Zimbabwe (ZIM) will host Sri Lanka (SL) in the opening T20I of their three-match series at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, September 3. The series begins right after Zimbabwe sealed the ODI leg 2-0, boosting their morale heading into the shortest format. However, the hosts have yet to reveal their squad and are expected to make the announcement a day before the match. Their last T20I outing, a tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand in July, ended poorly with four consecutive defeats.

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Sri Lanka enter the contest high on confidence after a dominant display in the ODI series. The visitors will aim to carry forward their winning momentum and add another T20I series victory to their record. With a solid setup and minimal changes expected in their approach, Sri Lanka’s focus will be on consistency. In 2025, they have already played four T20Is, winning two, and will hope to improve that record in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I: Live Streaming Details

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I: Probable Playing XI

Zimbabwe (Probable Playing XI)

To be announced........

Sri Lanka (Probable Playing XI)

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(c), Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara

SLC Blues had a tough start to the tournament, losing their opening match by 4 wickets against SLC Greens, failing to defend the target of 144 runs. Pathum Nissanka scored 28 runs off 10 balls, while Dasun Shanaka picked up three wickets.

On the other hand, Greys are led by Charith Asalanka and boast superstars like Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, and Dinesh Chandimal.

SLGY vs SLBL Match Details

Date: August 8th, 2025

Time: 1:30 PM IST

Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

SLGY vs SLBL Weather Report

Clear weather 

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Top Batters SLGY vs SLBL

• Pathum Nissanka (SLBL) - 28 runs in this tournament 

• Kusal Perera (SLBL) - 24 runs in this tournament 

• D de Silva (SLBL) - 18 runs this tournament 

Top Bowler SLGY vs SLBL

• Dasun Shanaka (SLBL) - 3 wickets in this tournament 

• Akila Dananjaya (SLBL) - 2 wickets in this tournament 

• Dilshan Madushanka (SLBL) - 1 wickets in this tournament 

SLGY vs SLBL Recent Performance

SLGY vs SLBL Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If SLBL bats first

• First Innings score prediction- SLBL is expected to score 170-185 runs

• Result prediction- SLBL will win the match by 30-40 Runs 

Scenario 2- If SLGY bats first

• First Innings score prediction- SLGY is expected to score 145-155 runs.

• Result prediction-SLBL will win the match by 4 wickets 

SLGY vs SLBL Predicted Playing XI

SLC Blues (EDR) Playing XI 

Ahan Wickramasinghe(WK), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera(WK),  Dhananjaya de Silva, Vishen Halambage, Dasun Shanaka(C), Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madushanka, Jeffrey Vandersay

SLC Greys (SLGY) Playing XI

Niroshan Dickwella(WK), Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal,  Nuwanidu Fernando, Shavon Daniel, Sahan Arachchige, Charith Asalanka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe,Maheesh Theekshana, Milan Rathnayake, Eshan Malinga

SLGY vs SLBL Complete Squad

SLC Blues - 

Dunith Wellalage (c), Pathum Nissanka, Vishen Halambage, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Dasun Shanaka, Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dananjaya, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Lilan Rangana, Mohamed Shiraz, Ravindu Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Nishan Madushka, Senitha Halambage.

SLC Greys -

Charith Asalanka (c), Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella, Lahiru Udara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Ramesh Mendis, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Binura Fernando, Garuka Sanketh, Movin Subasinghe, Milan Rathnayake, Melon Hansaka, Sahan Arachchige, Shevon Daniel, Sineth Jayawardena.

SLGY vs SLBL Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

SLC Blues To win

We predict that SLC Blues will be winning this Sri Lanka T20 League match. The likes of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera and Dasun Shanaka will be key players to watch out for.

