News
Janith Liyanage the saviour for Sri Lanka
Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka 2024
Janith Liyanage notched up his maiden half century to guide Sri Lanka to a nerve tingling 2 wickets win over Zimbabwe in the second One dayer worked off at R. Premadasa Stadium Colombo on Monday.
Having won the toss, Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine elected to bat first under gloomy conditions in Colombo.
However, it was the hosts who got off to a flyer when Dilshan Madushanka gave the early breakthrough when Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (00) were caught behind in the third ball of the innings.
Despite a early setback, Wicket-keeper batter Joylord Gumble was joined by skipper Craig Ervine and the duo stitched a 60-run stand to get their team out of trouble, before Maheesh Theekshana castled Gumble after scoring 30 runs off 36 balls.
After the breakthrough Milton Shumba joined skipper Craig and the duo cautiously batted until the 25th over engaging in another 50 runs stand.
However Sri Lanka were rewarded with the wicket of Shumba who walked back to the pavilion for 26 runs.
To make things worse for the boys in Red, they were stuck with another quick wicket that of their star batter Sikandar Raza who departed for just 1 run.
At one stage Zimbabwe were on course for a strong total but a middle order collapse saw
the visitors slipped to 182/5 when their mainstay Craig Ervine also walked back for a well played 82 runs.
With half of their batters back in the pavilion the Zimbabwe lower order fell like a pack of cards as they lost their last 6 wickets for just 26 runs before being all out for below par score of 208 runs.
Maheesh Theekshana who didnt have a good outing in the last year World Cup in India was back among wickets when he ended with figures of 4-31.
In reply, Sri Lanka batters once again failed to impress as none of their star batters were among runs apart from Janith Liyanage who played a lone cameo of 95 runs to drag thier team over the line.
When the chips were down with scoreboard reading at 6-112 Maheesh Theekshana joined Janith Liyanage in the middle to rescue Sri Lanka from a humiliating defeat. The duo added a 56-run stand for the 7th wicket.
With another less than 40 runs required Sri Lanka were stuck with few quick wickets including the all important wicket of Janith Liayange’s when the 28 year old attempted a lofted shot over mid-off but ended straight at the hands of Ricard Ngarava.
The equation being more tougher to the host, with all the recognized batters back in the pavilion Dusmantha Chameera (18) and Jeffery Vandery (19) launch a late strike as the duo took Sri Lanka home with 6 balls to spare.
In bowling front Richard Ngarava picked up his maiden ODI fifer while Sikandar Raza picked two wickets.
After the thrilling win Sri Lanka are currently leading the three match Series 1-0 with one more game left to play. The two sides will
Meet again on Thursday (11) for the final game and move to shorter format of the game (T20I’s) starting from 14th January.
Brief scores: Zimbabwe 208 in 44.4 overs (Craig Ervine 82; Maheesh Theekshana 4-31) lost to Sri Lanka 211/8 in 49 overs (Janith Liyanage 95; Richard Ngarava 5-32) by two wickets.
Football
Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025: Quarter-Final Lineup Shapes Up with Thrilling Group Stage Battles
The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 has reached the most exciting stage yet as teams battle for quarter-final glory.
In Group B, Kalutara Central College has stamped their authority with 2 wins from 2 matches, boasting a flawless defense and an impressive +2 goal difference. The battle for the second spot is wide open between Royal College and Alighar Central College, both on 3 points and looking to secure their place in the knockout rounds. Maris Stella College has unfortunately bowed out after a tough group stage.
Meanwhile, Group C promises drama in the final match between St. Patrick’s College and St. Joseph’s College. A win for Joseph will see them top the group, while Patrick could sneak into the quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory. A draw would favor Joseph’s qualification on goal difference.
The quarter-finals, scheduled for 5th November at City League, will feature the following fixtures:
- Q1: Zahira College, Colombo 🆚 Vaddakachchi Central College – 8:30 AM
- Q2: Kalutara Central College 🆚 St. Joseph’s College / St. Patrick’s College – 11:00 AM
- Q3: Gateway College/ St. Joseph’s College 🆚 Royal / Alighar – 1:30 PM
- Q4: Hameed Al Husseinie College 🆚 Darussalaam College – 4:00 PM
Fans can expect high-octane football and edge-of-the-seat action as Sri Lanka’s brightest school football talents compete for the prestigious Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster Trophy 2025. Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live coverage, match updates, and exclusive interviews.
