from 22) and David Miller (6* from 6) completed the job with 3.4 overs and six wickets to spare.

How Sri Lanka unravelled in New York opener

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, but found the going tough early on, as South Africa’s bowlers extracted extra bounce from the wicket.

Baartman struck with his first ball to remove Pathum Nissanka, before Keshav Maharaj stepped in with two wickets in an over to leave the innings in tatters.

The introduction of Nortje as the fifth bowler saw no let-up for the Lankan batters, as the Protea pacer returned phenomenal figures of 4/7 in his four overs, ending any lingering hopes of a first-innings recovery.

Kagiso Rabada took 2/21, while Baartman ended with an excellent economy of 2.25 in his four overs.

Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis and Angelo Mathews were the only batters to reach double figures in a hugely disappointing display from Sri Lanka, whose innings ended with a run-out as they posted just 77 in 19.1 overs.

Sri Lanka will look to bounce back when they resume their Group D campaign against Bangladesh in Dallas on Saturday 8 June, while South Africa can consolidate their position in the qualification spots when they play the Netherlands in New York on the same day.

(ICC)

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PCB postpones PSL

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the postponement of the remaining eight matches of the HBL PSL X.

A statement from Pakistan Cricket Board says : 

The last 24 hours have seen a worsening of the situation on the LOC, increased incursion of 78 drones, and the firing of surface to surface missiles from India.

The decision to postpone has been taken pursuant to advice received from the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif who has kept in view the reckless aggression from India that has escalated to a point where national attention and sentiments are rightly focused on the courageous efforts of the Armed Forces of Pakistan who are vociferously upholding the sovereignty of our beloved Pakistan.

The PCB and its players stand resolutely in solidarity with the families of the martyrs and our security personnel defending the nation.

The PCB recognizes the efforts and support of its partners, franchises, participating players, broadcasters, sponsors, and organizers in having ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament thus far, however; cricket while being a unifying force and a source of joy, must take a respectful pause when the country is facing such callous opposition.

We, at the PCB, also have sincere regard for the mental well-being of participating players and the sentiments of our foreign players, and we respect the concerns of their families who want to see them back home.

Yesterday, it was also announced that the IPL will also be suspended for a week.

Related News :

IPL suspended for a week over safety concerns

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Minister Nalinda elected President of Sri Lanka-India Parliamentary Friendship Association

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Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka – India Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament, the Department of Communications of Parliament said.

The revival meeting of the Friendship Association was held on May 08, 2025 in Parliament under the patronage of the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor. The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Rizvie Salih, the Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.

At the meeting, Member of Parliament Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana was elected as the Secretary of the Sri Lanka – India Parliamentary Friendship Association, the statement added.

During the meeting, representatives from both Sri Lanka and India highlighted the deep-rooted and enduring relationship between the two nations, spanning centuries. They emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation through exchange programs and sustained dialogue, according to the statement.

The Speaker expressed appreciation for India’s steadfast support during Sri Lanka’s most challenging times. He also highlighted the recent state visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India as a key milestone that has opened new avenues for bilateral collaboration. 

He also expressed his gratitude for organizing the upcoming Capacity Building Programme for newly elected Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka, to be conducted by the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training of India later this month, it added.

Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, recalled the successful visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka and reaffirmed India’s commitment to support Sri Lanka across multiple sectors as a close and trusted neighbor.

In his speech, the newly elected President Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasized the vital role of the Friendship Association as a bridge between the two Parliaments and expressed confidence in fostering meaningful engagement to deepen the already strong ties between Sri Lanka and India, it said.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Friendship Association he Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to India for its enduring friendship and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to continued cooperation.

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Vesak week commences tomorrow

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The National Vesak Week will commence tomorrow (May 09), under this year’s theme of “Let’s associate with noble people with good qualities.”

According to the secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, W.P. Senadheera said that it will continue until May 16.

The official inauguration ceremony will take place tomorrow at the Nuwara Eliya Buddhist Center, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka Railways has announced special train services during the Vesak week and the long weekend.

Meanhwile, the Ministry of Public Administration has ordered the closure of slaughterhouses, meat vendors, casinos, and clubs nationwide from May 12 – 14 May for the state Vesak Festival. 

A circular issued on April 29 instructs all relevant businesses to comply during the period.

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