News
145th Battle of the Blues: Royal Thomian Cricket Encounter Set to Thrill Cricket Fans
Cricket enthusiasts across Sri Lanka are gearing up for the much-awaited 145th Battle of the Blues, the prestigious encounter between Royal College and S. Thomas’ College. Scheduled to unfold on the hallowed grounds of the SSC from the 7th to the 9th of March 2024, this historic fixture promises to captivate audiences with its blend of tradition, rivalry, and sporting excellence.
Dating back to 1879, the Battle of the Blues stands as one of the oldest and most revered cricketing contests in the world of school cricket. Generations of players have showcased their talent and passion on this grand stage, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and forging lifelong memories for players and spectators alike.
This year’s edition of the Royal Thomian encounter holds special significance as both teams vie for supremacy and bragging rights. Royal College, buoyed by their past successes, will be eager to continue their winning streak and maintain their stronghold in the rivalry. Meanwhile, S. Thomas’ College, determined to turn the tide in their favor, will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory.
The players have been diligently preparing for this momentous occasion, undergoing rigorous training sessions and honing their skills under the watchful eyes of their coaches and mentors. With months of preparation behind them, they are primed and ready to showcase their talent and determination on the field.
The atmosphere at the SSC Grounds is expected to be electric, as passionate supporters from both schools converge to cheer on their alma maters. From the iconic chants to the sea of blue and black flags, the fervor and intensity surrounding the Battle of the Blues are unmatched, creating an atmosphere that is as exhilarating as the cricket itself.
Adding to the excitement of this year’s encounter is the anticipation of a thrilling contest between bat and ball. With talented players on both sides, the Battle of the Blues promises to deliver moments of brilliance, nail-biting suspense, and unforgettable cricketing drama.
As the countdown to the 145th Battle of the Blues begins, cricket fans across the nation eagerly await the spectacle that is about to unfold. With history, tradition, and sporting prowess on full display, the Royal Thomian Cricket Encounter is set to enthrall audiences and reaffirm its status as the pinnacle of school cricket in Sri Lanka.
News
Sri Lanka Dominates Saudi Arabia in Junior Davis Cup Qualifying!
In the ongoing Junior Davis Cup Tennis Qualifying Tournament currently being held in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka had a great weekend by defeating Saudi Arabia 3-0.
The team showed their dominance by winning both singles matches and then winning both doubles matches with comfortable margins.
Sri Lanka won the first singles match when Ashlin de Silva beat Mahdi Al Ibrahim 6-2, 7-5.
In the second singles match, Mayuran Kubern came back after losing the first set to defeat Ahmed Baha Sarouji 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Sri Lanka then continued their momentum into the doubles matches where Mayuran Kubern and Ashlin de Silva defeated the Saudi pair 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.
In the other doubles match, the Sri Lankan duo was ahead in the second set 4-6 when the Saudi pair of Mahdi Al Ibrahim and Souhail ElFarouki retired from the match.
With this comprehensive win, Sri Lanka is now in a very strong position within the tournament.
The team will have a day off on Monday and is scheduled to play in the Championship on Thursday.
Cricket
Nuwan Thushara Set to Miss IPL 2026 After SLC NOC Refusal
Nuwan Thushara is set to miss the upcoming IPL 2026 season in a significant setback for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) declined to issue him a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
The decision comes following SLC’s latest policy requiring all centrally contracted players to meet strict fitness standards before being cleared for overseas franchise leagues. Thushara reportedly failed to reach the required fitness benchmarks, leading to uncertainty over his participation and eventual exclusion.
RCB had secured the services of the Sri Lankan pacer for approximately INR 1.6 crore, viewing him as a valuable addition to their pace attack. However, his absence could now force the franchise to rethink their squad composition ahead of the tournament.
Interestingly, reports indicate that Thushara is not carrying any injury and remains available to bowl. Despite this, concerns over his overall fitness levels falling short of SLC’s criteria have ultimately ruled him out of the competition.
During his stint with RCB, Thushara featured in just one match, largely serving as a backup option. He made a notable impact in that appearance, returning figures of 1 for 26 with an impressive economy rate of 6.50, showcasing his potential when called upon.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Set for December White-Ball Tour of India
Sri Lanka will tour India in December 2026 for an exciting white-ball series featuring three ODIs and three T20Is. The tour promises competitive cricket action across multiple iconic venues, giving fans across the country a chance to witness the matches live.
The ODI series will begin on December 13 in Delhi, followed by the second match in Bengaluru on December 16. The third and final ODI will be played in Ahmedabad on December 19.
The T20I series will kick off on December 22 in Rajkot. The action will then move to Cuttack for the second T20I on December 24, before concluding in Pune on December 27.
ODI Series
• 13 Dec – 1st ODI – Delhi
• 16 Dec – 2nd ODI – Bengaluru
• 19 Dec – 3rd ODI – Ahmedabad
T20I Series
• 22 Dec – 1st T20I – Rajkot
• 24 Dec – 2nd T20I – Cuttack
• 27 Dec – 3rd T20I – Pune
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