Sri Lanka dominated Bangladesh in the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, winning by an innings and 78 runs to seal a series sweep. Bangladesh, after opting to bat, managed just 247 in the first innings, with only Shadman Islam (46), Mushfiqur Rahim (35), and Litton Das (34) producing the runs to give them a knock of 247 in their first innings. Sri Lanka responded with a massive 458 in their first innings, anchored by Pathum Nissanka’s superb 158, alongside Kusal Mendis (84) and 93 by Dinesh Chandimal, respectively. Holding a commanding 211-run lead, Sri Lanka then bowled out Bangladesh for a paltry 133 in their second innings, with the match in very short order ending by an innings and 78 runs, with Prabath Jayasuriya claiming a five-wicket haul. Sri Lanka completed the formalities on Day 4 to win by an innings and 78 runs and sweep the series.

Bangladesh 1st Innings: 247/10 in 79.3 Overs

Bangladesh made a good beginning courtesy of Shadman Islam, who fought hard for 46 off 93 balls and 7 boundaries. But his fall initiated the usual collapse. The top- and middle-order once again did not convert starts—Mominul (21), Shanto (8), Mushfiqur (35), and Litton Das (34) all falling before a substantial partnership could be achieved. Mehidy Hasan Miraz's rapid 31 off 42 provided a late boost, but wickets continued to fall. Sri Lanka shared the spoils with the ball—Asitha Fernando (3/51), Sonal Dinusha (3/22), and Vishwa Fernando (2/45) all breaking through at regular intervals, bowling Bangladesh out for 247.

Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 458/10 in 116.5 Overs

Pathum Nissanka held Sri Lanka's innings together with a marathon innings of 158 off 254 deliveries, hitting 19 fours and keeping the runs flowing continuously. He carried on important partnerships with Lahiru Udara (40) and Chandimal (93), who too batted with ease and purpose. Kusal Mendis then added the finish with a free-flowing 84 off 87 deliveries before getting run out. In spite of Taijul Islam claiming a gallant five-wicket haul (5/131), Bangladesh had no solution for Sri Lanka's non-stop run-scoring. With contributions late in the order too, the hosts piled up 458 and established a huge 211-run lead.

See Also: ENG U19 vs IND U19, 1st Youth ODI: Major highlights and key performances

Bangladesh 2nd Innings: 133/10 in 44.2 Overs

Needing a spirited batting display to save the Test, Bangladesh once again crumbled. Shadman Islam (12), Shanto (19), and Mushfiqur Rahim (26) attempted to hold out, but wickets continued falling. Prabath Jayasuriya, unplayable on a deteriorating pitch, captured 5/56 to spearhead the slaughter. Dhananjaya de Silva contributed two wickets, with Ratnayake and Asitha Fernando completing the tail.

The visitors were bowled out for 133 inside 45 overs, as Sri Lanka recorded an emphatic innings victory.

SL vs BAN, 2nd Test: Key Moments

• Nissanka's Epic 158: The opener's innings was the foundation of Sri Lanka's record-breaking total and closed Bangladesh out of the contest early.
  
• Jayasuriya's Match-Turning Spell: The left-arm bowler picked up 5 wickets in the second innings and prevented any Bangladesh comeback.
  
• Taijul's Battle: A five-wicket effort in vain, Taijul was prominent with his determination even as the others gave away runs.
  
• Batting Collapse of Bangladesh: 100/5 to 133 all out in the second innings reflected their lack of endurance of batting under pressure.

SL vs BAN, 2nd Test—Match Scorecard

Bangladesh 1st Innings – 247/10 (79.3 Overs)

See Also: "Deliver Results. No Excuse": Gautam Gambhir slammed for 'Continuously Losing', given ultimatum

Sri Lanka 1st Innings – 458/10 (116.5 Overs)

Bangladesh 2nd Innings – 133/10 (44.2 Overs)

Angelo Mathews Set for Test Farewell as Sri Lanka Announce Squad for Bangladesh Tour

Just two days before the series begins, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named its 18 player squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh. This series marks the start of the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Bangladesh had already announced their 16-member squad, with Najmul Hossain Shanto continuing as captain.