Football
Group C Still Up for Grabs as Four Teams Eye Quarterfinal Spots in Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025!
The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship Group C stage remains finely poised — with all four schools still in contention to reach the quarterfinals. With Gateway College having completed all their matches, the final fixtures will decide the fate of St. Benedict’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Joseph’s Colleges.
Current Standings:
| School | M | W | L | D | GS | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway College | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 5 |
| St. Benedict’s College | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 |
| St. Patrick’s College | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 1 |
| St. Joseph’s College | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
Gateway College – Top for Now 🟢
Gateway College leads with 5 points after finishing all their group-stage matches. Their unbeaten record gives them a strong edge, but their qualification still depends on the final two matchdays. They’ll be watching closely as St. Benedict’s and St. Patrick’s fight for crucial wins.
St. Benedict’s College – Advantage in Hand ⚪
With 4 points from 2 games, St. Benedict’s College holds the upper hand. A victory in their next match will guarantee a quarterfinal spot, potentially as Group winners. A draw could still be enough, but a defeat would leave them vulnerable to a late surge from the other two schools.
St. Patrick’s College – Still in the Race 🟡
With 1 point from 2 games, St. Patrick’s still has a chance to qualify — but only if they win the remaining match. They’ll also need to improve their goal difference, currently at -1, to stay competitive in case of a tie on points.
St. Joseph’s College – A Must-Win Situation 🔵
After losing their opening game, St. Joseph’s College faces a do-or-die scenario. With two matches left, the Josephians must win both — and by convincing margins — to stay in contention for a top-two finish. Anything less will end their campaign.
Qualification Scenarios:
- 🏆 If St. Benedict’s wins next match: Gateway and Benedict’s advance.
- 🤝 If St. Benedict’s draws next match: Gateway likely through; second spot open between Benedict’s and Patrick’s.
- ❌ If St. Benedict’s loses: St. Patrick’s or St. Joseph’s could qualify by winning their remaining games.
The Group C showdown promises edge-of-the-seat drama as school football’s finest battle for survival in the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025. Every point counts — and one mistake could end a dream run.
Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live coverage, photos, and exclusive post-match reactions from the players and coaches.
Football
CBL Samaposha Continues to Empower Sri Lanka’s Young Footballers for the 14th Consecutive Year
In a remarkable display of commitment to grassroots sports development, CBL Samaposha continues its proud legacy of empowering the U14 Inter-School National Football Championship for the 14th consecutive year, reaffirming its role as one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent supporters of school-level football.
Organized by the Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA), this year’s championship will take place across 32 regional grounds islandwide, drawing participation from over 12,000 young players representing 510 boys’ teams and 110 girls’ teams.

Provincial champions will advance to the final rounds in Galle, with matches scheduled at the Dadella Football Complex, B.T.S. School Grounds, and Galle Municipal Grounds. The grand final will be played at the Colombo Racecourse Grounds on December 13, where the nation’s most talented young players will compete for top honors.
CBL Foods’ Chief Executive Officer Mr. Manjula Dahanayake emphasized the company’s deep-rooted commitment to nurturing youth potential, saying:
“Our vision is to inspire young Sri Lankans to pursue their dreams through sport, discipline, and teamwork. Supporting this tournament helps build the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.”
SSFA CEO Mr. Iraj Wimalasuriya expressed appreciation for Samaposha’s continued partnership, stating:
“CBL Samaposha has been a true ally in our mission to strengthen school football. Their long-term commitment ensures that children from all parts of the island get an equal opportunity to play, compete, and grow.”
Adding further, Lt. Col. G.G. Anura Apevikrama, Director of Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education, noted that this championship is often the first competitive experience for many budding footballers — a crucial step in building Sri Lanka’s sporting future.
As a proudly homegrown brand under CBL Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Samaposha continues to fuel the nation’s youth — both nutritionally and inspirationally — reinforcing the value of sportsmanship and unity through football.
🏆 About the Championship
- Organizer: Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA)
- Sponsor: CBL Samaposha
- Players: Over 12,000 (Boys & Girls)
- Venues: 32 regional grounds, finals in Galle & Colombo
- Finals Date: December 13, 2025
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