News
Reigning champions USA are out of the Women’s World Cup after a nerve-shredding shootout loss to Sweden.
Sweden 0-0 USA (5-4 PSO) | Round of 16
Holders USA will return home without a FIFA Women’s World Cup medal for the first time in their history after losing on penalties to Sweden in an unforgettable last-16 tie in Melbourne. Lina Hurtig squeezed home the winning spot-kick, albeit only just, after Zecira Musovic had been the Swedes’ heroine in the 120 preceding minutes.
Although it wasn’t laden with goals and attacking inspiration, this much-anticipated match produced fascinating, full-blooded fare from the opening minutes until that dramatic last kick.
The first half belonged entirely to the US, with Trinity Rodman’s elusive, incisive wing play the most effective offensive weapon on either side. Twice inside eight minutes the youngster showed pace and skill to burst away from her marker, each time firing in a right-foot shot that stung the palms of Musovic.
Sweden’s goalkeeper was exceptional throughout, and her team were once again indebted to her early in the second period when Lindsey Horan – who had earlier rattled the bar with a header – went for goal again. The US captain could not have struck her first-time right-foot effort any more sweetly but, just as the ball looked set to nestle in the bottom corner, Musovic stuck out her left hand to divert it wide.
American fans would have been wondering by this stage if this simply wasn’t to be their night, and that sense of foreboding only increased when Musovic produced another superb save to keep out a late Alex Morgan header. Holders’ hearts were also in mouths when, with five minutes of the 90 remaining, Stina Blackstenius cut inside and forced Alyssa Naeher into her first save of the match – and, remarkably, the entire tournament. Extra time brought more Musovic magic, with the Sweden keeper thwarting Morgan, Lynn Williams and Sophia Smith as tension continued to build.
Penalties were required to settle the impasse, and while the US again seemed to be in control of the shootout, crucial misses from Megan Rapinoe, Smith and, finally, Kelley O’Hara left Hurtig with the chance to make history. The substitute’s spot-kick initially looked to have been saved by Naeher but, after an agonising few seconds in which the entire stadium held its breath, the ball was shown to have crossed the line. Sweden celebrated wildly and can now look forward to a quarter-final against the in-form Japanese at Auckland’s Eden Park.
This was USA’s first Women’s World Cup defeat – excluding penalty shootouts – since Sweden themselves beat the Americans in 2011… 4414 days ago!
Photo Courtesy: FIFA






Cricket
Sri Lanka U-19 Players Face Charges Over Alleged Hotel Recording Incident
Two players from Sri Lanka’s Under-19 cricket squad have been taken into custody allegations that they covertly recorded individuals inside a hotel in the Narahenpita area, according to police.
The arrests came after multiple complaints were lodged by female medical professionals attending a conference at the hotel. The complainants reported that they had been secretly filmed while bathing in their rooms, allegedly using mobile phones.
Authorities revealed that preliminary investigations suggest the suspects may also have captured footage involving male guests at the same premises. Police are continuing inquiries to determine whether any of the recordings were distributed through online platforms.
The suspects were presented before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court and subsequently released on personal bail set at Rs. 500,000 each. Further investigations are ongoing.
Cricket
SunRisers Hyderabad Sri Lankan Trio Returns Home from IPL
Three Sri Lankan players representing Sunrisers Hyderabad — Kamindu Mendis, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga — have left the Indian Premier League as the tournament approaches its final stages.
The trio returned to Sri Lanka on Thursday morning to complete visa formalities ahead of the national team’s upcoming tour of the West Indies in June, which will feature matches across all formats. According to reports, their brief return is solely to complete biometric requirements for the visa process.
Despite their absence, the players are expected to rejoin the squad in India shortly after completing the necessary procedures. With sufficient time before their next fixture, all three are likely to be available for selection.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are scheduled to play their next match on May 3 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Women too strong for Bangladesh in second T20I
Sri Lanka Women produced a polished all-round performance to defeat Bangladesh Women by 21 runs in the second T20I, sealing the series with a game to spare.
After being put into bat, the visitors posted a competitive 154 for 4 in their 20 overs, built on key contributions from skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama. The innings began cautiously, with Hasini Perera falling early, but Athapaththu steadied the innings with a fluent 42 off 37 balls, striking six boundaries.
The momentum shifted significantly during the latter half as Samarawickrama played an aggressive knock of 49 off just 29 deliveries, including two sixes. She found good support from Imeesha Dulani (27) and Nilakshika Silva, who remained unbeaten on 22, ensuring Sri Lanka finished strongly at a healthy run rate of 7.70. Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Fariha Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Nahida Akter, and Ritu Moni picking up one apiece.
Chasing 155, Bangladesh made a steady start through Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous, who added 46 for the opening wicket. However, regular breakthroughs and sharp fielding dented their progress. Ferdous scored a brisk 29, while Sharmin Akhter anchored the innings with an unbeaten 44, but lacked sufficient support from the middle order.
Sri Lanka’s discipline in the field proved decisive, effecting three crucial run-outs. Kavisha Dilhari was the standout with the ball, claiming 2 for 15 in her four overs, while Sugandika Kumari maintained excellent control, conceding just 14 runs.
Bangladesh eventually finished on 133 for 5, falling short despite a late push.
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