News
Asalanka’s brilliance help Sri Lanka take unassailable 2-0 lead

Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka 2024
In the second One-Day International on Sunday, Sri Lanka achieved a resounding 155-run victory over Afghanistan, solidifying their unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series worked off at Pallekele international cricket stadium, Kandy.
Despite being set a target of 309 to level the series, Afghanistan faltered and was bowled out for 153 in just 34 overs, with leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga shining with four wickets.
At one stage, Afghanistan seemed well-positioned at 128 for one in their pursuit of the target, thanks to Rahmat Shah’s 54 and Ibrahim Zadran’s 63.
However, once these two batsmen were perished, the rest of the Afghan batters offered little resistance.
The partnership between Rahmat and Ibrahim had added 97 runs for the second wicket, but Asitha Fernando, playing his first ODI in 15 months, got the breakthrough by dismissing Ibrahim caught behind.
Hasaranga then made his magic work as he took two wickets in one over, trapping Rahmat leg-before-wicket and bowling captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.
The seamers also contributed, with impressive Dilshan Madushanka taking two wickets in an over and Fernando ending with two wickets as well.
Sri Lanka’s dominance was evident as Afghanistan collapsed, losing eight wickets for just 10 runs, all under the lights.
Earlier electing to bat first, Sri Lanka had a poor start, losing the openers early on.
However following the early set back, Captain Kusal Mendis (61) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (52) contributed with half-centuries, but both fell to poor strokes.
Following wickets at regular intervals put Sri Lanka on the back foot however vice captain Charith Asalanka along with Janith Liyanage (50) revived Sri Lanka’s innings with a 111 runs partnership for the fifth wicket.
Asalanka also batted until the death overs which in the process he also engaged in a 50 run partnership for the sixth with his school buddy Wanindu Hasaranga (14).
Asalanka’s impressive performance in the last 10 overs saw him score 62 runs in just 35 balls, finishing with a score of unbeaten 97 off 74 balls to make sure Sri Lanka reach a decent total of 308-6 in their alotted 50 overs.
Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai was the standout bowler, taking three wickets.
The two sides will next meet in the third and final ODI on Wednesday at the same venue.
Sri Lanka had previously won the sole Test of the tour by 10 wickets. Following the ODI series, the two sides will travel to Dambulla for three T20 matches.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 309/6 in 50 overs (Charith Asalanka 97*, Kusal Mendis 61, Sadeera Samarawickrama 52; Azmatullah Omarzai 3-56) beat Afghanistan 153 in 33.5 overs (Rahmat Shah 63, Ibrahim Zadran 54; Wanindu Hasaranga 4-27) by 155 runs.
Cricket
Inaugural ‘Battle of Green’ Set to Ignite a New School Cricket Rivalry
Cricket enthusiasts in Mirigama and Giriulla are in for an exciting showdown as D.S. Senanayake College, Mirigama, and Wickramshila National School, Giriulla, prepare to launch their first-ever “Battle of Green” big match.
This historic encounter will take place at the Mirigama Public Grounds, marking the beginning of a thrilling annual rivalry between the two schools. Fans from both towns are expected to gather in large numbers, adding to the electric atmosphere of this inaugural clash.
The introduction of the Battle of Green is a significant milestone for school cricket in the region, providing a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent while fostering sportsmanship and competitive spirit.
Stay tuned for match updates, player insights, and exclusive coverage on Sri Lankan Sports TV.
Football
Sri Lankan Football in Crisis: Corruption, Mismanagement, and a Forgotten Future
Sri Lankan football is facing an unprecedented crisis, with corruption, financial mismanagement, and neglect threatening to erase any hope for the sport’s future. Despite repeated warnings, investigations, and calls for reform, the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) under its current leadership has continued to operate with impunity, ignoring the development of local players while prioritizing foreign-born recruits.
Audit Findings Ignored – Where is the Accountability?
The Ministry of Sports’ audit report uncovered multiple financial discrepancies within FFSL, yet no action has been taken to rectify them. The Finance Committee raised critical concerns, including:
- Unpaid Media Rights Payment of USD 10,000
- A missing payment for SAFF Sri Lanka match media rights, with public service media confirming they never received the funds.
