Connect with us

News

Nettasinghe reaches Dove Saipan International quarters

Published

on

Sri Lanka’s top seed shuttler, Viren Nettasinghe, booked his berth in the quarter-finals of the Dove Saipan International 2024, which is underway at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium in Saipan, with a resounding 2-0 win against AryamannTandon in the Round of 16 on Wednesday.

Nettasinghe, the top seed of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Grade 3 International Challenge Tournament, overcame Tandon in straight sets, after the Indian staged some early resistance in both sets. Nettasinghe claimed the first set 21-18 and went on to dominate the second set before sealing the pre-quarter-final game with a 21-15 win.
Tandom showed some promise after his straight (21-15, 21-13) win against South Korea’s Pyeong Gang Choi in the previous round to set up a Round of 16 clash against Nettasinghe, who faced a stiffer opponent in Chi Ting Chen in the previous round.

Cheng of Chinese Taipei, who impressed in the Round of 64 against Ean Camacho of the host country, continued his form to trouble Nettasinghe. But the in-form Olympian thwarted all obstacles to shatter Cheng in straight sets, 23-21 and 21-18 after a close encounter, setting his sight on the title in his last international appearance prior to the Paris Olympics.

Nettasinghe is set to take on Ryoma Muramoto of Japan in the quarter-finals in the six-day competition conducted by Northern Marianas Badminton Association. Nettasinghe, the first and only Sri Lankan to earndirect qualification for the Paris Olympics, also makes history for his country by becoming the youngest badminton player to represent the nation at the Olympics.

Earlier this week the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka named Nettasinghe as one of the flag-bearers at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics alongside DilhaniLekamge, the female javelin thrower.

Cricket

Sri Lanka Masters Set for International Masters League T20 2025 Challenge

Published

on

By

Sri Lanka Masters, led by legendary wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara, are all set to compete in the much-anticipated International Masters League T20 2025. The tournament, featuring cricketing greats from six nations, will kick off on February 22 and conclude with the final on March 16 in Raipur, India.

Sri Lanka Masters’ Fixtures

The team will begin their campaign against India Masters on February 22 at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. They will then take on South Africa Masters on February 26, followed by a high-voltage clash against Australia Masters on February 28. Their group stage will continue with matches against West Indies Masters on March 6 and England Masters on March 10 before the semi-finals on March 13 and 14.

Squad Overview

The Sri Lanka Masters squad boasts a mix of experience and all-round talent. With Sangakkara leading from the front, the team includes seasoned campaigners such as Romesh Kaluwitharana, Upul Tharanga, and Lahiru Thirimanne. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, and Isuru Udana, while all-rounders like Seekkuge Prasanna, Jeevan Mendis, and Chaturanga de Silva provide balance to the squad.

Expectations & Key Players to Watch

With a strong batting unit led by Sangakkara and Tharanga, Sri Lanka Masters will look to dominate in the powerplay and set up big totals. The bowling attack, featuring Pradeep and Lakmal, will be crucial in restricting opposition teams. All-rounders like Prasanna and Mendis could play a pivotal role in tight situations.

As the tournament unfolds, Sri Lanka Masters will aim to make a strong statement and challenge for the coveted title. With cricketing legends returning to the field, fans can expect thrilling encounters and moments of brilliance from the island nation’s seasoned stars.

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for exclusive updates and match analysis from the International Masters League T20 2025!

Continue Reading

Football

Super 8 Round Begins with Exciting Matches Amid Media Coverage Concerns

Published

on

By

The Super 8 round of the Sri Lanka Schools Football Championship 2025 kicked off at Kelaniya Football Grounds, featuring dominant performances and intense competition. However, despite Sri Lankan Sports TV officially requesting media coverage access, the organizers failed to respond, raising concerns regarding transparency and event management.

Matchday 1 (14th February 2025)

🔹 St. Joseph’s College 4-0 Darussalam College
St. Joseph’s College started strong with a commanding 4-0 victory over Darussalam College. R. Bright stole the show with an impressive hat-trick, leading his team to an emphatic win.

