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Five key battles to look out for as India face Sri Lanka in SAFF Championship 2021

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3 years ago

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These duels could go on to decide the Blue Tigers’ fate against the Golden Army on Today.

The Indian football team began their SAFF Championship 2021 campaign with a disappointing draw against Bangladesh last Sunday. The Blue Tigers put up an ordinary performance and were therefore held on to a 1-1 draw against a 10-men Bangladesh. That said, India will be looking to bounce back on Thursday against Sri Lanka.

The island nation also did not have the best of starts to life at the SAFF Championship. They were on the receiving end of two back-to-back losses at the championship, against Bangladesh and Nepal. The two consecutive defeats mean that the Lankan lions are now on a 12-match losing run.

We take a look at the top five key battles that will have a role to play in Todays’s clash.

5. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Vs Dillon De Silva.

Dillion De Silva

The custodian is considered as India’s best man between the sticks. He has gained Stimac’s full confidence over the years and has proved his worth in big games. Gurpreet was one of India’s best players against Bangladesh in his side’s tournament opener. He denied them multiple opportunities to score with numerous saves, and India will expect the same from their star goalkeeper against Sri Lanka as well.

Gurpreet will come up against one of Sri Lanka’s best players in Dillon De Silva, who will be a big threat to India’s backline. Silva plays for the U-23 side of English outfit Queens Park Rangers. He is known for his sprints and can be deployed in multiple positions across the midfield and forward line. Dillon also scored his debut national team goal against Nepal, but unfortunately, his side lost the game.

4. Brandon Fernandes Vs Marvin Hamilton

Marvin Hamilton

Since the appointment of Stimac, a number of players have cemented their spots in the national team and one such star is FC Goa’s, Brandon Fernandes. The Blue Tigers have developed a counter-attacking style of gameplay under the Croatian tactician. In such situations, Brandon’s role gets even bigger. His exceptional skills with or without the ball as well as in dead-ball situations make him an asset for India.

However, Fernandes will come up against Sri Lanka’s experienced defensive midfielder Marvin Hamilton. The 32-year-old plays in England and has a lot of experience. Marvin can slot in as a pivot, central midfielder, and offers goals as well. Marvin’s primary role will be to keep Brandon’s movement in check, with and without the ball.

3. Udanta Singh Vs Harsha Fernando

Harsha Fernando

Just when everyone thought that Udanta has lost his form, the speedster proved his doubters wrong. He set up the only goal for the Indians against Bangladesh, scored by Sunil Chhetri. Udanta shined in an upsetting draw against the Bengal Tigers and will be high on confidence and self-belief against Sri Lanka.

Harsha Fernando is one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent players and can play multiple roles across the backline. Although Amir Alegic mostly uses him as the left-back, he has played in the center as well. The Golden Army will be dependent on Harsha to neutralize Udanta’s threatening moves.

2. Chinglensana Singh Vs Ahmed Waseem Razeek

Waseem Razeek

In the absence of star defender Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana has not been disappointed completely. His movements with the ball, passing accuracy and alertness have earned him praises. Sana played a major role in creating the goal-scoring move against Bangladesh. However, he will have the responsibility to contain one of Sri Lanka’s best players, Ahmed Waseem Razeek.

Razeek is Amir Alegic’s go-to option in the attacking department. He’s a multi-faceted player who can play as a right-winger, center forward, and right midfielder. The Sri Lankan has scored two goals in six matches for his side and will be looking to add more to his tally against the Indians.

1. Sunil Chhetri Vs Yogendra Duckson Puslas

Sunil Chhetri

Arguably the best Indian player of his generation, Sunil Chhetri has displayed his abilities time and again in his prolonged career. The Indian skipper once again stepped up to the occasion to help India against Bangladesh as he scored the opener. Chhetri is the leading goal scorer for India at the SAFF Championship with 14 goals to his name. He is now the fourth highest active goal scorer on the international stage behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Mabkhout.

However, Sri Lanka’s Yogendra Puslas will present a tough fight for Chhetri. Puslas is a highly experienced center-back and is well aware of the danger Chhetri possesses. He will look to keep Chhetri in check and nullify his half chances. A failure in doing so will cost Sri Lanka heavily.

Puslas

Source : KHELKNOW

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Cricket

India Declines to Travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025: A New Twist in the Cricket Saga

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7 hours ago

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January 22, 2025

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In a significant development, India has officially announced its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This decision, stemming from longstanding political tensions and security concerns, has far-reaching implications for the tournament’s organization and the future of cricket diplomacy. Adding another layer of complexity, the Indian cricket team has also decided not to wear jerseys featuring the Champions Trophy 2025 logo that mentions Pakistan as the host nation.

Key Reasons for India’s Decision

1. Security Concerns: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) emphasized that security issues in Pakistan remain a major obstacle to sending the team.

2. Political Strain: The strained diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have long impacted bilateral cricketing ties, with no bilateral series held since 2012.

3. Preference for Neutral Venues: India has proposed moving their matches to a neutral venue, similar to arrangements made during the 2023 Asia Cup, where India’s games were played in Sri Lanka.