Mathews to Retire After First Test

A big moment in the series will be the farewell of Sri Lankan veteran Angelo Mathews, who will retire from Test cricket after the first match in Galle. Mathews, who debuted in 2009 as an all-rounder, has become the third-highest run-scorer in Sri Lanka’s Test history. Over the years, he shifted his focus to batting and surpassed legends like Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan Atapattu in the run charts during his 16-year Test career.

Fresh Faces in Sri Lanka Squad

Sri Lanka have included six uncapped players in the squad: Lahiru Udara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Pawan Rathnayake, Tharindu Ratnayake, and Isitha Wijesundara. Lahiru Kumara was also named initially but had to withdraw due to injury.

Following their 0–2 defeat to Australia, Sri Lanka has made several changes. Five players Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Nishan Peiris, Vishwa Fernando, and Jeffrey Vandersay have been left out. With former skipper Dimuth Karunaratne recently retiring from Tests, Sri Lanka will also look to fill the gap at the top of the batting order.

ALSO READ: WTC Final: Complete Breakdown of Prize Money Distribution

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2025 Tour Schedule

Sri Lanka Test Squad vs Bangladesh

Pathum NissPATHanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Pawan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Ratnayake, Akila Dananjaya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Isitha Wijesundara.

Sri Lanka Cricket's much-awaited awards night made a spectacular comeback on Monday, hosting the best cricketing performances of the 2024 calendar year. The event, which was staged annually for the first time since 2017, recognized outstanding contributions across both international and domestic circuits. Kamindu Mendis and Chamari Athapaththu were the biggest winners of the night, taking home the coveted Men's and Women's Cricketer of the Year honors.

Kamindu was rewarded for a remarkable Test season in which he had scored 1049 runs at a 74.92 average from just nine matches for being the Best Test Batter. His run tally was only beaten by four international cricketers who appeared in more matches. In white-ball cricket, the award for best T20I batter went to Kusal Mendis, who had scored 628 runs at a 127.64 strike rate. Pathum Nissanka won the ODI batter award with 694 runs at 63.09, including a historic undefeated 210 against Afghanistan—the first-ever white-ball double hundred by a Sri Lankan.

Chamari Athapaththu swept the women's categories with six awards in total. She was crowned the Women's Cricketer of the Year and collected all three T20I awards—best batter, bowler, and all-rounder—due to her 720 runs and 21 wickets. In ODIs, she was recognized as both the best batter and best all-rounder, scoring 458 runs at 65.42 and claiming nine wickets. Only Kavisha Dilhari’s 17 ODI wickets kept Athapaththu from a clean sweep, as she secured the ODI bowling award.

Broad recognition across formats and domestic cricket

For the men's Test category, Prabath Jayasuriya was awarded Best Bowler after taking 48 wickets from nine matches, putting him among the world's best performers. Dhananjaya de Silva took home Best Test All-Rounder for his 710 runs and six wickets in ten games. Wanindu Hasaranga had a great year in limited-overs cricket, winning Best Bowler in both ODIs and T20Is and the Best T20I All-Rounder award after claiming 64 wickets in the formats.

Charith Asalanka was awarded the ODI All-Rounder of the Year for his 605 runs and ten wickets, playing a pivotal part in Sri Lanka's 12-3 record in the format. Janith Liyanage, having made his ODI debut in early 2024, won Emerging Player of the Year for his 462 runs at 46.20.

Also Read: WTC Final 2025, Australia vs South Africa: Live streaming, timing, venue, and squad details

Domestic cricket was also in the limelight, with women's performances awarded for the first time. Rashmi Silva, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Nilakshika Silva were among the best award winners in the Major Club Women's Invitational. Chamika Karunaratne, Akila Dananjaya, and others were among the top award winners in men's domestic competitions across formats. 46 awards were distributed, including Umpire and Match Referee of the Year and a number of Lifetime Achievement Awards. The occasion was attended by a number of previous and present cricketers, with Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage as the guest of honor.

