News
Sri Lanka too good for Bangladesh
Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh 2024 (Second Test)
Sri Lanka secured a dominant win over Bangladesh in the second Test match, claiming a convincing 192-run victory to complete the series sweep 2-0 in Chittagong on Wednesday.
Lahiru Kumara, the fast bowler, was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, taking 4-50 and dismissing the final batsman, Khaled Ahmed, to secure the win for his team before lunch on the fifth day.
Bangladesh, facing a challenging target of 511 runs in their second innings, struggled and could only add 50 runs to their overnight score of 268-7.
Despite Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s brave effort with an unbeaten 81, Bangladesh fell to Sri Lanka’s strong bowling attack. Mehidy reached his fifty off 68 balls with some aggressive strokes, but the dismissal of Taijul Islam for 14 further diminished Bangladesh’s chances of a comeback.
Kamindu Mendis, who excelled with the bat in the first innings with an unbeaten 92, was named the Man of the Match for his all-round performance and also received the Player of the Series award for his centuries in both innings of the first Test.
The Sri Lankan fast bowlers were in complete control throughout the proceedings, taking a staggering 33 out of the 40 wickets that fell for Bangladesh. This remarkable feat is even more impressive considering the traditionally spin-friendly pitches in Bangladesh.
Earlier In the second innings, Angelo Mathews (56) emerged as the highest scorer, while his partnership of 43 runs with Prabath Jayasuriya provided some respite to the team.
However, due to the substantial lead of 353 runs in the first innings, Sri Lanka never faced any significant pressure. Eventually, they declared at 157-7, leaving Bangladesh with a colossal target of 511 runs.
Although the hosts displayed a stronger resistance in the fourth innings, several batsmen failed to capitalize on their starts, resulting in wasted opportunities.
Reflecting on the victory of Sri Lanka, captain Dhananjaya de Silva commended the collective effort of his team. He mentioned that the bowlers executed their basics effectively on this pitch, while the batters also fulfilled their responsibilities.
“The bowlers did their basics on this wicket and the batters did their job as well. The batters were a bit disappointed about not getting runs in the first Test, but we have experienced players. I was confident they would get runs. There wasn’t a lot of spin on offer. So I thought about reverse swing as a way to get wickets. The pacers were really on the spot.”
Meanwhile Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto conveyed his dissatisfaction with his team’s batting displays and stressed the importance of self-reflection.
“Our batting performances have been lacking in converting good starts into substantial scores. This is a matter that requires careful consideration. It is crucial that when a player gets settled, they capitalize on it by scoring big. Engaging in more first-class cricket is essential for our improvement,” he remarked.
This was Sri Lanka’s last international series ahead of the T20I world cup 2024 in June.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 531 and 157-7 decl. (Angelo Mathews 56; Hasan Mahmud 4-65) beat Bangladesh178 and 318 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz 81, Mominul Haque 50; Lahiru Kumara 4-50) by 192 runs
Football
Under-16 Division II Tournament 2025 – Final Round Teams Announced
📅 26 & 27 November 2025
📍 Don Bosco Ground, Negombo
The excitement builds as the Under-16 Division II Tournament 2025 enters its final round with 26 teams from across the country set to battle for glory on 26th and 27th November at the Don Bosco Grounds in Negombo. Young talent from every province will showcase their skills in what promises to be a high-intensity two-day competition.
