News
Matheesha Pathirana most expensive buy at LPL auction
Colombo Strikers have secured the services of Matheesha Pathirana for a staggering $120,000, making him the most expensive player in the history of the Lanka Premier League (LPL).
This bid exceeded the previous record of $92,000 set by Dilshan Madushanka in the previous season. Colombo Strikers utilized their Right To Match option to match Galle Marvels’ bid and acquire Pathirana.
The bidding began with the Dambulla franchise offering $70,000, but Galle Marvels quickly raised it to $100,000. Despite Galle Marvels increasing their bid to $120,000, Colombo Strikers managed to secure Pathirana.
Pathirana’s price tag is almost five times higher than his Indian Premier League (IPL) price when he played for the Chennai Super Kings. The second most expensive player in the LPL auction was Isuru Udana, who was acquired by Galle Marvels for $100,000, followed by Dasun Shanaka at $85,000.
Afghanistan’s Karim Janat was the most expensive foreign player, with Dambulla Thunders paying $80,000 for his services. The tournament is set to commence on 1 July, with the final scheduled for 21 July.
Football
St. Mary’s Crown Cup Champions
A dramatic penalty shootout decided the fate of the Cup final as St. Mary’s SC overcame Saunders SC 3-1 after a 1-1 deadlock under lights at the Race Course grounds on Saturday.
The match sprang to life in the opening minutes, with St. Mary’s drawing first blood. Danjuma Gumbari struck in the third minute, finishing off a swift attacking move to hand his side an early lead.
Saunders SC wasted no time in responding, leveling the score just two minutes later. Clauvice Franck found the net in the fifth minute, taking advantage of space in the box to restore parity and set up an evenly balanced contest.
Following the early exchange, both teams settled into a competitive rhythm, battling for control in midfield while probing for openings. St. Mary’s looked composed in possession, whereas Saunders relied on quick counterattacks to trouble the opposition defense. Despite their efforts, neither side managed to break the deadlock during regulation time.
With the scoreline unchanged, the final moved into a penalty shootout. St. Mary’s SC kept their composure from the spot, with Danjuma Gumbari, S. Aarinkan, and John Lawani all converting successfully.
Saunders SC, however, faltered under pressure. Mohamed Zaid was the only scorer for his side, while two other attempts missed the target, ultimately sealing their defeat.
Cricket
Pathum, Rizvi Shine as Delhi Capitals Outshine Mumbai Indians
Delhi Capitals secured their second win of the IPL 2026 with a commanding 6-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium today. The highlight of the chase was the brilliant partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Sameer Rizvi, who tore through the Mumbai bowling attack with fearless stroke play.
Electing to bat first, Mumbai Indians managed a modest total of 162/6 in their 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav top-scored with a fluent 51 off 36 balls, while Rohit Sharma contributed a brisk 35. Early wickets fell to Delhi bowlers, with Mukesh Kumar claiming two key scalps and Lungi Ngidi, Axar Patel, and Vipraj Nigam chipping in with one each. Extras also played a role, adding five to the total.
In response, Delhi Capitals faced early setbacks as KL Rahul and Nitish Rana fell cheaply. However, Pathum Nissanka counter-attacked with 44 off 30 deliveries, forming a match-turning 78-run partnership with Sameer Rizvi, who finished unbeaten on 90 from 51 balls with seven towering sixes. David Miller provided late support, ensuring Delhi chased down the target in 18.1 overs.
News
Trinity Roar to President’s Trophy Glory with 58-26 Rout of Royal
Defending league champions Trinity delivered a masterclass in attack and game management as they crushed traditional rivals Royal 58-26 to lift the Dialog President’s Trophy Knock-out last evening, claiming the title for the first time in 15 years.
From the outset, Trinity set the tone. Centre Kevin Weerakoon opened the scoring in the 7th minute, slicing through Royal’s defense after a second-phase ball, although skipper Shan Althaf missed the conversion (5-0). Royal responded with a prop forward try in the 11th minute, converted by Zimark, taking a brief 5-7 lead.
Trinity, however, quickly seized control. Winger Dimeth Abeypetiya crossed twice off slick three-quarter moves, with Althaf adding a conversion to restore a 17-7 lead. Royal’s forwards briefly threatened using rolling mauls but could only narrow the gap to 17-12.
By halftime, Trinity’s precision in loose play and clinical finishing had them comfortably ahead. Ammar Manzil and fly half Abdul Malik both touched down, giving Trinity a commanding 27-12 advantage. Malik’s creativity and vision repeatedly carved open the Royal defense, setting the stage for a dominant second half.
Trinity’s momentum never waned. Althaf scored twice early in the second stanza, converting one, to extend the lead to 39-12. The Lions’ backline fluidity and Malik’s tactical kicks kept Royal on the back foot, allowing Hamza Habdeen and Manzil to further punctuate the rout and surpass the 50-point mark in a knock-out final a record-breaking 51-12.
Royal showed resilience with two late tries, but Trinity sealed their emphatic victory when Althaf completed a hat-trick after finishing off a cross-kick from Malik, closing out a spectacular 58-26 triumph.
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