In an incredibly dramatic moment during the IPL 2025 Eliminator at the New PCA Stadium in Chandigarh, Gujarat Titans’ (GT) wicket-keeper Kusal Mendis was dismissed hit wicket in the seventh over chasing a target against Mumbai Indians (MI). As Mendis faced off against a short delivery from Mitchell Santner, he moved back deep into his crease and inadvertently clipped the stumps with his back leg. He was dismissed for a quick 20 from 10 deliveries and became the third player in IPL history to be dismissed hit wicket.

Mendis was drafted into the squad as a replacement for Jos Buttler, who had to leave for national duty. He debuted for the franchise in this knockout encounter and endured a difficult day on field. First he dropped a catch each of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, highlighting his inefficiency behind the stumps. The dropped chances allowed MI to finish with a good score and put pressure on GT’s chase, knowing it was a do-or-die match.

At the crease, though, Mendis looked promising with the bat. When Shubman Gill fell first ball, he came in with Sai Sudharsan and attacked immediately. He hit two big sixes off Trent Boult and pushed momentum back into GT. The duo brought up a 50-run stand in just 28 deliveries, lifting GT's hopes before Mendis’ rare dismissal halted the surge.

Momentum with GT Despite Unusual Dismissal

Mendis' hit-wicket offered MI a brief opportunity to claw back into the game, but GT has continued to keep the scoreboard ticking. In-form Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sunder have now settled into the chase comfortably, exercising poise and power while MI continues to bear down on them.

Watch the video here

HITWICKET IN THE ELIMINATOR. 🤯

- Kusal Mendis just lost his wicket due to hitting the stumps. 😱pic.twitter.com/hwfMEqRdYT

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 30, 2025

Also Read: Armed Forces chiefs to miss IPL 2025 final honoring Operation Sindoor

At the latest update, Gujarat Titans are 108/2 in 10.2 overs. With wickets in hand and good batting depth, GT continues to be in a position to push for a place in Qualifier 2 and keep their IPL 2025 title hopes alive.

Gujarat Titans (GT) have acquired Sri Lankan star Kusal Mendis as a replacement for Jos Buttler for the rest of the IPL 2025 season, reported Live Mint on May 15, 2025. Buttler, who has been in good touch for GT, scoring 392 runs in 11 games at a strike rate of 145, will be out of the playoffs due to England's white-ball series against the West Indies that begins on May 29, which overlaps with the latter stages of the IPL, including the June 3 final. GT, currently atop the points table with 16 points from 11 games, will depend on Mendis to replace the void as they look to win their second IPL title.

Mendis, an aggressive wicketkeeper-batter, adds experience and panache to GT's lineup, having played 64 ODIs and scored 1,294 runs at 31.56 and 71 T20Is and scored 1,588 runs at a strike rate of 134.29. This is his first IPL stint, and he is the second Sri Lankan player on GT's team this season after Dasun Shanaka. The 30-year-old's prowess at holding innings and striking at the right moment makes him the ideal replacement for Buttler, particularly in the high-stakes playoff games. His stint begins with Qualifier 1 on May 30.

This decision follows Buttler's exit, which was confirmed following national obligations, a common issue for IPL franchises this season as a host of overseas players, among them South Africa's Kagiso Rabada and Australia's Pat Cummins, also missed games for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. GT's administration moved quickly to capture Mendis, whose recent run in Sri Lanka's domestic competition, such as a century in the Lanka Premier League, lends solidity to their batting lineup.

