The historic Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo could soon be added to the list of venues for the upcoming Lanka Premier League (LPL), with discussions underway to include the iconic ground in this year’s tournament schedule, according to leading local media reports.

SSC has emerged as a strong contender following the recent installation of floodlights, a significant infrastructure upgrade completed ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka will co-host with India. The new lighting system enables the venue to host day-night matches, making it a viable option for LPL fixtures scheduled during the July–August window.

If confirmed, the inclusion of SSC would mark an important expansion of the tournament’s venue pool. In recent editions, the LPL has relied heavily on R. Premadasa Stadium, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, and Dambulla International Stadium. Introducing a fourth venue — particularly one located in the heart of Colombo — would provide greater scheduling flexibility and ease logistical demands on teams and organisers.

Cricket administrators are also understood to be keen on capitalising on SSC’s rich cricketing heritage and loyal supporter base. The ground’s compact layout is expected to generate a vibrant atmosphere for night games, while its traditionally sporting pitch could add a new tactical challenge for teams competing in the franchise tournament.

The move is also seen as part of a broader strategy to maximise the use of facilities upgraded for major international events. Rather than limiting SSC’s enhanced infrastructure to the World Cup alone, Sri Lanka Cricket is reportedly exploring opportunities to integrate the venue more consistently into domestic and franchise competitions.

While an official confirmation is yet to be made, negotiations are said to be progressing positively, with SSC increasingly viewed as a strong candidate to join the venue lineup for the forthcoming Lanka Premier League season

Viran Chamuditha produced a match-winning century as Sri Lanka Under-19 secured a crucial five-wicket victory over South Africa Under-19 in their Super Six encounter of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, played in Bulawayo on Tuesday.

The victory keeps Sri Lanka firmly in contention for a semi-final berth, delivering a timely boost as the tournament enters its decisive phase.

After winning the toss, South Africa opted to bat first and posted a competitive 261 for 7 from their 50 overs. Opener Jorich Van Schalkwyk anchored the innings with a composed 116 off 130 deliveries, striking 13 fours and two sixes while holding the innings together after early pressure.

Adnaan Lagadien provided support with a steady 46, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers ensured South Africa were unable to fully capitalise. Left-arm seamer Vigneshwaran Akash led the attack with an impressive spell, finishing with 4 for 46, removing key batters at crucial stages. Chamika Heenatigala delivered a disciplined performance, conceding just 29 runs in his 10 overs, while Kavija Gamage chipped in with two wickets to restrict South Africa in the latter overs.

In reply, Sri Lanka produced a controlled and confident chase, driven by opener Viran Chamuditha, who displayed maturity and composure beyond his years. Chamuditha dominated the bowling attack with a superb 110 off 94 balls, laced with 13 boundaries and a six, keeping Sri Lanka comfortably ahead of the required rate.

After the early dismissal of Dimantha Mahavithana, Chamuditha found strong support from Senuja Wekunagoda, who contributed a valuable 48, as the pair laid a solid foundation for the chase. Although wickets fell during the middle overs, Sri Lanka maintained control of the contest.

Captain Vimath Dinsara added a brisk 32, while Chamika Heenatigala and Dulnith Sigera showed calm heads in the closing stages to guide Sri Lanka home. The target was reached in the 46th over, with Sri Lanka finishing on 265 for 5, sealing victory with four overs to spare.

The result keeps Sri Lanka Under-19’s semi-final ambitions alive as they look to build further momentum in the Super Six stage of the tournament.

Brief Scores

South Africa Under-19s 261/7 (50 overs)
Jorich Van Schalkwyk 116, Adnaan Lagadien 46
Vigneshwaran Akash 4/46, Kavija Gamage 2/61

Sri Lanka Under-19s 265/5 (46 overs)
Viran Chamuditha 110, Senuja Wekunagoda 48
Corne Botha 2/37, Michael Kruiskamp 2/59

Sri Lanka’s promising young batter Pavan Rathnayake marked a major personal milestone with his maiden One Day International century, but his effort proved insufficient as England sealed a 2–1 series victory with a 53-run win in the third and final ODI at the R Premadasa International Stadium, Colombo, on Tuesday.

Chasing a daunting target of 358, Sri Lanka’s reply was anchored by the 23-year-old Rathnayake, who produced a composed and courageous 121 off 115 deliveries. Batting at his preferred No.4 position, Rathnayake showed maturity beyond his experience, mixing patience with controlled aggression to keep Sri Lanka in the contest. However, a lack of sustained partnerships at the other end saw the hosts bowled out for 304 in 46.4 overs, with Rathnayake the last man dismissed.

Speaking after the match, Rathnayake said he was pleased to finally convert an opportunity at international level, especially after being entrusted with a role he regularly occupies in domestic cricket.

“This is a position I am comfortable with, and I’ve been waiting for this opportunity,” he said, expressing hope that the innings would mark the beginning of a consistent run at the highest level.

Despite the defeat, Rathnayake remained optimistic about Sri Lanka’s batting depth, explaining that the plan during the chase was to take the game as deep as possible. He admitted, however, that the steady loss of wickets on a batting-friendly surface ultimately tilted the contest in England’s favour.

The innings carried deep personal significance, as Rathnayake dedicated his maiden international century to his late father, who played a key role in his cricketing journey. He reiterated that individual milestones mean little without team success, stressing that his ultimate goal remains contributing to Sri Lanka’s victories.

Earlier, England produced a commanding batting display after being asked to bat first. After early losses of Ben Duckett and Rehan Ahmed, Joe Root and Jacob Bethell rebuilt the innings with a composed partnership, Bethell contributing a well-paced 65. Root then combined with skipper Harry Brook to take the game away from Sri Lanka.

Brook unleashed a blistering unbeaten 136 off just 66 balls, while Root played the anchor role to perfection, finishing unbeaten on 111. England closed on an imposing 357 for 3, capitalising on a flat surface and loose bowling at the death.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to extract assistance, with Dhananjaya de Silva, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Wanindu Hasaranga managing a wicket apiece.

In response, Pathum Nissanka provided early impetus with a rapid half-century off just 25 balls, but regular breakthroughs prevented Sri Lanka from building momentum, allowing England to maintain control and close out the series.

With the ODI leg concluded, both teams now turn their attention to the three-match T20 International series, which gets underway on Friday in Kandy, as preparations continue for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.