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New Zealand Thrash Sri Lanka to level series 1-1

Published

2 years ago

April 5, 2023

Editor

Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand (Second T20)

Adam Milne’s five-wicket haul and Tim Seifert’s unbeaten 79 helped New Zealand register a thumping nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second Twenty20 International on Wednesday. The win also saw New Zealand level the series 1-all.

Seifert was the hero in the chase smashing six sixes in his 43-ball blitz as New Zealand reached the target with 5.2 overs to spare.

Earlier, Milne ripped through Sri Lanka’s batting lineup with a career-best 5-26 to help bowl out the Lankans for below par score of 141 in 19 overs on a pitch known as a batting paradise.

Sri Lanka was off to a sloppy start losing their openers cheaply. Sri Lanka was in some sort of trouble in the early stages of the innings Kusal Perera (35), Dhananjaya de Silva (37) and Charith Asalanka (24) shored them up and the wheels came off their innings in the second half.

At one stage it looked like Sri Lanka could post a competitive total of 180-200 without any hindrance but another middle-order collapse saw they were skittled out for 141 runs.

In reply, New Zealand’s chase got off to a blazing start with Chad Bowes laying the perfect foundation by scoring boundaries all over the park for his 16 balls and 31 runs.

New Zealand at a decent position of 40-1 at the end of the 4th over, Sri Lanka was eventually rewarded with the wicket of set batter Chad Bowes when he was caught deep off Kasun Rajitha’s bowling.

Despite a fierce start to their innings, Seifert continued their domination smashing the Sri Lankan bowlers with no respite to help set up New Zealand’s victory with back-to-back sixes.

Sri Lankan bowlers had a tough day at the office, all being hit for cleaners.

Also, Sri Lanka’s fielding was not up to the mark as their sloppy catching did not help their cause either as they dropped both Seifert and home captain Tom Latham, who remained unbeaten on 20.

Meanwhile, another highlight of the match was Auckland-born Cotton became the first female umpire to stand in a men’s international match between two International Cricket Council full-member countries.

Brief scores:

New Zealand 146/1 in 14.4 overs (Seifert 79*, Bowes 31) beat Sri Lanka 141 in 20 overs (De Silva 37, Perera 35, Milne 5-26) by nine wickets

නවසීලන්තය ශ්‍රී ලංකාව පරදවා තරගාවලිය 1-1ක් ලෙස සම කරයි

ශ්‍රී ලංකා නවසීලන්ත සංචාරය (දෙවන T20)

Adam Milne ගේ කඩුලු 5 සහ Tim Seifertගේ නොදැවී ලකුණු 79 හේතුවෙන් බදාදා පැවති දෙවන විස්සයි 20 ජාත්‍යන්තර තරඟයෙන් නවසීලන්තය ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට එරෙහිව කඩුලු 9 ක විශිෂ්ට ජයක් වාර්තා කිරීමට සමත් විය. මෙම ජයග්‍රහණයත් සමඟින් නවසීලන්තය තරගාවලිය 1-1 ලෙස සම කිරීමට ද සමත් විය.

නවසීලන්තය පන්දුවාර 5.2ක් ඉතිරිව තිබියදී එම ඉලක්කය සපුරාගත් සීෆර්ට් පන්දු 43කදී හයේ පහර 6ක් එල්ල කරමින් හඹායාමේ වීරයා විය.

මීට පෙර, මිල්න් ශ්‍රී ලංකා පිතිකරණ ලැයිස්තුව බිඳ දැමුවේ, පිතිකරණ පාරාදීසයක් ලෙස හැඳින්වෙන තණතීරුවකදී ඕවර 19 කදී ලකුණු 141 ට වඩා අඩු ලකුණු සංඛ්‍යාවකට ලංකා ක්‍රීඩකයින් දවාලීමට උපකාර කිරීම සඳහා 5-26ක් ලෙසින් ශ්‍රී ලංකා පිලේ හොඳම පන්දු යැවීමයි.