Mendis' Contribution towards GT's Playoff Chase

Mendis will play as an opener with Shubman Gill and will be a solid customer at the top order, offering some options as a wicketkeeper. His performance in big events such as the 2022 T20 World Cup, where he scored 223 runs, will be crucial for GT as they head into the playoffs to face strong competitors in the form of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Also Read: Prithvi Shaw shares cryptic post ahead of IPL 2025 resumption

GT's strategic replacement indicates their determination to have a solid team even in the absence of Buttler. With Mendis on board, the Titans are set to go far in the IPL 2025 playoffs, looking to repeat their 2022 victory under Hardik Pandya's captaincy.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 is all set to begin on April 11, and the Quetta Gladiators are looking to start fresh with a new captain, Saud Shakeel. The calm and talented left-handed batter will be leading a new-look team that wants to leave behind the ups and downs of the past few seasons. The tournament will begin with a big match between Islamabad United, the defending champions, and Lahore Qalandars, who have won the title twice.

In the league stage, each of the six teams will play 10 matches, facing every other team twice in a double round-robin format. After the group stage, the top four teams will move on to the Playoffs, which will take place from May 13 to May 18. The Gladiators will kick off their season against Peshawar Zalmi. With Saud Shakeel as captain, the Quetta Gladiators are hoping for a change in fortunes in the 10th season of PSL.

Saud Shakeel Known for his calmness under pressure and making smart decisions in tough situations, Shakeel has become an important player in Pakistan’s Test team. Now, he’ll look to lead from the front in the PSL Quetta Gladiators team, both with the bat and with his leadership. The Quetta Gladiators have a good mix of experienced players and exciting young players in the 10th season of PSL.

ALSO READ: "DC Ne Kar Di RCB Ki Dilli Door!" Delhi Capitals fans erupt after stunning win over Royal Challengers Bangalore

Finn Allen brings power-hitting at the top order for Quetta Gladiators, and Rilee Rossouw and Kusal Mendis add strength in the middle order for Quetta Gladiators. In the bowling, spinner Abrar Ahmad and Akeal Hosein will be key bowlers, especially in the slower pitches. All in all, Quetta looks ready for a promising season in the 10 seasons of PSL.

Quetta Gladiators' strongest playing XI

Finn Allen is a right-handed opening batter known for his fearless hitting in the powerplay. He's expected to give Quetta fast starts by attacking early and making the most of field restrictions. Even quick-fire innings of 30–40 runs at a high strike rate can shift the momentum in just a few overs.

Saud Shakeel (c) is a control and calm batter to the top order in the team. While others go big, his role is to hold things together, keep the scoreboard ticking, and guide the innings. He’s there to anchor, rotate the strike, and make sure the team doesn’t lose quick wickets.

Rilee Rossouw is a left-handed middle-order batter known for his quick scoring in the tough times, and if the team needs, he can play according to the situation. He’s the kind of player who can turn a game around, especially in the middle overs. With his experience, he’s expected to keep the pressure on the opposition team and guide the team in tight situations.

Khawaja Nafay is a right-handed batter with solid technique and quick hands. As Quetta’s uncapped pick, he has a big chance to make a name for himself. He’ll be expected to play smartly in the middle overs, keep the runs ticking, and chip in with a few big shots when needed. A strong showing could lift both his team and his career.

Kusal Mendis (wk) is a right-handed batter and wicketkeeper known for his mass stroke-play in the middle of the game. In the middle order, he can play steady innings or go big when the team needs, depending on the situation. With the gloves, he’ll play a key role in keeping.

Faheem Ashraf is a left-handed batter and right-arm pace all-rounder who brings balance to the team in this 10th season. He can smash quick runs at the end and he can bowl if the team needs. Whether it’s steadying the innings or picking up key wickets, Faheem is a handy option in pressure moments.

Mohammad Wasim Jr is a right-arm fast-bowling all-rounder with extreme pace and a fearless attitude in tough situations. He’s the team’s key bowler. He will able to bowl at any point and take crucial wickets. With the bat, he’s a powerful hitter who can finish games and turn the tide in close chases.

Akeal Hosein is a left-arm spinner who bowls tight lengths in crucial times, especially in the powerplay overs. He’s known for his accuracy and smart variations in every game, making it hard for batters to score freely, whether it’s early wickets or excellent spells in crucial over.

