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New Zealand Thrash Sri Lanka to level series 1-1

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Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand (Second T20)

Adam Milne’s five-wicket haul and Tim Seifert’s unbeaten 79 helped New Zealand register a thumping nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second Twenty20 International on Wednesday. The win also saw New Zealand level the series 1-all.

Seifert was the hero in the chase smashing six sixes in his 43-ball blitz as New Zealand reached the target with 5.2 overs to spare.

Earlier, Milne ripped through Sri Lanka’s batting lineup with a career-best 5-26 to help bowl out the Lankans for below par score of 141 in 19 overs on a pitch known as a batting paradise.

Sri Lanka was off to a sloppy start losing their openers cheaply. Sri Lanka was in some sort of trouble in the early stages of the innings Kusal Perera (35), Dhananjaya de Silva (37) and Charith Asalanka (24) shored them up and the wheels came off their innings in the second half.

At one stage it looked like Sri Lanka could post a competitive total of 180-200 without any hindrance but another middle-order collapse saw they were skittled out for 141 runs.

In reply, New Zealand’s chase got off to a blazing start with Chad Bowes laying the perfect foundation by scoring boundaries all over the park for his 16 balls and 31 runs.

New Zealand at a decent position of 40-1 at the end of the 4th over, Sri Lanka was eventually rewarded with the wicket of set batter Chad Bowes when he was caught deep off Kasun Rajitha’s bowling.

Despite a fierce start to their innings, Seifert continued their domination smashing the Sri Lankan bowlers with no respite to help set up New Zealand’s victory with back-to-back sixes.

Sri Lankan bowlers had a tough day at the office, all being hit for cleaners.

Also, Sri Lanka’s fielding was not up to the mark as their sloppy catching did not help their cause either as they dropped both Seifert and home captain Tom Latham, who remained unbeaten on 20.

Meanwhile, another highlight of the match was Auckland-born Cotton became the first female umpire to stand in a men’s international match between two International Cricket Council full-member countries.

Brief scores:

New Zealand 146/1 in 14.4 overs (Seifert 79*, Bowes 31) beat Sri Lanka 141 in 20 overs (De Silva 37, Perera 35, Milne 5-26) by nine wickets

නවසීලන්තය ශ්‍රී ලංකාව පරදවා තරගාවලිය 1-1ක් ලෙස සම කරයි

ශ්‍රී ලංකා නවසීලන්ත සංචාරය (දෙවන T20)

Adam Milne ගේ කඩුලු 5 සහ Tim Seifertගේ නොදැවී ලකුණු 79 හේතුවෙන් බදාදා පැවති දෙවන විස්සයි 20 ජාත්‍යන්තර තරඟයෙන් නවසීලන්තය ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට එරෙහිව කඩුලු 9 ක විශිෂ්ට ජයක් වාර්තා කිරීමට සමත් විය. මෙම ජයග්‍රහණයත් සමඟින් නවසීලන්තය තරගාවලිය 1-1 ලෙස සම කිරීමට ද සමත් විය.

නවසීලන්තය පන්දුවාර 5.2ක් ඉතිරිව තිබියදී එම ඉලක්කය සපුරාගත් සීෆර්ට් පන්දු 43කදී හයේ පහර 6ක් එල්ල කරමින් හඹායාමේ වීරයා විය.

මීට පෙර, මිල්න් ශ්‍රී ලංකා පිතිකරණ ලැයිස්තුව බිඳ දැමුවේ, පිතිකරණ පාරාදීසයක් ලෙස හැඳින්වෙන තණතීරුවකදී ඕවර 19 කදී ලකුණු 141 ට වඩා අඩු ලකුණු සංඛ්‍යාවකට ලංකා ක්‍රීඩකයින් දවාලීමට උපකාර කිරීම සඳහා 5-26ක් ලෙසින් ශ්‍රී ලංකා පිලේ හොඳම පන්දු යැවීමයි.