ශ්‍රී ලංකාව ඔවුන්ගේ ආරම්භක පිතිකරුවන් ලාභදායි ලෙස අහිමි කර ගනිමින් ආරම්භය මන්දගාමී විය. ශ්‍රී ලංකා ඉනිමේ මුල් අදියරේ දී කුසල් පෙරේරා (35), ධනංජය ද සිල්වා (37) සහ චරිත් අසලංක (24) ඔවුන්ව ගොඩට ගෙන ගිය අතර දෙවැනි භාගයේ දී ශ්‍රී ලංකා ඉනිමේ රෝද ගැලවී ගියේය.

ශ්‍රී ලංකා පිලට කිසිදු බාධාවකින් තොරව ලකුණු 180-200ක තරගකාරී මුළු ලකුණු සංඛ්‍යාවක් ලබා ගත හැකි බව එක් අවස්ථාවක පෙනුනද තවත් මැදපෙළ කඩා වැටීමක් හේතුවෙන් ඔවුන් ලකුණු 141කට දැවී ගියේය.

පිළිතුරු ලෙස නවසීලන්ත හඹායාම උණුසුම් ආරම්භයක් ලබා ගත්තේ චැඩ් බෝව්ස් ඔහුගේ පන්දු 16ක් සහ ලකුණු 31ක් සඳහා උද්‍යානය පුරා හතරේ පහරක් එල්ල කරමින් පරිපූර්ණ අඩිතාලම දැමීමත් සමඟය.

4 වැනි ඕවරය අවසානයේ ලකුණු 40-1ක් ලෙස හොඳ තත්ත්වයක සිටි නවසීලන්ත පිල අවසානයේ කසුන් රාජිතගේ පන්දුවකට උඩපන්දුවක් දෙමින් දැවී ගිය ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට පිතිකරු චැඩ් බෝව්ස්ගේ කඩුල්ල හිමිවිය.

ඔවුන්ගේ ඉනිමේ දරුණු ආරම්භයක් තිබියදීත්, සීෆර්ට් ඔවුන්ගේ ආධිපත්‍යය දිගටම කරගෙන ගියේ ශ්‍රී ලංකා පන්දු යවන්නන් දවාලීමට කිසිදු විවේකයක් නොමැතිව නවසීලන්ත ජයග්‍රහණයට පිට පිට හයේ පහරවල් එල්ල කරමිනි.

ශ්‍රී ලංකා පන්දු යවන්නන් කාර්යාලයේ දුෂ්කර දවසක් ගත කළ අතර, සියල්ල පිරිසිදු කරන්නන් සඳහා පහර වැදී ඇත.

එසේම, ශ්‍රී ලංකා පිලේ පන්දු රැකීම ලකුණු මට්ටමට නොපැමිණියේ ඔවුන්ගේ අලස උඩපන්දුව ඔවුන්ගේ ජයග්‍රහණයට උදව් නොකළ නිසා ඔවුන් සීෆර්ට් සහ නොදැවී ලකුණු 20 ක් ලබා සිටි ගෘහස්ථ නායක ටොම් ලැතම් යන දෙදෙනාම දැවී ගිය බැවිනි.

මේ අතර, තරගයේ තවත් විශේෂත්වයක් වූයේ ඕක්ලන්ඩ්හි උපන් කපු ජාත්‍යන්තර ක්‍රිකට් කවුන්සිලයේ පූර්ණ සාමාජික රටවල් දෙකක් අතර පිරිමි ජාත්‍යන්තර තරගයකට පෙනී සිටි පළමු කාන්තා විනිසුරුවරිය වීමය.

