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

Published

5 years ago

October 7, 2021

Editor

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Source : KHELKNOW

Cricket

LPL Sixth Edition to Be Played Across Four Venues from July 10 to August 5

Published

2 days ago

April 22, 2026

Editor

The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) is set to take place from July 10 to August 5, 2026, promising another exciting season of top-quality Twenty20 cricket. As Sri Lanka’s premier domestic T20 competition with a strong international presence, the tournament continues to attract both local and overseas talent.

This year’s matches will be held across four venues: Sinhalese Sports Club Ground (SSC), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (PICS), and Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS). These iconic grounds are expected to provide a vibrant atmosphere and excellent playing conditions throughout the competition.

The online registration portal for foreign players will officially open on May 4, 2026, allowing international cricketers to sign up and participate in the league. This step ensures the continuation of LPL’s global appeal, as overseas players add competitiveness and diversity to the tournament.

The event will be organized by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the official owner of the league, in partnership with The IPG Group, which holds the event rights. Their collaboration has been instrumental in maintaining the league’s high standards since its inception.

Launched in 2020, the LPL has rapidly grown in popularity among cricket fans. Mr. Samantha Dodanwela, an Executive Committee Member of SLC, will continue in his role as Tournament Director, ensuring smooth organization and execution.

With thrilling matches and star players expected, LPL 2026 is set to deliver another unforgettable cricketing spectacle.

Cricket

Dambulla Gears Up for Women’s ‘A’ Cricket Action in May 2026

Published

4 days ago

April 21, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka is set to host an exciting bilateral cricket series as the New Zealand Women’s A Team tours the island in May 2026. The series, featuring both One Day and T20 matches, will see the visitors compete against the Sri Lanka Women’s A Team in what promises to be a competitive showcase of emerging talent.

All matches will be held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), with play scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. each day. The New Zealand side is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka on 7 May 2026, giving them several days to acclimatize before the series begins.
The tour will consist of three One Day matches followed by three T20 encounters. The One Day fixtures are scheduled for 12th, 15th, and 18th May, while the T20 series will take place on 21st, 23rd, and 25th May.

This series is seen as an important opportunity for both teams to develop their next generation of international players. With a mix of promising players and those on the cusp of senior national selection, the matches are expected to be closely contested.

Cricket

Bangladesh beat Chamari-less Sri Lanka despite late drama

Published

5 days ago

April 20, 2026

Editor

Bangladesh Women edged out Sri Lanka Women in a tense finish during the first ODI of the Sri Lanka Women’s tour of Bangladesh 2026, chasing down 206 with just nine balls to spare in a match that swung dramatically in the final overs.

Put into bat, Sri Lanka Team posted a competitive 205/9 from their 50 overs, built on steady contributions rather than a single dominant innings. Imesha Dulani (52 off 77) and Hansima Karunaratne (54 off 71) anchored the innings with a crucial middle-order stand after early setbacks. Captain Hasini Perera made a brisk 27, but Sri Lanka struggled to accelerate in the final 10 overs, losing wickets at regular intervals.

Bangladesh’s bowling attack kept things tight throughout. Ritu Moni was the standout performer, claiming 3 for 36 and breaking key partnerships, while Nahida Akter and Marufa Akter maintained pressure with disciplined spells.

In reply, Bangladesh got off to a disastrous start, losing two wickets within the first two overs. However, Sharmin Akhter produced a match-defining innings, scoring a composed 86 off 127 balls to anchor the chase. She found support from Sobhana Mostary, who made 41 before retiring hurt, and later Shorna Akter, whose 35 added momentum in the middle overs.

Despite being in control for much of the chase, Bangladesh nearly stumbled at the finish. A late burst from Sri Lanka’s bowlers saw Dewmi Vihanga pick up three crucial wickets, triggering a collapse that left Bangladesh at 200/7 after being comfortably placed at 199/3.
The match briefly tilted back in Sri Lanka’s favor, but Bangladesh held their nerve. Extras proved decisive, with 21 wides significantly easing the chase. Eventually, Bangladesh crossed the target in 48.3 overs, sealing a hard-fought three-wicket victory.

Sri Lanka will rue their inability to capitalize on key moments, particularly in the death overs with both bat and ball. The absence of star player Chamari Athapaththu was evident, as they lacked the firepower to push their total beyond reach.