ශ්‍රී ලංකාව ඔවුන්ගේ ආරම්භක පිතිකරුවන් ලාභදායි ලෙස අහිමි කර ගනිමින් ආරම්භය මන්දගාමී විය. ශ්‍රී ලංකා ඉනිමේ මුල් අදියරේ දී කුසල් පෙරේරා (35), ධනංජය ද සිල්වා (37) සහ චරිත් අසලංක (24) ඔවුන්ව ගොඩට ගෙන ගිය අතර දෙවැනි භාගයේ දී ශ්‍රී ලංකා ඉනිමේ රෝද ගැලවී ගියේය.

ශ්‍රී ලංකා පිලට කිසිදු බාධාවකින් තොරව ලකුණු 180-200ක තරගකාරී මුළු ලකුණු සංඛ්‍යාවක් ලබා ගත හැකි බව එක් අවස්ථාවක පෙනුනද තවත් මැදපෙළ කඩා වැටීමක් හේතුවෙන් ඔවුන් ලකුණු 141කට දැවී ගියේය.

පිළිතුරු ලෙස නවසීලන්ත හඹායාම උණුසුම් ආරම්භයක් ලබා ගත්තේ චැඩ් බෝව්ස් ඔහුගේ පන්දු 16ක් සහ ලකුණු 31ක් සඳහා උද්‍යානය පුරා හතරේ පහරක් එල්ල කරමින් පරිපූර්ණ අඩිතාලම දැමීමත් සමඟය.

4 වැනි ඕවරය අවසානයේ ලකුණු 40-1ක් ලෙස හොඳ තත්ත්වයක සිටි නවසීලන්ත පිල අවසානයේ කසුන් රාජිතගේ පන්දුවකට උඩපන්දුවක් දෙමින් දැවී ගිය ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට පිතිකරු චැඩ් බෝව්ස්ගේ කඩුල්ල හිමිවිය.

ඔවුන්ගේ ඉනිමේ දරුණු ආරම්භයක් තිබියදීත්, සීෆර්ට් ඔවුන්ගේ ආධිපත්‍යය දිගටම කරගෙන ගියේ ශ්‍රී ලංකා පන්දු යවන්නන් දවාලීමට කිසිදු විවේකයක් නොමැතිව නවසීලන්ත ජයග්‍රහණයට පිට පිට හයේ පහරවල් එල්ල කරමිනි.

ශ්‍රී ලංකා පන්දු යවන්නන් කාර්යාලයේ දුෂ්කර දවසක් ගත කළ අතර, සියල්ල පිරිසිදු කරන්නන් සඳහා පහර වැදී ඇත.

එසේම, ශ්‍රී ලංකා පිලේ පන්දු රැකීම ලකුණු මට්ටමට නොපැමිණියේ ඔවුන්ගේ අලස උඩපන්දුව ඔවුන්ගේ ජයග්‍රහණයට උදව් නොකළ නිසා ඔවුන් සීෆර්ට් සහ නොදැවී ලකුණු 20 ක් ලබා සිටි ගෘහස්ථ නායක ටොම් ලැතම් යන දෙදෙනාම දැවී ගිය බැවිනි.

මේ අතර, තරගයේ තවත් විශේෂත්වයක් වූයේ ඕක්ලන්ඩ්හි උපන් කපු ජාත්‍යන්තර ක්‍රිකට් කවුන්සිලයේ පූර්ණ සාමාජික රටවල් දෙකක් අතර පිරිමි ජාත්‍යන්තර තරගයකට පෙනී සිටි පළමු කාන්තා විනිසුරුවරිය වීමය.

කෙටි ලකුණු:

නවසීලන්තය ඕවර 14.4කදී 146/1 (සෙයිෆර්ට් 79*, බෝව්ස් 31) ශ්‍රී ලංකාව ඕවර 20කදී 141 (ද සිල්වා 37, පෙරේරා 35, මිල්නේ 5-26) විකට් 9කින් 

நியூசிலாந்து அணி இலங்கையை வீழ்த்தி தொடரை 1-1 என சமன் செய்தது

இலங்கை நியூசிலாந்து சுற்றுப்பயணம் (இரண்டாவது டி20)

