News
Packeer Ali commented on Sri Lanka lost against Bangladesh in SAFF
Former National team Head Coach commented on the loss against Bangladesh in SAFF Championship 2021.
“Gentlemen facts are stubborn:-
Competitive match practice is essential for players, clubs, and national teams before participating in a major tournament.
Bangladesh concluded its premier league very recently where I was a participant as a head coach for the Bangladesh Police team and I know very well the level of the competition. Furthermore the quality of the foreign players from Brazil, Argentina, Russian states, and Africa who are playing for each and every club.
Then again soon after the completion of the Premier League, Bangladesh competed in a three-nation tournament in Krykistan before the Oredoo Cup in the Maldives.
Whereas Sri Lanka’s major tournament got disrupted due to the covid situation, then again Mr. Jaswar’s tireless efforts of trying to send the Sri Lanka national team to Qatar for training failed due to the covid situation.
Qatar tour would have been a fantastic training program for the lads where the team could have played some really competitive matches before the Maldives.
Thanks again to the President Mr. Jaswar who made it possible for the Sri Lanka national team to train in Riyadh.
With the above facts, I think Sri Lanka did well by losing 0 – 1 against a stronger experienced Bangladesh squad by a penalty.
Winning matches is possible if we approach the rest of the games by using the players in their appropriate positions, the first eleven starters, substitutions – the correct player at the correct time as per situation and definitely the style of play (eg. Direct play to a target player or constructive football) also not forgetting the strategy plan to win or draw as per the present situation.
We from outside have to support and encourage the players throughout the tournament.
BEST WISHES SRI LANKA SENIOR NATIONAL TEAM. DON’T GIVE UP HOPE. FIGHT AND BOUNCE BACK.”
Cricket
Sanga’s Royals win the last-over thriller to register back-to-back victory
Rajasthan Royals held their nerve in a high-scoring contest to edge past Gujarat Titans by six runs, successfully defending 210 in a last-over thriller.
Batting first, Rajasthan posted an imposing 210/6, powered by a superb knock from Dhruv Jurel, who smashed 75 off 42 balls. He was well supported by Yashasvi Jaiswal (55 off 36) and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (31 off 18), as the Royals maintained a strong run rate throughout the innings. Late cameos from Shimron Hetmyer and others ensured a challenging total. For Gujarat, Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets.
In reply, Gujarat Titans mounted a spirited chase led by Sai Sudharsan, who scored a fluent 73 off 44 balls. Contributions from Jos Buttler and Rashid Khan kept the chase alive, while a late flourish from Rabada brought the equation down to the wire.
However, the turning point came through Ravi Bishnoi, who delivered a match-winning spell of 4/41, derailing the middle order at a crucial stage. Despite needing just a handful in the final over, Rajasthan held their composure to restrict Gujarat to 204/8.
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.
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