News

Chamari led Sri Lanka creates history in South Africa

Published

1 year ago

April 4, 2024

Editor

Sri Lanka Women’s tour of South Africa 2024 (Third T20I)

Sri Lanka Women’s team made history by defeating South Africa Women’s by four wickets and winning the three-match T20I series 2-1 at Buffalo Park in East London on Wednesday (3).

The win also marked as the the first time that Sri Lanka have beaten South Africa in a limited over series.

The home team batted first and scored 155 for six, but the visitors successfully chased down the target by finishing on 156 for six, marking the highest successful run chase in a T20I at Buffalo Park.

Chamari Athapathtu, the captain of Sri Lanka, was the top-scorer with 73 runs. Her partnership of 97 runs for the second wicket with Harshita Samarawickrama set the stage for the victory.

Earlier Sri Lanka were off to a shaky, following Nonkululeko Mlaba’s early breakthrough in the second over, as Wolvaardt executed a running catch to dismiss inform Vishmi Gunaratne for one (3b).

Following a early set back Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama then stabilized the innings, scoring briskly in an effort to achieve the highest successful run chase in a T20I at Buffalo Park.

Their 50-run partnership (35 balls) was reached in the seventh over. In the process Athapaththu reached her ninth T20I half-century, her third against South Africa, with a massive six in the tenth over.

The second wicket partnership (97 runs) was eventually broken at 102 when Marizanne Kapp bowled Athapathtu for 73 off just 46 deliveries (7×4, 5×6). Sri Lanka suffered their third wicket loss ten runs later as Kavisha Dilhari was dismissed for one, caught by De Klerk off the bowling of Eliz-Mari Marx. With five overs remaining, Sri Lanka needed 35 runs to secure victory.

Hasini Perera (10) was dismissed by Tumi Sekhukhune, claiming the fourth Sri Lankan wicket to reduce the visitors for 136-4.

With 19 runs required in the last two overs, Sri Lanka were struck with another wicket when Nilakshika Silva (12) was bowled by De Klerk. To make things worse for the Lankans De Klerk uprooted the wickets of Anuskhka Sanjeewani in the very next ball to keep the game wide open.

However despite a late drama experienced campaigner Harahitha Samarawickrama stood firm and make sure no further hiccups as she took her team over the line with 5 balls to spare.

Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 54 runs off 43 balls, including 4 boundaries and 1 six.

Earlier batting first, South Africa had a decent start with a partnership of 37 runs for the first wicket between Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits.

Brits was dismissed by Sugandika Kumari after scoring 7 runs off 9 balls with 1 boundary. The Proteas lost their second wicket at a score of 51 when Kapp was caught and bowled by Udeshika Prabodhani, scoring 8 runs off 5 balls with 2 boundaries.

Following the breakthrough South Africa witnessed a middle order collapse as they lost wickets in crucial juncture of the game.

However, a quick fire of 25 ball 44 runs from the bat of Nadine de Klerk steadied South Africa innings as they reached fighting 155-6 in their allotted 20 Overs.

Laura Wolvaardt smashed a blistering 50 runs off 53 deliveries from top of the order to strengthen South Africa Chances to a series win.

Following the conclusion of the T20I series the two sides will move to the ODI’s scheduled to begin on Tuesday 9 April at Buffalo Park.

News

Isipathana Clinches U19 Knockout Crown with Dramatic Final Victory Over Trinity

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2025

Editor

Isipathana College emerged triumphant in the final of the 2025 Under-19 Schools Rugby Knockout Tournament, edging out Trinity College 12-9 in a nail-biting showdown at Sugathadasa Stadium. With this hard-fought win, Isipathana secured their 13th President’s Trophy title, further solidifying their legacy as one of Sri Lanka’s rugby powerhouses.

Early Advantage for Isipathana

The defending champions struck first with an impressive opening try, setting the tone for a high-stakes encounter. Avishka Hiran calmly added the conversion, giving Isipathana an early 7-0 lead.

Trinity responded with composure, as fly-half Shan Altaf slotted two well-taken penalties, reducing the deficit to a single point. Despite sustained pressure from both sides and chances that went begging, neither team could breach the opposition’s line again in the first half. The teams went into the break with Isipathana narrowly ahead, 7-6.

Grit and Discipline in the Second Half

The second half saw a continuation of the intense battle, but Trinity was handed a blow when Disal Thomas was sin-binned for persistent team infringements. Despite having a numerical advantage, Isipathana squandered a couple of penalty opportunities, as the kicking duties switched between players with no success.

Tensions escalated when Kaveen Jayasinghe was shown a yellow card for a biting offense, a disciplinary lapse that handed momentum back to Trinity. Fly-half Altaf seized the opportunity, delivering a beautifully executed drop goal to hand Trinity their first lead of the game, 9-7.

Late Heroics Seal the Title

As time ticked down and the match appeared to be slipping away, Isipathana found inspiration. Avishka Hiran, showing great awareness and timing, delivered a clever offload to Yuvindu Kodithuwakku, who powered his way past three defenders to score the match-winning try.

