An Unique Happening occurred at Manuka Oval and thereafter in Canberra on the 15th February 2017. It involved  1) a Courtesy extended by the Australian Prime Minister to a national team visiting for a very short tour;  2) The Toss being enacted by by the two Prime Ministers with the captains in attendance; and  3) a Group photograph of the teams with both Prime Ministers…. and 4) The presence at the match of the Governor General H.E Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove in addition to the two Prime Ministers and some members of both Parliaments.

Watching the game,  right to left – High Commissioners Bryce Hutchesson and Skandakumar, Minister Wijayamuni Zoysa and Mrs Nayomi De Silva, , Minister Arjuna Ranatunge, John Miller Chairman Manuka Oval, David Peever, Chairman Cricket Australia, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe, His Excellency the Governor General Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove.

This was an  event that reflected the extent of goodwill between the two Nations and the role our cricketing ties continue to play in it.

… and THEN later that evening …. there was another type of BASH!

PS: There was no sledging aka verbal intimidation whatsoever!! The sTandard Australian policy on these lines was put on hold at Both Manuka Oval and the dinner. 

FOR the cricket, see http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-sri-lanka-2016-17/engine/current/match/1082198.html

For the preliminary BUILD-UP, see http://www.cricketaustralia.com.au/about/awards-and-events/prime-ministers-xi

The Prime Minister’s XI fixture returns to Manuka Oval on Wednesday 15 February 2017 as a blockbuster T20.

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The Prime Minister’s XI fixture returns to Manuka Oval on Wednesday 15 February 2017 as a blockbuster T20.

See the Sri Lankans take on the future of Australian cricket in a night of action, excitement and fun as the most explosive form of cricket lights up our nation’s capital.

It’s an experience you won’t want to miss out on this summer!

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said, “The PM’s XI is a fine tradition. It’s a valuable opportunity to develop and showcase Australia’s cricketing future. I look forward to continuing this tradition next year and watching a fierce contest against Sri Lanka.”

There’s bound to be big hits, fast yorkers and classic catches, with some of the best players in the world guaranteeing a highly entertaining evening at the home of cricket in Canberra.

A T20 curtain-raiser will also be played ahead of the main fixture, with the ICC’s 16th-ranked nation, Papua New Guinea, taking on an Australian Capital Territory XI in a match beginning at 2.30pm.

Prime Minister’s XI v Sri Lanka

Where: Manuka Oval, Canberra
When: Wednesday 15^th February
Match starts: 7:15pm

Match starts: 2:30pm
Gates open: 2:00pm

Click here for ticketing information and to buy tickets.

To book your Prime Minister’s Hospitality package, please click here