- The Finance Committee instructed immediate resolution, yet no updates have been provided.
- Unresolved Zolo Football Purchase
- FFSL paid LKR 12,775,000 for Zolo footballs from Ceylon Professional Sports Management (CPSM) without a financial guarantee, violating tender procedures.
- The Finance Committee recommended either securing the footballs or recovering the funds, with escalation to the CID if unresolved. No progress has been reported.
- Unpaid Sponsorship Payment of USD 30,000
- Sponsorship funds from Public Service Media (PSM) for the Mahinda Rajapaksa Trophy remain unaccounted for.
- Despite instructions to resolve the matter, FFSL has failed to provide any updates.
FFSL’s Downward Spiral – A Lost Generation of Footballers
While Sri Lanka’s football governance remains plagued by corruption, the country’s domestic football structure has completely collapsed. There have been no domestic tournaments since 2022, depriving young players of a pathway to professional football. Despite over 42,000 active school-level players across 600 schools, FFSL has failed to support grassroots development, instead using school tournaments for branding while parents bear the costs.
Rather than investing in homegrown talent, the FFSL has prioritized recruiting foreign-based players to represent Sri Lanka’s national team. The current squad is unrecognizable, with only captain Sujan Perera representing local talent. Critics argue that these foreign recruits, most of whom play in third or fourth-tier leagues abroad, are using Sri Lankan representation to boost their own careers while the nation’s domestic football stagnates.
Sri Lanka’s Footballing Reputation in Tatters
The state of Sri Lankan football reached an embarrassing low during the AFC Cup qualifiers when head coach Abdullah Almutairi received a red card—a rare and humiliating moment in international football. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s FIFA ranking has plummeted from 124th to 200th out of 207, driven by alleged embezzlement of FIFA and AFC funds under successive FFSL presidents.
Unlike successful footballing nations, which integrate foreign-origin players into domestic leagues before calling them up to the national team, Sri Lanka’s approach has been reckless and damaging. The lack of Pro License coaches for the past 30 years has further exacerbated the decline, leaving Sri Lanka lagging behind regional peers like India and the Maldives.
FFSL’s Financial Mismanagement & Political Interference
- FFSL has failed to present audited accounts since 2022, with officials suppressing the ministry’s audit report to avoid scrutiny.
- Stolen equipment, including Adidas footballs, bags, and boots, has been traced to top FFSL officials, including former national captains and the finance manager. CCTV footage reportedly supports these claims.
- Despite widespread allegations, successive sports ministers have turned a blind eye, allowing FFSL officials to manipulate narratives and maintain their grip on power.
- The Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2023-2024 has been postponed until March 2025—deliberately delaying accountability measures.
Will the Government Finally Take Action?
The newly elected government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, campaigned on an anti-corruption platform. Yet, despite the Ministry of Sports uncovering serious financial mismanagement, no action has been taken to hold FFSL accountable.
The time for promises has long passed. If Sri Lanka is to salvage its footballing future, immediate intervention is needed from the government, FIFA, and relevant stakeholders. Failure to act now will not only doom the sport but also betray the thousands of young Sri Lankan footballers who still dream of wearing the national jersey.
The question remains: Will the government finally clean up the mess in Sri Lankan football, or will corruption continue to suffocate the game?
Football
Sri Lanka Faces Thailand in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers – Live
Sri Lanka is set to take on Thailand in a crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier today. With history favoring Thailand in past encounters, the Sri Lankan squad will look to turn the tide and secure a positive result.
Sri Lanka has struggled in previous meetings, losing all five of their last encounters against Thailand, including a 2-0 defeat in their most recent clash in 2022. However, with a revamped squad and fresh motivation, they aim to challenge their higher-ranked opponents.
Thailand, known for its structured play and attacking prowess, will be looking to continue its dominance. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, still in the rebuilding phase, will need a strong defensive display and tactical discipline to stand a chance.
Can Sri Lanka pull off an upset and make a statement on the continental stage? Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis.
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