කෙටි ලකුණු:

නවසීලන්තය ඕවර 14.4කදී 146/1 (සෙයිෆර්ට් 79*, බෝව්ස් 31) ශ්‍රී ලංකාව ඕවර 20කදී 141 (ද සිල්වා 37, පෙරේරා 35, මිල්නේ 5-26) විකට් 9කින්

நியூசிலாந்து அணி இலங்கையை வீழ்த்தி தொடரை 1-1 என சமன் செய்தது

இலங்கை நியூசிலாந்து சுற்றுப்பயணம் (இரண்டாவது டி20)

ஆடம் மில்னேவின் ஐந்து விக்கெட்டுக்கள் மற்றும் டிம் சீஃபர்ட்டின் ஆட்டமிழக்காமல் 79 ரன்களுக்கு உதவியது, புதன்கிழமையன்று நடந்த இரண்டாவது இருபதுக்கு 20 சர்வதேச போட்டியில் நியூசிலாந்து இலங்கைக்கு எதிராக ஒன்பது விக்கெட் வித்தியாசத்தில் அபார வெற்றியைப் பதிவு செய்தது. இந்த வெற்றியின் மூலம் நியூசிலாந்து தொடரை 1-ஆல் சமன் செய்தது.

நியூசிலாந்து 5.2 ஓவர்கள் மீதமிருக்க, வெற்றி இலக்கை எட்டியபோது, தனது 43 பந்துகளில் 6 சிக்ஸர்களை அடித்து சேஸிங்கில் நாயகனாக இருந்தார் சீஃபர்ட்.

முன்னதாக, பேட்டிங் சொர்க்கம் என்று அழைக்கப்படும் ஒரு ஆடுகளத்தில் 19 ஓவர்களில் 141 ரன்களுக்கு குறைவான ஸ்கோருக்கு இலங்கை வீரர்களை அவுட்டாக்க மில்னே 5-26 என்ற கணக்கில் இலங்கையின் பேட்டிங் வரிசையை முறியடித்தார்.

தொடக்க ஆட்டக்காரர்களை மலிவாக இழந்த இலங்கை ஆரம்பமானது. குசல் பெரேரா (35), தனஞ்சய டி சில்வா (37), சரித் அசலங்கா (24) ஆகியோர் இன்னிங்ஸின் ஆரம்ப கட்டத்தில் ஒருவித சிக்கலில் இருந்த இலங்கை, இரண்டாவது பாதியில் அவர்களின் இன்னிங்ஸில் சக்கரங்கள் வெளியேறின.

ஒரு கட்டத்தில் இலங்கை 180-200 என்ற போட்டித் தொகையை எந்தத் தடையும் இல்லாமல் பதிவு செய்யலாம் என்று தோன்றியது, ஆனால் மற்றொரு மிடில் ஆர்டர் சரிவில் அவர்கள் 141 ரன்களுக்கு ஆட்டமிழந்தனர்.

பதிலுக்கு, நியூசிலாந்தின் துரத்தல் ஒரு பிரகாசமான தொடக்கத்தை பெற்றது, சாட் போவ்ஸ் தனது 16 பந்துகள் மற்றும் 31 ரன்களுக்கு பார்க் முழுவதும் பவுண்டரிகளை அடித்ததன் மூலம் சரியான அடித்தளத்தை அமைத்தார்.

4வது ஓவரின் முடிவில் 40-1 என்ற நல்ல நிலையில் இருந்த நியூசிலாந்து, இறுதியில் கசுன் ராஜிதவின் பந்துவீச்சில் டீப் கேட்ச் ஆனபோது, செட் பேட்டர் சாட் போவ்ஸின் விக்கெட்டை இலங்கைக்கு பரிசாக அளித்தது.

அவர்களின் இன்னிங்ஸுக்கு கடுமையான தொடக்கம் இருந்தபோதிலும், சீஃபர்ட் அவர்களின் ஆதிக்கத்தைத் தொடர்ந்தார், இலங்கை பந்துவீச்சாளர்களை எந்த ஓய்வும் இல்லாமல் அடித்து நொறுக்கினார்.

இலங்கை பந்துவீச்சாளர்கள் அலுவலகத்தில் ஒரு கடினமான நாள், அனைத்து துப்புரவு பணியாளர்கள் தாக்கப்பட்டது.