The conversion was missed, but it mattered little as the green shirts held on for a 12-9 victory, sealing back-to-back Knockout Championships.

Match Summary:

Full Time: Trinity College 09 (3 Penalties) – Isipathana College 12 (2 Tries, 1 Conversion)
Try Scorers: Adithya Madushan, Yuvindu Kodithuwakku (Isipathana)
Conversion: Avishka Hiran (Isipathana)
Penalties/Drop Goal: Shan Altaf (Trinity) – 2 Penalties, 1 Drop Goal

Glory for Isipathana, Lessons for Trinity

Isipathana’s ability to absorb pressure and respond in key moments underlined their championship pedigree. While Trinity displayed grit and tactical discipline, they were ultimately undone by missed opportunities and a lack of execution in the final stages.

As the curtains fall on the 2025 U19 Schools Rugby Knockout, Isipathana College once again stands tall, crowned champions in a finale that showcased the depth, drama, and raw emotion of school rugby in Sri Lanka.

Athletics

Ritzbury Celebrates Sri Lanka’s Rising Track Stars and Coaches for Historic Medal Haul at Asian Youth Athletics Championship 2025

Published

5 days ago

May 15, 2025

Editor

Ritzbury, one of Sri Lanka’s leading supporters of youth athletics, proudly honoured five exceptional athletes and their coaches for their remarkable performances at the 6th Asian Youth Athletics Championship 2025, held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The felicitation ceremony was held on May 2nd at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, under the banner of Ritzbury’s signature initiative, Mawbimata Weerayek (A Hero to the Nation).

Out of the eight Sri Lankan medalists at the continental event, five belong to the Mawbimata Weerayek program, showcasing the success of Ritzbury’s long-term investment in grassroots athletic development. These young athletes, who carried the nation’s hopes with pride, were not only felicitated with awards but also received financial support to further their sportingu journeys.

Among the honourees was M.G.T. Abhisheka Premasiri, who brought home Sri Lanka’s only Gold medal in the Girls’ 800m and added a Silver in the medley relay. Dananjana Sewmini Fernando shone with two Silvers—one in the 100m sprint and another in the medley relay. Meanwhile, H.D. Shavindu Avishka (800m), G.D. Lahiru Achintha (1500m), and J.H.P. Nethya Sampath (High Jump) earned Bronze medals, contributing to Sri Lanka’s highest-ever medal tally at the championship.

Recognising the vital role of coaching, Ritzbury also paid tribute to the five national coaches behind this success: Buddhika Nuwan, Anuradha Nanayakkara, R.H.M. Jude Chinthaka, K.H.A.D.S.I. Kularathna, and Suranjith Senarath. Their guidance, discipline, and preparation were applauded as critical to transforming potential into podium finishes.

Speaking at the event, Kamal Geeganage (CEO) and Niluksha Bastiansz (General Manager – Marketing, CBL Foods International) expressed their pride and reaffirmed Ritzbury’s long-standing commitment to national athletics. They highlighted that the Mawbimata Weerayek program, launched in 2019, now supports 65 young talents across Sri Lanka with financial aid and mentorship, aiming to elevate Sri Lankan athletics on both national and international stages.

With their eyes now set on bigger global competitions, these young athletes symbolize a bright future for Sri Lankan athletics. Initiatives like Mawbimata Weerayek not only bring recognition but also lay the foundation for long-term sporting excellence.

News

Trinity and Isipathana Set Up Thrilling Showdown in President’s Trophy Rugby Final

Published

6 days ago

May 14, 2025

Editor

The stage is set for a blockbuster finale in the Sri Lanka Schools Under-19 President’s Trophy Knockout Rugby Tournament as Trinity College and Isipathana College stormed into the final with convincing wins in their respective semi-finals. The much-anticipated final will take place on May 18 at 3:45 PM at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

Quarterfinal Recap:

Zahira College earned automatic qualification to the semi-finals after St. Peter’s withdrew from the tournament.

Trinity College secured a 24-15 win over S. Thomas’ College with a dominant display, scoring three tries, three conversions, and a penalty.

Royal College overcame DS Senanayake College with an emphatic 41-24 win, showcasing their attacking firepower.

Isipathana College proved too strong for Wesley College, triumphing 24-10 to book their spot in the semis.

Semi-final Highlights:

Trinity College vs Zahira College: Trinity continued their fine form, beating Zahira 29-12. Their win came through four tries, three conversions, and a penalty, underlining their dominance in the tournament.

Isipathana College vs Royal College: In a fiercely contested battle, Isipathana edged past Royal 24-17 with three tries, three conversions, and a crucial penalty.

With both teams displaying exceptional skill and resilience throughout the tournament, the final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two powerhouses of school rugby.

Final Match Details:

Trinity College vs Isipathana College

Date: May 18, 2025

Venue: Royal College Sports Complex

Kick-off: 3:45 PM

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live updates, post-match analysis, and exclusive coverage of the President’s Trophy final