Sri Lanka’s AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign took another difficult turn on Matchday 4 as they fell 8–0 to a dominant China PR side in Chongqing. China, who entered the fixture with 30 goals scored and none conceded, continued their perfect run with a commanding and clinical performance.

The defeat also slightly exceeded the earlier projected scoreline, as forecasts suggested a heavy loss in the range of 6–0 based on China’s form and Sri Lanka’s defensive struggles. China ultimately pushed beyond that margin with relentless second-half pressure and superior physicality.

China took control early when Zhao Songyuan opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Zhang Xuyao doubled the lead before the half-hour mark, and Kuang Zhaolei’s 41st-minute strike effectively settled the outcome before halftime.

The second half offered little relief for Sri Lanka. China maintained full command of possession and territory, adding five more goals through He Sifan (47’), Shuai Weihao (55’), Wan Xiang (75’, 77’) and Zhang Bolin (84’). The hosts’ sustained pressure, intelligent movement between the lines, and ruthless finishing highlighted the gap between the two nations at this age level.

With the win, China remain unbeaten with four straight victories, keeping pace with Bangladesh at the top of Group A. Owing to a significantly superior goal difference, China will only need a draw against Bangladesh on Sunday to finish as group leaders.

For Sri Lanka, the result reinforces the defensive and structural challenges identified throughout the campaign — particularly in dealing with high-pressing teams and managing space between defensive lines. The team now turns its attention to their final group match against Timor-Leste, a fixture they are expected to approach with confidence and a realistic chance of securing a second victory.

Sri Lanka have one match remaining in the qualifiers and will aim to finish on a stronger note as they continue their learning curve at continental level.

If you need an updated standings table, match preview for Sri Lanka vs Timor-Leste, or social media posts for this result, I can prepare those next.

Updated Group A Standings (After Matchday 4)

Sri Lanka vs Timor-Leste – Match Preview

Sri Lanka enter their final AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group A match against Timor-Leste with a crucial opportunity to end the campaign on a positive note. Both teams have faced heavy defeats throughout the group stage, with Timor-Leste failing to score a single goal and conceding 30.

Sri Lanka showed strong attacking quality in their 4–0 win over Brunei and were competitive in stretches against Bahrain before losing 2–1. Despite the 8–0 loss to China PR, the team retains the advantage in pace, transitional play, and individual technical ability over Timor-Leste.

Timor-Leste have struggled to maintain defensive shape and have been vulnerable in both wide areas and in transition. Their inability to build out from pressure offers Sri Lanka a clear opportunity to dominate possession and control attacking phases.

This match represents Sri Lanka’s best chance to secure a second win and finish the group in fourth place.

Match Prediction – Sri Lanka vs Timor-Leste

The previous prediction for this match was 3–1 in favour of Sri Lanka.
Based on both teams’ updated performances and form trends, this prediction remains accurate.

Predicted result: Sri Lanka 3–1 Timor-Leste

Sri Lanka are expected to:
• Control the midfield
• Create more chances from wide areas
• Use pace effectively in transition
• Limit Timor-Leste’s attacking threat

The International Sport Kickboxing Association (ISKA) has appointed Dayan Samarasekara as the National Director for Sri Lanka, recognizing his longstanding contribution to the development and modernisation of combat sports in the country.

Samarasekara has played a pivotal role in elevating Sri Lanka’s combat sports sector and has also been instrumental in supporting the professionalisation of combat sports across the South Asian region. His vision and commitment have been acknowledged through this significant appointment by ISKA.

Currently serving as the Co-Founder and Combat Sports Director of KFL, Samarasekara continues to work towards expanding and strengthening combat sports in Sri Lanka. ISKA has expressed confidence that, together with his leadership, the organisation will be able to further broaden the footprint and recognition of combat sports within the country.

About ISKA

The International Sport Kickboxing Association (ISKA), established in 1986, is the world’s most widely recognised sanctioning and regulatory body for over 20 combat sports and competitive martial arts disciplines.

ISKA is dedicated to training officials, updating competition rules, and upholding global standards, integrity, and professionalism while identifying champions and elite competitors worldwide.

The association regulates top-tier global events such as the US OPEN World Martial Arts Championships and GLORY.

Rawalpindi, Nov. 27 – Sri Lanka mounted a remarkable comeback in the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series, defeating the hosts by 6 runs in a tense final league-stage encounter to secure their place in Saturday’s grand finale. The victory completes a spirited late surge from the Islanders, who began the series with two deflating defeats but responded with back-to-back wins to keep their title hopes alive.

Sri Lanka’s Road to the Final – From Early Struggles to Strong Recovery

Sri Lanka’s campaign began on the wrong foot, suffering a heavy 67-run defeat against Zimbabwe and a 7-wicket loss to Pakistan in their first two outings. Their batting struggled for rhythm, and the bowling failed to contain opposition top orders.

But the narrative shifted dramatically in the last two matches:

Match 5: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – A Statement Win

• Zimbabwe: 146/5
• Sri Lanka: 148/1 (16.2 ov)
  Sri Lanka dominated with a 9-wicket win, powered by an authoritative chase that restored confidence ahead of the Pakistan clash.

Today’s Match: Sri Lanka Defend 184 in a Rawalpindi Thriller

Sri Lanka – 184/5 (20 ov)

A superb innings from Kavindu Mishara (50 off 34) anchored Sri Lanka’s approach, supported by contributions from Kusal Mendis, Janith Liyanage, and Kusal Perera. Partnerships were steady, with Sri Lanka crossing key milestones — 100 in 11.1 overs and 150 in 16.2 — setting up a competitive 184.

Pakistan – 178/7 (20 ov)

Pakistan’s innings was rocked early, reduced to 45/4 in the Powerplay, thanks to Sri Lanka’s fiery pace attack.
Dushmantha Chameera, later named Player of the Match, delivered when it mattered most.

Agha Salman (50 off 35) and Usman Khan attempted a rebuild with a 50-run partnership, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers held their nerve at the death.

Pakistan reviewed twice unsuccessfully in tense moments but ultimately fell short by 6 runs.

Series Summary So Far

Pakistan finished the league matches with 3 wins, Sri Lanka with 2, and Zimbabwe with 1.

Final: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – What to Expect on Nov. 29

The final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is shaping up as a high-stakes rematch. Both teams have beaten each other once in the series, making this final evenly poised.

Pakistan Strengths

• Explosive top order (Babar not featured in league matches but expected for final)
• Strong seam attack at home conditions
• Ability to accelerate in middle overs

Sri Lanka Strengths

• Momentum after two consecutive victories
• Improved batting with stable partnerships
• A rejuvenated pace attack led by Chameera and a disciplined spin unit

Key Battles

• Sri Lanka openers vs Shaheen Afridi
• Agha Salman vs Hasaranga/slow bowlers
• Middle-overs match-up: Mendis vs Shadab Khan

Prediction: A Close Final, Momentum Favors Sri Lanka Slightly

With Rawalpindi offering good batting conditions under lights, a totals around 165–180 will be par.
Pakistan remain favorites at home, but Sri Lanka’s recent form gives them a genuine chance to upset the hosts. If Mishara, Mendis, or Liyanage fire again and Chameera continues his rhythm, Sri Lanka could edge Pakistan in a tight contest.

Predicted Winner (slight edge): Sri Lanka – if they bat first and defend with confidence.