The commencement of the tri-nation Nidahas Trophy has been preponed by two days and the event will now get underway on March 6 instead of March 8 as per the earlier schedule. India and Sri Lanka will play the series opener, with Bangladesh being the third participating country in the tournament. All games including the final will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium (RPS) and will start at 7 PM local time.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials have confirmed that by preponing the competition by two days, they will now be able to host the final on Sunday as compared to the earlier schedule which had the final slated for Tuesday.
Also read: Thisara Perera’s Special Invitation For Team IndiaAs per the sources of Cricbuzz, both the visiting countries will arrive in the island on March 4. While Bangladesh will play a warm-up match ahead of the tournament, India would begin the competition without any practice match.
The tournament including seven matches is being organized to celebrate Sri Lanka’s 70th year of independence. SLC is expecting a financial blessing through the sale of television and media rights. SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala during a media release asserted that the board was expecting a minimum of USD 6.5 million through the sale of rights.
Also read: Sanjay Manjrekar Gives Crucial Advice To Indian Team ManagementNidahas Trophy 1998
In 1998, the Nidahas Trophy was last played in order to celebrate Sri Lanka’s golden jubilee of independence and it was played between India, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand. The Asian neighbors reached the final and India while batting first gave a target of 308 runs. Despite a 94-ball 105 by Aravinda de Silva, the hosts fell short by seven runs in front of their home crowd
Full Schedule (All games at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)
First game: March 6- Sri Lanka vs India
Second game: March 8- India vs Bangladesh
Third game: March 10- Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
Fourth game: March 12- Sri Lanka vs India
Fifth game: March 14- India vs Bangladesh
Sixth game: March 16- Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
Final: March 18
Time- 19:00 PM local time
