News
AFC announced the revised dates for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 2nd Round qualification

FFSL released a press release to inform that AFC has announced the revised dates for FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar 2nd round preliminary qualifications
The worldwide improvement on the Covid-19 outbreak and in new preparation of “New Normal” the AFC in consultation with FIFA, is planning reorganized the postponed matches in the FIFA international window in October and November.
As per the original schedule, Sri Lanka was planning to play against DPR Korea on 26th March 2020 as an away match, with the Korea Republic on 31st March 2020 as the Home match and with Lebanon on June 2020 as the away match
Therefore, the above matches have been rescheduled for following dates,
- 08th OCT 2020, Thursday – DPR Korea vs Sri Lanka (Away Match)
- 13th OCT 2020, Tuesday –Sri Lanka vs Korea Republic (Home Match)
- 12th NOV 2020, Thursday – Lebanon vs Sri Lanka (Away Match)
Furthermore, at present Sri Lankan team stands in the bottom of the Group H table where Turkmenistan lead the table
Points table to the date;
Sri Lankan Sports TV wishes all the very best for the Sri Lanka Men’s National Football Team on the above matches.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Soars to Fourth in ICC ODI Rankings After Remarkable Year
Sri Lanka has climbed to 4th place in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, marking a major achievement in the team’s ongoing revival in international cricket. This surge, confirmed after the International Cricket Council’s annual update, reflects a year of consistent and impressive performances.
The upward shift in rankings saw Sri Lanka gain five valuable rating points, pushing them past powerhouse teams like Pakistan and South Africa. Now trailing only India, Australia, and England, Sri Lanka has re-established itself as a major contender in the One Day International (ODI) format.
Key Factors Behind Sri Lanka’s Rise in ODI Rankings
This rankings boost has been fueled by a string of dominant series wins, especially at home. Victories against top-tier teams such as India and Australia have been pivotal. Sri Lanka’s bowling unit has shown exceptional control and discipline, while the batting lineup has evolved into a reliable force, capable of adapting to various match situations.
The leadership of head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and captain Charith Asalanka has been central to this transformation. Jayasuriya’s experience and aggressive tactical approach have revitalized the team, while Asalanka’s calm leadership and key contributions with the bat have earned him praise as a future great.
Youth and Experience Creating a Winning Combination
Emerging stars like Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Janith Liyanage have provided fresh energy and depth. Their seamless integration alongside veterans has created a balanced and confident unit.
With ICC global tournaments on the horizon, this momentum places Sri Lanka in a strong position to challenge the world’s best. The team’s rise to fourth in the ICC ODI rankings is more than just a number — it’s a testament to their growing belief and ambition on the world stage.
Football
Chelsea Stun Champions Liverpool to Keep Champions League Hopes Alive
Chelsea delivered a powerful performance at Stamford Bridge to defeat newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool, strengthening their push for a Champions League spot next season.
The match began with a respectful guard of honour for the visitors, but Chelsea quickly turned the mood competitive. Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring in just the 3rd minute, capitalizing on Pedro Neto’s cross with a well-timed finish. From that moment, the Blues seized control.
Liverpool, having already secured the league title, fielded a rotated squad with six changes from the side that defeated Tottenham. The alterations seemed to cost them momentum, as they struggled to match Chelsea’s urgency in the early stages.
Chelsea doubled their advantage early in the second half when Cole Palmer’s clever dribble unsettled the Liverpool defence, leading to a chaotic moment in the box. Under pressure, Virgil van Dijk’s clearance attempt ricocheted off teammate Jarell Quansah and into their own net, gifting Chelsea a crucial second goal.
Though Liverpool rallied late, with substitute Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah squandering golden opportunities, Van Dijk pulled one back with a powerful header in the 85th minute. However, Palmer, who had earlier hit the post, sealed the win with a confident penalty in stoppage time after Quansah fouled Moises Caicedo.
Palmer, who hadn’t scored since January, was instrumental in all three goals and proved just how vital he is to Chelsea’s top-four ambitions. His return to form comes at the perfect moment ahead of their decisive clash against Newcastle next weekend.
Liverpool, meanwhile, showed signs of fatigue following their title celebrations. Despite the loss, their fans continued their joyous chants, proudly waving banners in honour of the club’s 20th league title. With the trophy presentation still to come at Anfield on the season’s final day, their focus now shifts to the celebrations rather than results.
Chelsea’s victory puts them level on points with Newcastle, trailing only on goal difference, making their upcoming encounter at St. James’ Park a pivotal battle for Champions League qualification.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Women Stun India in Record-Breaking Run Chase at R. Premadasa
Sri Lanka Women pulled off a sensational chase to defeat India Women by 3 wickets with 5 balls to spare in a high-scoring thriller at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo during the fourth match of the Women’s ODI Tri-Series 2025. Chasing a formidable target of 276, the home side held their nerve to reach 278/7, registering one of their most memorable victories in ODI history.
India Women, after being put in to bat first, posted a commanding 275/9 in their 50 overs. The innings was anchored by a fluent 50 from Richa Ghosh, who struck 5 fours and 2 sixes in her 42-ball knock. Useful contributions from the top and middle order pushed India past the 250-mark, despite late wickets stalling momentum.
Sri Lanka’s chase started steadily, but the game came alive in the middle overs thanks to key innings from Harshitha Madavi (50 off 57) and skipper Chamari Athapaththu. However, the turning point came when Nilakshika Silva took charge with a blistering 56 off just 33 balls, including 4 boundaries and 3 sixes. Her late onslaught, along with support from the lower middle order, ensured Sri Lanka crossed the finish line at 278/7 in 49.1 overs.
This match also set a record as the highest match aggregate (553 runs) between the two sides in Women’s ODIs, underlining the growing competitiveness of Sri Lanka Women’s cricket on the international stage.
Nilakshika Silva was named Player of the Match for her match-winning knock under pressure.
With this win, Sri Lanka Women have gained valuable momentum and sent a strong message to both opponents in the tri-series, showcasing their depth and fighting spirit.
Match Summary:
- India Women: 275/9 (Richa Ghosh 50, D Hemalatha 34; SL bowlers shared wickets)
- Sri Lanka Women: 278/7 in 49.1 overs (Nilakshika Silva 56*, Harshitha Madavi 50)
Tri-Series 2025: Points Table & Team Form Update
With each team having played at least two matches, the Women’s ODI Tri-Series in Sri Lanka is heating up as both India and Sri Lanka have secured two wins each, while South Africa is yet to register a victory.
Points Table (as of May 4, 2025):
- India Women sit at the top based on a superior Net Run Rate (NRR), despite their 3-wicket loss to Sri Lanka on May 4.
- Sri Lanka Women made a strong comeback after an opening loss to India, now securing back-to-back wins against South Africa and India.
- South Africa Women have struggled, with two straight losses and a negative NRR.
The battle for a place in the final is still open, with each upcoming match carrying significant weight.
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