மேலும், இலங்கையின் பீல்டிங்கும் குறிக்கு ஏற்றதாக இருக்கவில்லை, ஏனெனில் அவர்களின் ஸ்லோபி கேட்ச்சிங் அவர்களின் காரணத்திற்கு உதவவில்லை, ஏனெனில் அவர்கள் 20 ரன்களுடன் ஆட்டமிழக்காமல் இருந்த சீஃபர்ட் மற்றும் ஹோம் கேப்டன் டாம் லாதம் இருவரையும் வீழ்த்தினர்.

இதற்கிடையில், போட்டியின் மற்றொரு சிறப்பம்சம், ஆக்லாந்தில் பிறந்த காட்டன், இரண்டு சர்வதேச கிரிக்கெட் கவுன்சில் முழு உறுப்பினர் நாடுகளுக்கு இடையிலான ஆண்கள் சர்வதேச போட்டியில் நின்ற முதல் பெண் நடுவர்.

சுருக்கமான மதிப்பெண்கள்:

நியூசிலாந்து 14.4 ஓவர்களில் 146/1 (சீஃபர்ட் 79*, போவ்ஸ் 31) 20 ஓவர்களில் 141 ரன்களுக்கு இலங்கையை வென்றது (டி சில்வா 37, பெரேரா 35, மில்னே 5-26) ஒன்பது விக்கெட்டுகள்

Football

Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025: Sri Lanka’s Biggest School Football Showdown Gears Up

Published

2 weeks ago

September 19, 2025

Editor

Colombo, September 19 – The countdown is on for the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 1st Eleven Football Challenge Trophy 2025, the most anticipated school football tournament of the year, set to bring together the best young footballing talent from across Sri Lanka.

Organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association (SLSFA), and broadcast by Sri Lankan Sports TV, the championship is expected to raise the standard of school football while creating unforgettable memories for players and fans alike.

Tournament Structure

This year’s edition will feature 16 Division 1 schools, divided into four groups of four teams. Over the course of the first round, a total of 24 matches will be played across Colombo, starting in the first week of October with a grand opening ceremony at 2:00 pm.

Opening Match: Hameed Al Hussaini College vs. Al Falah College, Negombo
Curtain Raiser: Zahira College, Colombo (defending champions) vs. Darrussaalam College, Colombo

The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals, before the Grand Finale in the first week of November. The final venue will be chosen based on the teams that qualify, ensuring equal support and excitement from school fans.

Sponsorship Partnerships

A strong line-up of sponsors is powering Ball Blaster 2025, making it a professionally executed tournament.

Title Sponsor – Lifebuoy: Leading the way, Lifebuoy continues to champion youth empowerment through sport, health, and hygiene, reinforcing its mission to build healthier, more active communities.

Refreshing Partner – Elephant House Lemonade: A timeless favorite in Sri Lankan households, Lemonade will keep players and fans refreshed as the heat of competition rises.

Official Travel Partner – Sky Market Travel: Supporting the smooth logistics of the event, ensuring school teams across regions can fully focus on their football journey.

Official Clothing Partner – Aacty Wear: Outfitting players, referees, and officials with professional, stylish gear that elevates the identity of school football and promotes local sportswear excellence.

First-Time Milestones

For the first time in history, the tournament has launched its very own official anthem, adding an extra layer of pride, passion, and identity to Ball Blaster 2025. The anthem’s lyrical video has already captured the excitement of fans, building momentum as kick-off draws near.

Furthermore, in a significant step towards supporting schools, the organizers have taken the initiative to provide all participating teams with playing kits and official kits. This move ensures equal opportunity and professionalism across the competition, uplifting both the players’ experience and the overall image of the championship.