Implications of the Decision

1. Tournament Adjustments

India’s withdrawal from playing in Pakistan could lead to significant changes in the tournament structure. The ICC might relocate India’s matches to neutral venues such as the UAE or Sri Lanka, splitting the event across multiple countries.

2. Financial and Logistical Impact

With India being one of the largest revenue generators in international cricket, this decision could impact ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship deals.

3. Diplomatic Fallout

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its dissatisfaction, calling the move a setback to efforts aimed at normalizing international cricket in Pakistan.

Jersey Controversy: No Pakistan Logo

In a bold statement, the BCCI has decided that the Indian cricket team will not don jerseys featuring the official Champions Trophy 2025 logo that mentions Pakistan as the host.

Symbolic Gesture: The absence of the logo underscores India’s stance on the issue.

Custom Design: The Indian team is expected to wear an alternate jersey design, which complies with ICC regulations but omits specific references to Pakistan’s hosting rights.

Indian Team Jersey

Reactions from the Cricketing World

PCB’s Stand: The PCB has labeled India’s actions as politically motivated, arguing that Pakistan has successfully hosted international teams, proving its ability to ensure security.

ICC’s Challenge: The ICC now faces the difficult task of accommodating India’s concerns while preserving the tournament’s integrity.

Fans’ Divide: While Indian fans support their team’s security-first approach, global cricket enthusiasts are disappointed at the continuing intersection of politics and sport.

What’s Next?

The ICC is expected to meet with both boards to discuss solutions, including potential venue adjustments and jersey regulations. A final decision is anticipated in the coming months.

Conclusion

India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan and the jersey controversy have added a dramatic twist to the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. These developments highlight the persistent challenges of balancing cricket with geopolitics. As the situation unfolds, the cricketing world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that keeps the spirit of the game alive.

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for the latest updates on this story and more breaking sports news.

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Cricket

Sri Lanka and India Dominate U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 with Back-to-Back Wins

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8 hours ago

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January 22, 2025

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Sri Lanka and India continued their dominant run in the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025, securing their second consecutive victories. Sri Lanka outplayed West Indies, while India cruised past Malaysia, solidifying their positions at the top of the points table.

Sri Lanka’s Record-Breaking Batting Display Crushes West Indies

Sri Lanka continued their dominance, setting a new tournament high score with 166/5 before dismantling the West Indies for just 85 runs to secure an emphatic 81-run victory.

Opener Sanjana Kavindi (38 off 36 balls) and Sumudu Nisansala (19 off 22) laid a strong foundation with a 54-run opening stand in under seven overs. Skipper Manudi Nanayakkara (37 off 31) and Dahami Sanethma (31 off 25) continued the aggressive batting, pushing Sri Lanka to an imposing total.

West Indies struggled against Sri Lanka’s sharp bowling and disciplined fielding, losing wickets at regular intervals. Left-arm spinner Selena Ross (2/25) was the only positive for West Indies, but their batting collapse handed Sri Lanka an easy win.

With this victory, Sri Lanka remains unbeaten and continues to challenge India for the top spot in the tournament standings.

India’s Bowling Masterclass Crushes Malaysia

Defending champions India once again showcased their bowling prowess, making full use of overcast conditions after winning the toss.

Young seamer Joshitha VJ set the tone by trapping Malaysia’s opener Nuni for a duck. A run-out and a fiery spell from Aayushi Shukla reduced Malaysia to 13/4 within five overs.

The highlight of the innings came from Vaishnavi Sharma, whose brilliant left-arm spin secured the tournament’s first hat-trick. She ended with stunning figures of 5/5, as Malaysia was dismissed for just 31 runs.

India’s openers, G. Trisha and Kamalini G., chased down the target in three overs without losing a wicket, ensuring India retained the top spot on the table.

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Cricket

Sri Lanka U19 Women Secure Dominant Victory Over West Indies in ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup

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2 days ago

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January 21, 2025

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In a commanding performance at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, the Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s cricket team triumphed over the West Indies U19 Women in their Group A encounter of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka posted an imposing total of 166 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

The opening partnership laid a solid foundation, with Sanjana Kavindi scoring 38 off 36 balls and Sumudu Nisansala contributing 19 off 22 deliveries. Captain Manudi Nanayakkara further bolstered the innings with a brisk 37 from 31 balls, while Dahami Sanethma added a valuable 31 off 25 balls. The West Indies bowlers faced a challenging task, with left-arm spinner Selena Ross emerging as the standout performer, claiming 2 wickets for 25 runs in her four overs.

In response, the West Indies U19 Women struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Regular wickets and tight fielding restricted their scoring opportunities, ultimately leading to a comprehensive victory for Sri Lanka. This win propels Sri Lanka to the top of Group A, enhancing their prospects of advancing to the Super Six stage of the tournament.

The Sri Lankan team’s all-round performance underscores their growing prowess in the international arena, particularly in the U19 category. As the tournament progresses, they will aim to maintain this momentum in their upcoming matches. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to more thrilling performances from these young athletes as they continue their campaign in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

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