ஆடம் மில்னேவின் ஐந்து விக்கெட்டுக்கள் மற்றும் டிம் சீஃபர்ட்டின் ஆட்டமிழக்காமல் 79 ரன்களுக்கு உதவியது, புதன்கிழமையன்று நடந்த இரண்டாவது இருபதுக்கு 20 சர்வதேச போட்டியில் நியூசிலாந்து இலங்கைக்கு எதிராக ஒன்பது விக்கெட் வித்தியாசத்தில் அபார வெற்றியைப் பதிவு செய்தது. இந்த வெற்றியின் மூலம் நியூசிலாந்து தொடரை 1-ஆல் சமன் செய்தது.

நியூசிலாந்து 5.2 ஓவர்கள் மீதமிருக்க, வெற்றி இலக்கை எட்டியபோது, தனது 43 பந்துகளில் 6 சிக்ஸர்களை அடித்து சேஸிங்கில் நாயகனாக இருந்தார் சீஃபர்ட்.

முன்னதாக, பேட்டிங் சொர்க்கம் என்று அழைக்கப்படும் ஒரு ஆடுகளத்தில் 19 ஓவர்களில் 141 ரன்களுக்கு குறைவான ஸ்கோருக்கு இலங்கை வீரர்களை அவுட்டாக்க மில்னே 5-26 என்ற கணக்கில் இலங்கையின் பேட்டிங் வரிசையை முறியடித்தார்.

தொடக்க ஆட்டக்காரர்களை மலிவாக இழந்த இலங்கை ஆரம்பமானது. குசல் பெரேரா (35), தனஞ்சய டி சில்வா (37), சரித் அசலங்கா (24) ஆகியோர் இன்னிங்ஸின் ஆரம்ப கட்டத்தில் ஒருவித சிக்கலில் இருந்த இலங்கை, இரண்டாவது பாதியில் அவர்களின் இன்னிங்ஸில் சக்கரங்கள் வெளியேறின.

ஒரு கட்டத்தில் இலங்கை 180-200 என்ற போட்டித் தொகையை எந்தத் தடையும் இல்லாமல் பதிவு செய்யலாம் என்று தோன்றியது, ஆனால் மற்றொரு மிடில் ஆர்டர் சரிவில் அவர்கள் 141 ரன்களுக்கு ஆட்டமிழந்தனர்.

பதிலுக்கு, நியூசிலாந்தின் துரத்தல் ஒரு பிரகாசமான தொடக்கத்தை பெற்றது, சாட் போவ்ஸ் தனது 16 பந்துகள் மற்றும் 31 ரன்களுக்கு பார்க் முழுவதும் பவுண்டரிகளை அடித்ததன் மூலம் சரியான அடித்தளத்தை அமைத்தார்.

4வது ஓவரின் முடிவில் 40-1 என்ற நல்ல நிலையில் இருந்த நியூசிலாந்து, இறுதியில் கசுன் ராஜிதவின் பந்துவீச்சில் டீப் கேட்ச் ஆனபோது, செட் பேட்டர் சாட் போவ்ஸின் விக்கெட்டை இலங்கைக்கு பரிசாக அளித்தது.

அவர்களின் இன்னிங்ஸுக்கு கடுமையான தொடக்கம் இருந்தபோதிலும், சீஃபர்ட் அவர்களின் ஆதிக்கத்தைத் தொடர்ந்தார், இலங்கை பந்துவீச்சாளர்களை எந்த ஓய்வும் இல்லாமல் அடித்து நொறுக்கினார்.

இலங்கை பந்துவீச்சாளர்கள் அலுவலகத்தில் ஒரு கடினமான நாள், அனைத்து துப்புரவு பணியாளர்கள் தாக்கப்பட்டது.

மேலும், இலங்கையின் பீல்டிங்கும் குறிக்கு ஏற்றதாக இருக்கவில்லை, ஏனெனில் அவர்களின் ஸ்லோபி கேட்ச்சிங் அவர்களின் காரணத்திற்கு உதவவில்லை, ஏனெனில் அவர்கள் 20 ரன்களுடன் ஆட்டமிழக்காமல் இருந்த சீஃபர்ட் மற்றும் ஹோம் கேப்டன் டாம் லாதம் இருவரையும் வீழ்த்தினர்.