This year’s final round brings together a diverse lineup of schools:
- Aligar National School – Batticaloa
- Gateway College – Kandy
- Jinaraja Boys’ College – Gampola
- Zahira College – Mawanella
- Maris Stella College – Negombo
- Al-Falah College – Negombo
- St. Henry’s College – Jaffna
- Uva College – Badulla
- Maliyadeva Model School – Kurunegala
- Galle – 01
- Galle – 02
- Jailani National School – Balangoda
- Anuradhapura – 01
- De La Salle College – Mannar
- Tamil Central College – Vavuniya
- Thopawewa National School – Polonnaruwa
- Matale – 01
- Al-Minhaj National School – Nuwara Eliya
- St. Mary’s College – Chilaw
- Zahira College – Puttalam
- Abdul Majied – Kinniya
- Pulavarmani Sherifudeen – Ampara
- Al-Fariha National School – Kalutara
- Arafa National School – Matara
- Gateway College – Colombo
- Stafford International School – Colombo
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The 2025 edition promises thrilling encounters, rising stars, and outstanding sportsmanship. Stay tuned for match fixtures, live updates, and full coverage from Negombo as these young champions compete for Division II supremacy.
Sri Lankan Sports TV will bring you all the action from the field.
Football
AFC Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers – Sri Lanka Still in the Race: All Possible Qualification Scenarios Explained
With four matchdays completed in the AFC Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers – 3rd Round, Sri Lanka remain firmly in contention for a historic qualification from Group D, where Turkmenistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Chinese Taipei are battling for two places.
After Tuesday’s fixtures, the Group D table stands as follows:
- Turkmenistan – 9 pts (GD +3)
- Thailand – 9 pts (GD +6)
- Sri Lanka – 6 pts (GD +1)
- Chinese Taipei – 0 pts (GD –10)
Sri Lanka’s performances so far – including the landmark 1–0 victory over Turkmenistan in Colombo and a strong 3–1 win against Chinese Taipei at home – have kept the Lions within striking distance of the top two.
With two matches remaining, Sri Lanka’s qualification pathway is mathematically alive. Here is the full breakdown of how the team can still qualify, based on a complete analysis of all possible outcomes.
Remaining Fixtures – Group D
18 November 2025
- Sri Lanka vs Thailand – Colombo
- Turkmenistan vs Chinese Taipei – Arkadag
31 March 2026
- Chinese Taipei vs Sri Lanka – Taipei
- Thailand vs Turkmenistan – Bangkok
Each match is crucial, and the standings could shift dramatically depending on these four results.
Mathematical Analysis: How Sri Lanka Can Qualify
Our complete outcome analysis (covering all 81 possible result combinations from the four remaining matches) shows:
Sri Lanka finish in the top two in 28 out of 81 scenarios
– This means there is still a realistic pathway to qualification.
In 10 of the 28 scenarios, Sri Lanka qualify directly on points
– No tie-breakers needed.
– These are the strongest and most secure qualification routes.
In 18 scenarios, Sri Lanka finish tied on points for 1st/2nd
– In these cases, qualification will depend on AFC’s tie-breakers:
- Head-to-head points
- Head-to-head goal difference
- Head-to-head goals scored
- Overall goal difference
- Goals scored
Because Sri Lanka’s current goal difference is lower than both Turkmenistan and Thailand, big winning margins in the remaining matches may be crucial.
Key Pathways for Sri Lanka to Reach the AFC Asian Cup
1. Win Against Thailand in Colombo – The Game-Changer
This is the single most important fixture.
Most qualification scenarios begin with:
Sri Lanka defeat Thailand on 18 November
A win at home puts Sri Lanka level on 9 points and pulls Thailand back into the contest. This result alone dramatically increases the qualification probability.
2. Beat Chinese Taipei Away on 31 March
Chinese Taipei have lost all matches so far with a goal difference of –10.
A win here is essential, and:
A high-margin victory improves Sri Lanka’s tie-break position
If qualification comes down to goal difference or goals scored, the result in Taipei could be decisive.
3. The Best-Case, Most Realistic Route
The following sequence delivers the strongest qualification guarantee:
Sri Lanka beat Thailand (Colombo)
Sri Lanka beat Chinese Taipei (Taipei)
This takes Sri Lanka to 12 points, and in most scenarios, that total is enough for a top-two finish.
