The Sri Lanka Cricket Media Team registered a comfortable victory over the India Cricket Media Team in a friendly T20 encounter at the St. Benedict’s College Grounds, held alongside India’s ongoing tour of Sri Lanka in 2026.
What began as a 20-over contest was shortened to 12 overs per side after rain interrupted proceedings, but the reduced format did little to take away from an entertaining afternoon that brought cricket journalists from Sri Lanka and India together on the field.
After winning the toss, India Cricket Media Team captain and veteran cricket writer R. Kaushik elected to bat first. The visitors posted a competitive 101 for 4, with Sahil Malhotra anchoring the innings with a composed 41 while Sandipan Banerjee added a useful 22.
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Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept the Indian batting line-up in check, with Chamila Karawita, Andrew Fidel Fernando and Dinesh Upendra picking up a wicket apiece.
The target of 102, however, proved far from enough to trouble the Sri Lankan side.
Led by a breathtaking unbeaten 60 off just 31 deliveries, Damith Weerasinghe produced the innings of the day to put Sri Lanka firmly in control. The renowned ThePapare journalist unleashed seven boundaries and three sixes in an attacking display that made the chase look remarkably straightforward.
With Weerasinghe leading the charge, Sri Lanka raced to 102 for 3 in only 10.1 overs, sealing victory with 11 balls to spare and seven wickets still in hand.
Senior journalist Daminda Wijesuriya captained the victorious Sri Lankan outfit, while Kaushik led the Indian team in what was a spirited and enjoyable contest between members of the cricket media from both nations.
Beyond the result, the game offered a refreshing change from the press box to the middle, as journalists who regularly report on the game got the chance to experience the action first-hand.
Brief Scores
India Media Team – 101/4 (12) Sahil Malhotra 41, Sandipan Banerjee 22, Chamila Karawita 1/11, Andrew Fidel Fernando 1/12, Dinesh Upendra 1/18
Sri Lanka Media Team – 102/3 (10.1) Damith Weerasinghe 60*, Azaam Ameen 12*, A Tripathy 2/18
Result – Sri Lanka Media Team won by 7 wickets