Mohammad Amir is a Left-arm Fast bowler, a master of swing and variations. Mohammad Amir brings both experience and skill to the bowling. With his ability to move the new ball sharply, he is expected to open the attack and bowl two incisive overs early on, targeting quick breakthroughs.

Abrar Ahmad is a crucial player in the middle overs for his team, especially with his right-arm mystery spin. His role is specifically designed to bowl tight and get the opposition in trouble by picking key wickets in the middle overs, thereby preventing the batting side from building partnerships.

Mohammad Zeeshan brings extreme pace and natural bounce to his team. By using his height, he can generate pace and bounce, making life difficult for batters. As a local youngster, Zeeshan is expected to bowl with intensity and aggression. If utilized effectively as a first-change or death-over bowler, he has the potential to surprise many with his sharp bounce and pinpoint accuracy.

Quetta Gladiators Probable XI:

Finn Allen, Saud Shakeel (c), Rilee Rossouw, Khawaja Nafay, Kusal Mendis (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmad, Mohammad Zeeshan

Quetta Gladiators made smart and exciting decisions during the PSL 2025 draft held in Lahore on January 13. They picked 11 new players, building a strong squad that looks strong and well-balanced for the upcoming 10 PSL season. One of the biggest highlights of their draft was signing three players from New Zealand Mark Chapman, Finn Allen, and Kyle Jamieson. Chapman is a good middle-order batter, Finn Allen is known for his aggressive batting, and Jamieson's fast bowling attack in the PSL10 season. These international stars can make a big difference in tough matches.

Quetta also focused on local talent by bringing in players like Faheem Ashraf and Haseebullah Khan. Faheem is a cool and calm all-rounder who can bat and bowl when the team needs, Haseebullah is a young wicketkeeper-batter with a lot of potential and a hard hitter. Another exciting name in the squad is Abrar Ahmed, the mystery spinner who has impressed many with his skills. The team has also taken experienced players like Sarfaraz Ahmed, who has led the team for many years in the PSL league.

His experience and calm presence will be helpful in guiding the younger players and keeping the team strong and if the team is in a difficult situation he will help with experience. Quetta Gladiators have a solid team with a mix of experienced players and young talent players. They have strong batters, talented bowlers, and good backup options too in this 10th PSL season. If the players perform well together, Quetta could be one of the top teams in PSL 2025 and might even go all the way to win the trophy.

ALSO READ: PSL 10: Karachi kings Squad Complete Players List

Quetta Gladiators Squad 2025

The following list includes all the players who are now officially part of the Quetta Gladiators squad for PSL 10. Some names won’t surprise fans loyal players who have been with the team for years and have played key roles in many seasons. Their experience and connection with the Gladiators give the team a strong base.

There are majorly 6 categories in which the players are divided:

1. Platinum
2. Diamond
3. Gold
4. Silver
5. Emerging
6. Supplementary

Quetta Gladiators : Key Players to watch out for

Despite being an overall strong team, there are certain pillars of the team who have contributed much to the success of the team over the years.

1. Mark Chapman
2. Finn Allen
3. Sean Abbott
4. Kusal Mendis
5. Kyle Jamieson
6. Saud Shakeel
7. Mohammad Amir
8. Sarfaraz Ahmed
9. Faheem Ashraf

Quetta Gladiators were one of the top teams in the early years of the Pakistan Super League. From 2016 to 2019, they made it to the final three times and finally lifted the trophy in 2019. Their success came from smart team choices, strong leadership, and players who gave their all on the field. With a solid mix of local talent players and experienced overseas players, Quetta Gladiators is a strong squad that fans can count on. Although recent seasons have been tough, those early years showed how good they can be and the team is still working hard to get back to winning ways.