However, in some combinations where Turkmenistan and Thailand also reach 12, the group ends in a three-way tie, and tie-breakers become critical. In such cases, Sri Lanka must have:
- A strong winning margin over Chinese Taipei
- A multi-goal win over Thailand (improves head-to-head and GD)
4. If Sri Lanka Draw Against Thailand
Qualification is still possible, but only if:
Turkmenistan drop points against Chinese Taipei on 18 November
This is unlikely on paper but remains mathematically possible.
In this scenario, Sri Lanka must also beat Chinese Taipei away.
5. If Sri Lanka Lose to Thailand
The road becomes extremely difficult.
Sri Lanka would need:
- Chinese Taipei to upset Turkmenistan, and
- Thailand to beat Turkmenistan in the final match,
- Plus Sri Lanka winning away in Taipei.
This combination is possible but highly improbable.
What Sri Lanka Must Do: A Simple Roadma
1. Win against Thailand in Colombo – absolutely vital
The qualification race effectively hinges on this match.
2. Win big against Chinese Taipei
Every goal matters. A +3/+4 margin can change the tie-breaker battle entirely.
3. Hope for Turkmenistan to drop points
Even a draw against Chinese Taipei would be hugely beneficial for Sri Lanka.
4. Improve goal difference
Essential if the group ends in a points tie.
Conclusion: Sri Lanka’s Dream Still Alive
Sri Lanka stand at a crucial yet promising point in their AFC Asian Cup 2026 qualifying journey.
With two matches left and a direct showdown against Thailand at home, the Lions have a real opportunity to push for a historic qualification.
Victory in Colombo on November 18 could ignite the nation’s hopes and set up a thrilling final matchday in March 2026.
Sri Lanka remain in the fight — and the path to the AFC Asian Cup is still wide open.
Football
Quarter Finals Set for Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 – Four Epic Battles Await!
After weeks of intense group-stage action across the island, the Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 – 1st XI School Football Challenge Trophy now heads into its Quarter Final stage with eight of the country’s top school football teams set to battle for a place in the semi-finals.
The group phase produced thrilling matches, dramatic finishes, and moments of pure school football passion, and now the competition reaches its knockout phase where every goal — and every mistake — will count.
🏆 Quarter Final Line-Up
Quarter Final 1
Zahira College, Colombo 🆚 Vaddakkachchi Central College
📅 5th November | ⏰ 8.30 AM | 📍 City League Grounds
Zahira College, one of the tournament favorites, will look to continue their dominant form against the spirited Vaddakkachchi Central College, who impressed in their provincial campaign to earn a historic spot in the final eight.
Quarter Final 2
Kalutara Muslim Central College 🆚 Gateway College
📅 5th November | ⏰ 11.00 AM | 📍 City League Grounds
Unbeaten so far, Kalutara Muslim Central College will face the technically disciplined Gateway College in a tactical showdown that promises end-to-end action.
Quarter Final 3
St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 🆚 Royal College, Colombo
📅 5th November | ⏰ 1.30 PM | 📍 City League Grounds
A Colombo classic awaits as Royal College step into the quarter finals following a protest decision that eliminated Aligar Central College. St. Joseph’s, Group C leaders, will aim to maintain their strong run in what is expected to be a fierce and emotional derby encounter.
Quarter Final 4
Hameed Al Husseini College 🆚 Darussalaam College
📅 5th November | ⏰ 4.00 PM | 📍 City League Grounds
Two of the most passionate teams in the competition collide in the day’s final fixture. Expect a physical, high-tempo contest as both sides chase their dream of a semi-final berth.
🎥 LIVE COVERAGE
All four matches will be broadcast live on Sri Lankan Sports TV, giving fans across the nation a front-row seat to witness the best of Sri Lankan school football.
The Lifebouy Ball Blaster 2025 continues to deliver on its promise of promoting youth football, sportsmanship, and school pride, powered by Lifebuoy Bodywash — encouraging young athletes to play clean, play strong, and play fair.
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