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Jaffna Secure easy win over Dambulla

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Lanka Premier League 2024

Matheesha Four-Fer help Colombo edge Kandy

Jaffna Kings emerged victorious with a 30-run margin against Dambulla Sixers at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, achieving the highest score in LPL 2024. Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando made significant contributions with 88 and 57 runs, respectively, for Jaffna. Mustafizur Rahman claimed 2 wickets for Dambulla Sixers. Jaffna Kings posted a total of 218/5 in 20 overs.

During the chase, Dambulla Sixers displayed resilience but fell short, managing to reach only 188/8 in 20 overs. Reeza Hendricks stood out as the top scorer for Dambulla Sixers, accumulating 80 runs which included 9 fours and 3 sixes. Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando, and Tabraiz Shamsi each secured 2 wickets for Jaffna Kings.

Meanwhile in another game between Colombo strikers and Kandy Falcons, Colombo’s Matheesha Pathirana’s four-fer led his team to a thrilling 2-run victory over in the 7th game.

Colombo Strikers, batting first, finished with a formidable 199/9 in their 20 overs, with Dushmantha Chameera taking 3 wickets and Wanidu Hasaranga and Shoriful Islam sharing 4.

In reply, Despite a shaky start, a 95-run partnership between Andre Fletcher and Mohammad Haris put Kandy Falcons back on track.

Controversy erupted when a superb one-handed grab by Chamika Karunaratne in the eighth over was disallowed. The win could have been easier for the Strikers had that partnership been broken early. In the replays, the fielder’s hand seemed to be underneath the ball but the third umpire surprisingly decided it was not out raising eyebrows of all the players.

However, Pathirana’s exceptional bowling in the last 2 overs, conceding only 2 singles, made it difficult for the Falcons to chase the target. Pathirana’s outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match title, finishing with 4/26.

Meanwhile after the 7th match, Jaffna Kings’ Avishka Fernando remains the top scorer with 210 runs in four matches at an average of 52.50. Pathum Nissanka has moved up to second place with 178 runs in four games at a strike rate of 154.78. Mark Chapman is in third place with 154 runs in three innings at an average of 154. Tim Seifert has slipped to fourth position with 126 runs in three outings at an average of 63. Kusal Perera has moved to fifth place with 118 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 187.30.

In terms of wickets, Colombi Kings’ Shadab Khan is still the leading wicket-taker with nine wickets in three matches at an average of 7.11. Zahoor Khan is in second place with six wickets in three games at an economy of nine. Dasun Shanaka has moved up to third position with five wickets in three innings at a strike rate of 12. Matheesha Pathirana is in fourth place with five wickets in three outings at an economy of 8.78. Mustafizur Rahman has moved up to the fifth position with five wickets in three matches at a strike rate of 13.20.

Brief Scores

Jaffna Kings: 218/5 (20) Pathum Nissanka 88, Avishka Fernando 57, Mustafizur 2/39)

Dambulla Sixers 188/8 (20) (Reeza Hendricks 80, Mark Chapman 30, Asitha Fernando 2/25)

Colombo Strikers 199/9 (Glenn Phillips 70, Dushmantha Chameera 3/40) beat Kandy Falcons 197/8 (Mohammad Haris 56; Matheesha Pathirana 4/26) by two runs

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Lifebouy Ball Blaster 2025 – Group B Wide Open as Royal, Aligar & Kalutara Battle for Top Spot

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The race for qualification in Group B of the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Tournament is heating up, with three top schools still in contention for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Royal College Leads the Pack

Royal College, Colombo currently sits on top of Group B after an impressive 5-0 victory, showcasing both dominance and attacking flair. With two crucial matches left, Royal remains the favorite to finish as group leaders — but the battle is far from over.

Aligar Central’s Mixed Fortunes

Aligar Central College, last year’s runners-up and inaugural Ball Blaster champions, have had a mixed campaign so far. After one win and one narrow loss — the latter coming from an unfortunate own goal — the team still remains firmly in the race for qualification.

Kalutara Muslim Still in the Hunt

Kalutara Muslim Central College, one of the most competitive sides in this year’s tournament, has only played one game so far — securing a 1-0 win. With two matches still to play, they remain a real threat to the current table leaders.

Maris Stella Struggling for Form

Maris Stella College, on the other hand, has had a tough run, losing both their opening fixtures and conceding nine goals in the process. They will now look to finish strong and disrupt the group standings in the remaining matches.

With the Group B stage still wide open, the coming matchdays promise thrilling encounters as Royal, Aligar, and Kalutara fight for the top two quarterfinal spots in the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025.

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Zahira College Colombo Dominate Group A — Gampola Zahira and Darussalam Battle for Second Spot

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The Group A stage of the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship is heating up, with Zahira College Colombo emerging as the clear frontrunner after an unbeaten run in their first two matches. With six points and an impressive 8–2 goal difference, Zahira are well on course to top the group and secure a direct berth to the quarterfinals.

Zahira’s attacking flair and tactical balance have made them one of the most complete teams in this year’s tournament. Their consistent performances have set the tone in Group A, making them strong contenders for the overall title.

Behind them, the battle for the second qualifying spot is intensifying between Darussalam College and Gampola Zahira College. Both teams currently sit on three points each, but Darussalam have played one match more, leaving Gampola Zahira with a crucial game in hand.

Kingswood College, despite showing moments of promise, have struggled to convert opportunities into results and remain winless after three outings.

With two group matches remaining, the race for quarterfinal qualification is expected to go down to the wire. Zahira Colombo, the current Group A leader, will likely face Vaddakkachchi Central College (D2) from Group D in the knockout stage, while the second-placed team will meet Hameed Al Husseinie College (D1) — setting up thrilling contests ahead.

SchoolMWLDGSGAGDPoints
Zahira College, Colombo220082+66
Gampola Zahira College110031+23
Darussalam College21105503
Kingswood College3030513-80

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Hameed Al Husseinie and Vaddakkachchi Central March into Quarterfinals of Ball Blaster 2025

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The Group D stage of the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship concluded with Hameed Al Husseinie College and Vaddakkachchi Central College sealing their spots in the quarterfinals after a fiercely contested round of matches.

Hameed Al Husseinie topped the group with an unbeaten record, securing 7 points from three matches, including two wins and one draw. Their dominance was evident with a commanding 9 goals scored while conceding only one — showcasing a solid attacking unit and disciplined defense.

Vaddakkachchi Central College earned the second qualification spot with 5 points, winning one and drawing two matches. Despite a lower goal tally of five, their consistency and composure under pressure helped them edge out Baduriya College, who finished third with four points.

Al-Falah College, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm throughout the group stage, finishing at the bottom without a win.

According to the tournament structure, Group D winner Hameed Al Husseinie College (D1) will face Group A runner-up (A2) in the quarterfinals, while Vaddakkachchi Central (D2) will meet Group A winner, most probably Zahira College Colombo (A1) — a clash that promises thrilling football action.

As the competition intensifies, both qualifying teams from Group D will be looking to carry their momentum into the knockout rounds and make a strong statement in their quest for the prestigious Lifebuoy Ball Blaster Championship 2025 title.


🏅 Final Group D Standings

SchoolMPWLDGSGAGDPoints
Hameed Al Husseinie College320191+87
Vaddakkachchi Central College310252+35
Baduriya College311135-24
Al-Falah College3030110-90

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