Dambulla crowned themselves champions of the National Super League four-day tournament after sealing a convincing 119-run victory over Colombo in the final played at the R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday.

Resuming the final day on 154 for 4 in pursuit of a challenging 299-run target, Colombo still harboured hopes of pulling off a successful chase with captain Charith Asalanka firmly at the crease. However, Dambulla’s bowlers produced a devastating morning spell to dismantle the batting lineup and secure the title in emphatic fashion.

Fast bowler Mohamed Shiraz led the charge with an impressive return of 4 for 38, while Nisala Abeyrathne provided excellent support with 2 for 23. Colombo’s innings quickly unraveled as the side added only 25 runs before losing their remaining six wickets to be bowled out for 179.
Earlier in the contest, Dambulla laid the foundation for victory after electing to bat first and posting 222 for 9 declared. Valuable middle-order contributions from Sonal Dinusha (51) and Anjala Bandara (40) helped steady the innings with a crucial 53-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

Colombo struggled in response and were dismissed for 146, thanks largely to a superb spell from paceman Kavindu Pathiratne, who captured 5 wickets for 51 runs to earn the Player of the Final award. Veteran spinner Akila Dhananjaya also played a key role with figures of 3 for 17.

Dambulla faced difficulties again in their second innings after slipping to 133 for 7, but Akila Dhananjaya produced a determined unbeaten 53 to rescue his side. Together with Bandara, who contributed 32 runs, he added a valuable 55-run partnership that lifted Dambulla to 222 and set Colombo a formidable fourth-innings target.

Colombo’s chase initially gathered momentum through opener Dhananjaya Lakshan, who struck a fluent 84 to keep his team in contention. At 154 for 3, Colombo appeared well placed to push for victory before the decisive breakthrough arrived.

Dambulla captain Dhananjaya de Silva, introduced for his only over of the match, removed the dangerous Lakshan and triggered a dramatic collapse. From that point onward, Colombo failed to recover as Dambulla wrapped up the innings and celebrated a memorable championship triumph.

Scores
Dambulla – 222/9 declared & 222
(Nishan Madushka 43, Vishad Randika 21, Lasith Croospulle 14, Sonal Dinusha 12, Anjala Bandara 32, Akila Dhananjaya 53*; Chamod Battage 4/55, Prabath Jayasuriya 3/16, Pramod Madushan 2/48)
Colombo – 146 & 179
(Dhananjaya Lakshan 84, Nuwanidu Fernando 23, Charith Asalanka 35; Mohamed Shiraz 4/38, Nisala Abeyrathne 2/23)

Pakistan is preparing to host an ODI tri-series featuring England and Sri Lanka in October–November, adding another major event to an already packed international calendar.

Officials familiar with the discussions say both visiting boards have signaled their willingness to participate. Sri Lanka Cricket has conveyed its confirmation during coordination talks around the upcoming tour, while the England and Wales Cricket Board has also agreed to be part of the tournament. Match dates and venues are expected to be announced soon.

Sri Lanka’s visit is likely to begin with a short T20I series against Pakistan, serving as a prelude to the tri-nation ODI competition. Beyond the limited-overs contests, the tour will extend into the red-ball format, with a two-Test series included under the International Cricket Council World Test Championship 2025–27.

The tentative itinerary places the T20Is in October, followed by the ODI tri-series, and concluding with Test matches in November.

Pakistan heads into these fixtures with momentum in multi-team tournaments, having secured two T20 tri-series titles last year—one in the UAE and another on home soil, where they defeated Sri Lanka in the final.

Prior to the home season, Pakistan will be engaged in Test cricket against Bangladesh. The two-match series, also part of the World Test Championship, will be played across Dhaka and Sylhet in May.

With Shan Masood leading the side, selectors have included several uncapped players in the squad, indicating a focus on building depth as Pakistan approaches a demanding stretch of international assignments.

Negombo is preparing to host a vibrant and purpose-driven community event later this month, as Run for Hope arrives on May 23rd with a message that reaches far beyond the track.

Scheduled to begin at 6:00 AM at Kotuwa Grounds, the event is expected to draw participants from across the region, blending athletic enthusiasm with a shared commitment to social impact. Organizers say the run is designed to be inclusive, welcoming everyone from competitive runners to casual walkers and families looking to support a meaningful cause.

The initiative is led by the Voice Foundation, a group focused on empowering vulnerable communities. Through Run for Hope, the foundation aims to shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by single mothers while promoting supportive alternatives and long-term solutions through awareness and outreach programs.

This upcoming event follows a successful run earlier this year in Kandy, where strong participation and community backing highlighted the growing momentum behind the campaign. Organizers believe the Negombo edition will further expand that reach, bringing new voices and supporters into the movement.

In addition to the run itself, careful planning has gone into ensuring participant safety and comfort. Hydration points, volunteer assistance, and medical support will be available throughout the course, creating a well-organized and welcoming environment.

Local businesses, media partners, and volunteers have also joined hands to support theinitiative, reinforcing the idea that collective action can lead to meaningful change. The event is not only about physical endurance but also about raising awareness and encouraging compassion within society.

Registrations remain open, and organizers encourage early sign-ups as interest continues to grow. Participants and supporters can obtain more information via WhatsApp by contacting 077 251 2374 or 077 861 2374.