A Celebration of Youth & Football

“The Lifebuoy Ball Blaster is not just a football tournament; it’s a celebration of youth, talent, and sportsmanship,” the organizers stated. “With the support of our valued partners Lifebuoy, Elephant House Lemonade, Sky Market Travel, and Aacty Wear, we are committed to elevating school football in Sri Lanka.”

Fans nationwide can look forward to live telecasts, highlights, and digital updates on Sri Lankan Sports TV, ensuring the energy of the matches reaches every corner of the country.

As excitement builds, one thing is clear – Ball Blaster 2025 is set to be more than just a tournament; it’s a stage for the next generation of Sri Lankan football stars to shine.

Football

AIFF Faces FIFA, AFC Ban Threat as October 30 Deadline Looms

Published

1 month ago

August 28, 2025

Editor

Indian football is staring at yet another international suspension as FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have jointly warned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to ratify its long-pending constitution by October 30, 2025, or risk a complete ban from world football.

In a strongly-worded two-page letter sent on Tuesday (August 26) to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, FIFA and AFC expressed “profound concern” over the failure to finalise and implement a revised constitution, a matter pending before India’s Supreme Court since 2017.

If suspended, India’s national teams and clubs would be barred from all international competitions, while the country’s ambitious 2036 Olympic Games bid in Ahmedabad could also be thrown into uncertainty.

FIFA & AFC Ultimatum

The letter, signed by FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov and AFC Deputy General Secretary Vahid Kardany, set out three urgent requirements for the AIFF:

1. Obtain a definitive Supreme Court order approving the revised constitution.

2. Ensure full compliance with FIFA and AFC statutes.

3. Formally ratify the constitution at the next AIFF General Meeting.

Failure to comply, they warned, would trigger sanctions, including full suspension of AIFF membership.

Previous Suspension in 2022

This is not the first governance crisis to hit Indian football. In August 2022, FIFA suspended the AIFF for “third-party interference” after a court-appointed Committee of Administrators temporarily ran the federation. That ban lasted just two weeks, lifted only after fresh elections were held in which Kalyan Chaubey defeated football legend Bhaichung Bhutia.

Domestic Fallout – ISL in Crisis

The deadlock has already disrupted Indian football at the domestic level. The Indian Super League (ISL), India’s top-tier professional league, has been put “on hold” by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the AIFF’s commercial partner, due to uncertainty over its Master Rights Agreement, which expires in December 2025.

At least three clubs have suspended operations or delayed salaries, while all 11 ISL clubs have warned of an “existential crisis.” Reports from FIFPRO further highlight cases of players’ contracts being terminated, leaving livelihoods at risk.

The Supreme Court of India will hear the matter again on August 28, a session that could determine the immediate future of the ISL and India’s football calendar.

What’s at Stake

If AIFF fails to meet the October deadline, India could lose:

• Participation in FIFA and AFC tournaments.

• Entry rights for national teams and clubs in international competitions.

• Momentum in its 2036 Olympics bid.

• Credibility with players, fans, and commercial partners.

For now, the football fraternity in India waits anxiously for the Supreme Court’s verdict and AIFF’s ability to steer through yet another governance storm

Football

Heritage Derby Trophy Goes to Hameed Al Husseinie College

Published

2 months ago

August 12, 2025

Editor

Colombo – Hameed Al Husseinie College emerged victorious in the prestigious Heritage Derby Trophy football encounter against Zahira College, Maradana, securing a 3–1 win at the Colombo Racecourse grounds yesterday.

The match kicked off under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, adding special significance to this annual football rivalry.

Hameed Al Husseinie College took control early, leading 2–0 at halftime before sealing the victory with a third goal in the second half. Zahira College managed to pull one back, but it was not enough to challenge the dominant performance of the winners.

The trophy presentation was held soon after the final whistle, with the principals of both schools — Rizvi Marikkar of Zahira College and Mrs. Dain of Hameed Al Husseinie College — present to witness the celebrations.

This latest victory adds another chapter to the rich history of the Heritage Derby, further cementing Hameed Al Husseinie College’s reputation in school football.