Madushka Balasuriya

Colombo

Writer at ESPN Cricinfo

Writer @ESPNcricinfo

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Articles

Tri-series final: Batting-heavy India strong favourites against inconsistent SL

3 weeks ago | espn.in | Madushka Balasuriya

Three times in 33 completed games: that's how many times Sri Lanka have beaten India in ODIs. Add to this the fact that Sri Lanka's tri-series final against India on Sunday will be their first final in any ODI tournament featuring three or more teams since 2009, and you begin to understand the scale of the task at hand for an ever-improving Sri Lanka unit.
Colombo heat a factor as teams brace for day-time fixtures

1 month ago | espn.in | Madushka Balasuriya

The chocolate glaze on Laura Wolvaardt's cake glistened in the searing Colombo heat, desperately clinging to the layer of sponge beneath. It was a thoughtful end to the pre-series media briefing, as Wolvaardt was surprised with a cake to celebrate her 26th birthday alongside fellow captains Chamari Athapaththu and Harmanpreet Kaur.
Three uncapped players in Sri Lanka's Athapaththu-led squad for tri-series

1 month ago | espn.in | Madushka Balasuriya

The uncapped trio of Malki Madara, Dewmi Vihanga and Piumi Badalge are among six changes to the squad that toured New Zealand earlier this year, as Sri Lanka named a 17-member squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series against India and South Africa starting April 27. There are recalls for veteran Inoka Ranaweera, as well as Hasini Perera and Hansima Karunaratne. Making way are Imesha Dulani, Sachini Nisansala, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Chethana Vimukthi and the injured Udeshika Prabodhani.
Ashen Bandara arrested for alleged assault

2 months ago | espn.in | Madushka Balasuriya

Sri Lankan cricketer Ashen Bandara was arrested on Saturday after it was alleged that he had assaulted his neighbour following a parking-related issue. He has since been granted bail, and is expected to appear in court on March 12. According to the Sri Lanka police, the incident occurred on Saturday evening in Kolamunna, Piliyandala, where Bandara resides.
Sutherland buries hapless England in women's Ashes Test

Jan 31, 2025 | espn.in | Madushka Balasuriya

Australian run machine Annabel Sutherland's record-equalling third Test century has further destroyed hapless England's spirit in the historic day-night match at the MCG. Sutherland's superb 163 boosted Australia to 5-422 at stumps on day two for a 252-run first innings lead that could already be match-winning. Beth Mooney, filling in as wicketkeeper for Alyssa Healy, faces a nervous sleep after ending play unbeaten on 98 and closing in on her maiden Test century.
Sanath Jayasuriya: 'If I don't respond when a player approaches me, I'm not doing the right thing'

Dec 5, 2024 | espn.in | Andrew Fidel Fernando |Madushka Balasuriya

You were a consultant with the team before you became interim coach in July. What shape was the team in when you took over? As consultant I just observed, mostly. When there's a coach in place, you can't interfere. I was mainly concerned about what the coaches were doing, and whether we are getting the maximum out of them. I'd never worked as coach before, but with the experience I had playing, I have worked with plenty of coaches. But the main thing I focused on was the support staff.
Chandimal takes on No. 3 challenge 'for the future of Sri Lankan cricket'

Dec 1, 2024 | espn.in | Andrew Fidel Fernando |Madushka Balasuriya

Thirteen years and more than 80 Tests into his international career, Dinesh Chandimal is in the throes of something brand new, in the same country he had debuted in. At his best, Chandimal is a free spirit - the kind of batter who goes out looking for run-scoring opportunities, then throws his entire body behind the aggressive shots.
SL cricket is buying into the Jayasuriya way

Nov 23, 2024 | thenews.com.pk | Madushka Balasuriya

For Sri Lanka and new head coach SanathJayasuriya, the last few months have certainly been winning ones, with the few blips - a 3-0 T20I series reverse against India, and losing the first two Tests in England - swiftly forgotten thanks to the morale-boosting wins and performances that followed. But observers of Sri Lankan cricket over recent years will know better than to get carried away.
Slowly but surely, SL cricket is buying into the Jayasuriya way

Nov 20, 2024 | espn.in | Madushka Balasuriya

For Sri Lanka and new head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, the last few months have certainly been winning ones, with the few blips - a 3-0 T20I series reverse against India, and losing the first two Tests in England - swiftly forgotten thanks to the morale-boosting wins and performances that followed. But observers of Sri Lankan cricket over recent years will know better than to get carried away.
Whisper it, but Sri Lanka may be turning a corner in ODIs

Nov 18, 2024 | espn.in | Andrew Fidel Fernando |Madushka Balasuriya

Since July Sri Lanka's men have played eight ODIs and won six, tied one, and lost one. Even before this, Sri Lanka had not been a completely abysmal ODI side; in fact, in the two years before this recent stretch, they'd won 23 ODIs to the 18 they'd lost, maintaining a respectable win/loss ratio of 1.28. But the wider perception, nevertheless, was that this was a nosediving outfit.