Sri Lanka secured their fifth bilateral ODI series victory of the year with a thrilling 3-wicket win over New Zealand in the second match of the 3-game series. Opting to bat first, New Zealand faced interruptions from rain, which hampered their momentum. The top order faltered early, with Tim Robinson and Henry Nicholls departing cheaply. Will Young provided brief resistance but was dismissed for 26. Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips steadied the innings briefly with a 39-run partnership before Phillips fell for 15. Chapman found a reliable partner in Mitchell Hay, and their 75-run stand was the highlight of New Zealand's innings. Chapman top-scored with 76 off 81 balls, while Hay contributed a vital 49. However, the lower order collapsed, leaving the visitors with a modest total of 209 runs. Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay were the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, claiming three wickets each.

Chasing 210 under DLS conditions, Sri Lanka faced an early wobble, losing key batters like Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, and Charith Asalanka cheaply. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 74 off 102 balls, showcasing his class and maturity. Despite wickets tumbling around him, Mendis found valuable support from Janith Liyanage (22) and later Maheesh Theekshana (14*), who contributed a crucial 47-run partnership for the eighth wicket to see Sri Lanka home with seven balls to spare. New Zealand's Michael Bracewell put up a spirited fight, bagging 4 wickets for 36 runs—his career-best List A figures—but his efforts couldn’t prevent Sri Lanka from sealing the series in style. The victory, fueled by Mendis’ brilliance, was met with resounding applause from the home crowd, underlining Sri Lanka's dominance in ODI cricket this year.

See Also:  Dominant England secure 3-1 white-ball series triumph over West Indies

Analyzing Kusal Mendis's 74 runs against NZL bowlers

Kusal Mendis' masterful innings of 74* off 102 balls was the cornerstone of Sri Lanka's thrilling 3-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second ODI, which also sealed the bilateral series. Facing a challenging chase of 210 runs under DLS conditions, Mendis displayed remarkable composure and skill to anchor the innings. His ability to handle New Zealand's bowling attack with precision ensured Sri Lanka emerged victorious in a closely fought contest. Each bowler tested him differently, but Mendis adapted seamlessly, playing a calculated and match-winning knock.

Against Glenn Phillips, Mendis started cautiously, scoring 17 runs off 22 balls at a strike rate of 77.3. He carefully rotated the strike while punishing the occasional loose delivery. His ability to keep Phillips at bay with a dot-ball percentage of 36.4 ensured that the pressure did not build too much during the crucial middle overs. Ish Sodhi's leg spin posed a significant challenge, but Mendis tackled it skillfully, scoring 24 runs off 23 balls with three boundaries. His strike rate of 104.3 against Sodhi reflected his confidence in taking on the spinners when required.

Jacob Duffy faced the full force of Mendis’ controlled aggression. In just 6 balls, Mendis scored a brisk 10 runs at a strike rate of 166.7, which included a crisp boundary. This attacking approach disrupted Duffy's rhythm and provided momentum to Sri Lanka's chase at a critical juncture. Meanwhile, Mendis showed patience against Michael Bracewell, adding 11 runs off 21 balls. Despite a dot-ball percentage of 47.6, Mendis’ steady approach ensured that Bracewell could not make inroads into Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.

Mitchell Santner’s left-arm spin presented the toughest challenge for Mendis, as he managed only 8 runs off 25 balls with a staggering dot-ball percentage of 80. However, Mendis weathered the storm and avoided risky shots, keeping Sri Lanka in the hunt. His determination to see off Santner’s spell without losing his wicket was a testament to his maturity and game awareness. Similarly, against Nathan Smith, Mendis remained cautious, scoring 4 runs off 5 balls, ensuring the target stayed within reach without taking unnecessary risks.

The defining moment of the innings came in his partnership with Maheesh Theekshana, who provided valuable support during the tense final phase of the chase. Together, they stitched a crucial 47-run stand that carried Sri Lanka over the line. Mendis’ ability to shift gears when needed and manage the chase under immense pressure exemplified his class and temperament. The victory not only secured the series for Sri Lanka but also highlighted Kusal Mendis' status as one of their most reliable and composed batters in crucial situations.

See Also: Tilak Varma's consecutive centuries secure series victory for India against South Africa (3-1)