🔹 Alighar National School 3-0 Kalutara Muslim Central College (Walkover)
Kalutara Muslim Central College was unable to participate due to unforeseen circumstances, resulting in a 3-0 walkover victory for Alighar National School.

Matchday 2 (15th February 2025)

🔹 Hameed Al Husseinie College 1-0 Al Falah College
A closely contested match saw Hameed Al Husseinie College secure a 1-0 win against Al Falah College, demonstrating solid defense and tactical play.

🔹 Zahira College 4-0 St. Patrick’s College
Zahira College put on a dominant display, winning 4-0 against St. Patrick’s College. Their attacking force looked sharp, sending a strong statement for the upcoming matches.

Media Coverage Dispute

Despite Sri Lankan Sports TV’s formal request to live stream the matches, the organizers refused to provide access, citing the need for approval from FFSL. However, the legal rights for the tournament remain with Sri Lankan Sports TV, making this an unfortunate situation for fans and stakeholders eager for wider coverage.

Stay tuned for further updates on Sri Lankan Sports TV.

Continue Reading

Cricket

Sri Lanka Crush Australia by 174 Runs, Seal 2-0 ODI Series

Published

on

By

Sri Lanka completed a lopsided 2-0 ODI series victory over Australia by winning the second match at Colombo by a commanding 174 runs. Driven by Mendis’ century (101 off 115) and a disciplined bowling display, the hosts made quick work of a weakened Australian outfit, limiting them to just 107 runs in reply to Sri Lanka’s 281/4.

Sri Lanka Finish Off Well, Led By Kusal and Asalanka

Sri Lanka were on the frontfoot for most of the innings after opting to bat first, with Kusal Mendis playing a pivotal knock at the top of the order. He was well supported by captain Charith Asalanka (78 off 66)*, who opened the batting with Nishan Madushka (51 off 62), laying a solid platform.

Missing the trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s bowling attack could not rein in the batters. Only Sean Abbott (1/41) and Ben Dwarshuis (1/47) stood out from the Australian line-but none of them could prevent Sri Lanka from putting a competitive total on the board.

Australian Batting Collapses Against Spinn

Chasing 282, Australia’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure, being bowled out for a meager 107 in 24.2 overs. Asitha Fernando (3/23) struck early dismissing the key batters before the Sri Lankan spinners took complete control. The middle order was then sent into a tailspin by Dunith Wellalage (4/35) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3/23).

Stand-in skipper Steven Smith (29 off 34) and Josh Inglis (22 off 27) put forth an effort to build the innings, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Sri Lanka sealed a comfortable victory as the lower order offered little resistance.

Australia’s Precarious Position on Eve of Champions Trophy

That was Australia’s sixth loss in their last eight ODIs, which is raising questions as the Champions Trophy approaches. Their bowling unit is still under pressure and the inconsistency of the top order is a major cause of concern. Meanwhile Sri Lanka won nine in their last 13 ODIs, but will not participate in the Champions Trophy owing to their performance that was part of the qualification process for the 2023 World Cup.

This series win is a great signal for Sri Lankan cricket as they are rebuilding their team through a combination of experienced and young players, despite that setback.

Match Summary

Sri Lanka – 281/4 (50 overs)
Kusal Mendis – 101 (115)
Charith Asalanka – 78* (66)
Nishan Madushka – 51 (62)
Sean Abbott – 1/41 (10)
Ben Dwarshuis – 1/47 (10)

Australia – 107/10 (24.2 overs)
Steven Smith – 29 (34)
Josh Inglis – 22 (27)
Dunith Wellalage – 4/35 (7.2)
Wanindu Hasaranga – 3/23 (7)
Asitha Fernando – 3/23 (5)

Sri Lanka’s emphatic victory will boost their confidence going into upcoming series, while Australia will need to regroup for a rethink ahead of major tournaments.

Continue Reading

Trending