இதற்கிடையில், போட்டியின் மற்றொரு சிறப்பம்சம், ஆக்லாந்தில் பிறந்த காட்டன், இரண்டு சர்வதேச கிரிக்கெட் கவுன்சில் முழு உறுப்பினர் நாடுகளுக்கு இடையிலான ஆண்கள் சர்வதேச போட்டியில் நின்ற முதல் பெண் நடுவர்.

சுருக்கமான மதிப்பெண்கள்:

நியூசிலாந்து 14.4 ஓவர்களில் 146/1 (சீஃபர்ட் 79*, போவ்ஸ் 31) 20 ஓவர்களில் 141 ரன்களுக்கு இலங்கையை வென்றது (டி சில்வா 37, பெரேரா 35, மில்னே 5-26)  ஒன்பது விக்கெட்டுகள்

Football

FFSL Misses FIFA Opportunities Again Amid Concerns of Transparency and Inaction

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While FIFA continues to invest heavily in global football development through initiatives like Forward 3.0 and Football for Schools (F4S), the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) once again finds itself lagging behind—not because of lack of funding opportunities, but due to its own failures in administration, planning, and transparency.

Millions Left on the Table

FIFA’s Forward 3.0 programme offers USD 8 million per member association for the 2023–2026 cycle—an increase from previous cycles. These funds are specifically allocated for operational costs and football development projects, including infrastructure, national team support, grassroots leagues, and more.

Under Forward 3.0, FIFA allocates:

  • USD 5 million for operational costs
  • USD 3 million for infrastructure and development projects

Yet, as of April 2025, FFSL has failed to fully leverage these funds. Most notably, Sri Lanka missed out on FIFA’s Football for Schools initiative, which offers USD 50,000, training content, digital platforms, and Adidas footballs for schools. Since the programme began in 2019, over 100 nations have actively rolled it out. Sri Lanka is not one of them.

Lack of Vision or Lack of Will?

Despite FIFA’s clear roadmap and generous funding, FFSL’s inability to fulfill the conditions required—such as active domestic leagues, functional youth structures, and proper digital systems—has blocked their eligibility for key fund releases.

The federation’s operations are also marred by repeated promises and half-baked publicity stunts. Take for example the international stadium project, which was announced multiple times across various locations—Port City, Negombo, and most recently Colombo—but not a single brick has been laid. These announcements appear to be more about media optics than serious project planning or execution.

Global Benchmark: A Stark Contrast

While other nations are making strides in football development using FIFA funds—as showcased in FIFA’s Member Associations in Focus – January 2025 (link)—Sri Lanka continues to fall behind. Countries like India, Nepal, and the Maldives have successfully hosted international matches, built infrastructure, and even expanded their youth programmes using Forward funding.

Meanwhile, FFSL’s financial practices continue to raise questions. A lack of clear audits, poorly executed projects, and insufficient stakeholder engagement have painted a picture of administrative incompetence.

Time for Accountability

As Sri Lanka’s football stagnates while the rest of Asia pushes forward, fans and stakeholders must demand greater transparency, professionalism, and action. It’s time the FFSL stopped making headlines and started building foundations—literally and metaphorically—for the future of football in the country.

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Athletics

Sri Lanka Secures Three Medals at Asian U18 Athletics Championships – Day 3 Highlights

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Dammam, Saudi Arabia – April 17

The third day of the 6th Asian U18 Athletics Championships in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, delivered a vibrant mix of speed, strength, and rising talent from across the continent. Set against the backdrop of Prince Nayef Sports City, over 400 athletes representing 31 nations competed with passion and purpose. Among them, Sri Lanka earned three spots on the podium with standout performances in track and field.

🌟 Sewmini Fernando was the star on the track, sprinting to silver in the Girls’ 100m final. Clocking an impressive 11.92 seconds, she finished just behind China’s Zhang Qian, in what was one of the evening’s most closely watched races. Her performance not only demonstrated raw speed but also Sri Lanka’s growing potential in sprint events on the Asian stage.

🥉 Meanwhile, in the Boys’ 1500m final, Lahiru Achintha displayed excellent race awareness and endurance, finishing in third place with a time of 3:59.47. His tactical approach and strong finish earned Sri Lanka a bronze medal, making him one of the standout middle-distance performers of the day.

🏅 In addition to these podium finishes, Janith Lakshan Jenkins leapt into medal contention in the Men’s U18 Triple Jump, claiming silver with a mark of 15.10 meters, just behind China’s Dong Zhiyuan.

Though only three athletes officially medaled on Day 3, performances across the board showed promise, heart, and competitive spirit — vital traits for building a strong future in athletics.

Stay tuned as Team Sri Lanka continues to compete and inspire at this prestigious youth championship.

🟡 Sri Lanka’s Medal Count – Day 3
🥈 Sewmini Fernando – Girls’ 100m
🥈 Janith Lakshan Jenkins – Boys’ Triple Jump
🥉 Lahiru Achintha – Boys’ 1500m

#SriLankaAthletics #AsianU18 #SewminiFernando #LakshanJenkins #LahiruAchintha #SriLankanYouth #Dammam2025 #TrackAndField #SriLankanSportsTV #PrideOfTheNation

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News

Sri Lanka Names 25-Man Squad for Crucial Rugby Clash Against Malaysia

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Sri Lanka Rugby has officially received the Sports Minister’s approval for a 25-member national squad, led by seasoned campaigner Nigel Ratwatte, ahead of the high-stakes playoff match against Malaysia. The game will determine qualification for the Asia Rugby Top 4 Championship, a key milestone in Sri Lanka’s bid for a spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The match, scheduled for April 19, is expected to be a fierce contest as the Tuskers aim to re-establish themselves among Asia’s rugby elite. A win would secure home games against South Korea and UAE, with the away fixture coming against Hong Kong.

The squad features a mix of experienced players and promising young talent, showing the depth of Sri Lanka’s rugby potential. Backline firepower includes Danushka Ranjan, Akash Madhushanka, and Janidu Dilshan, while the forward pack boasts names like Janidu Fernando, Pulasthi Dissanayake, and Lasindu Karunathilake.

Approved Squad for Malaysia Match

Forwards:

  1. Janidu Fernando
  2. Pulasthi Dissanayake
  3. Senura Perera
  4. Naveen Marasinghe
  5. Thilina Bandara
  6. Nizran Nillar
  7. Tharindu Chathuranga
  8. Lasindu Karunathilake

Backs:

  1. Heshan Jansen
  2. Nigel Ratwatte (Captain)
  3. Janidu Dilshan
  4. Akash Madhushanka
  5. Danushka Ranjan
  6. Dinal Ekanayake
  7. Mursheed Zubair

Finishers (Replacements):

  1. Vimukthi Gamage
  2. Nirosh Perera
  3. Mohamed Rifan
  4. Thenuka Nanayakkara
  5. Pasindu Bandara
  6. Thanuja Jayaweera
  7. Dahan Wickramarachchi
  8. Venura Kodagoda

Standby:

  1. Malitha Wijesundara
  2. Hirantha Perera

Team Management & Support Staff

  • Chef De Mission: Udaya Hettiarachchi
  • Team Manager: Rohan Chinthaka
  • Head Coach: Sanath Martis
  • Forwards Coach: Dushanth Lewke
  • Backs Coach: Saliya Kumara
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach: Tharaka Algama
  • Team Doctor: Dr. Pradeep Kiriella
  • Physiotherapist: Shafin Majeed
  • Masseurs: Manoj Silva, Sanka Dilshan de Silva, L. P. P. Sameera

With preparations intensifying, the squad is in full training mode under the guidance of Sanath Martis and his coaching unit. The players are eyeing a return to the continental spotlight, and the nation will be rallying behind the boys in maroon as they take on Malaysia in this do-or-die battle.

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for full match coverage and updates.

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