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
New Sri Lanka Cricket Chiefs Promise Sweeping Reforms
Sri Lanka Cricket’s interim administration has launched a major clean-up operation after uncovering what officials describe as extensive financial mismanagement within the governing body.
Speaking at his first press conference since taking charge last month, interim president Eran Wickramaratne announced that a forensic audit had been ordered to examine the organisation’s accounts in detail.
According to Wickramaratne, the scale of the suspected irregularities exceeded initial expectations, prompting urgent calls for structural reforms and tighter oversight within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
The current administration was appointed by the government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake following the resignation of the previous elected committee in April. The move sparked concerns over possible disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC), which prohibits political interference in cricket boards.
Sri Lanka Cricket had previously faced a two-month suspension from the ICC in 2023 under similar circumstances.
However, Wickramaratne said discussions with the global governing body had been positive and cooperative.
“Our engagement with the ICC has been constructive from the beginning,” he said. “We have kept the process transparent, and they have encouraged reforms carried out through proper and open procedures.”
The interim administration is now working on introducing a new constitution designed to strengthen governance and prevent individuals or groups from holding influence over the board for extended periods.
The resignation of former SLC president Shammi Silva and his committee cleared the way for the latest restructuring effort, which comes amid wider criticism over the board’s management and the national team’s recent performances.
Sri Lanka’s early exit from this year’s T20 World Cup jointly hosted with India intensified public frustration and added pressure for change within the country’s cricket establishment.
Cricket
Kapila Wijegunawardene Replaces Pramodya as Sri Lanka Cricket Chief Selector
Former Sri Lanka cricketer Kapila Wijegunawardene has been appointed as the new Chief Selector of Sri Lanka Cricket, replacing Pramodya Wickramasinghe at the head of the national selection panel.
The appointment was approved by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports following a request made by Sri Lanka Cricket on May 20, 2026.
Alongside Wijegunawardene, the newly named selection committee includes Amal Silva, Brendon Kuruppu, Varuna Waragoda, and Vanessa de Silva.
The new panel is expected to oversee national team selections and player evaluations across all formats as Sri Lanka prepares for a demanding international schedule in the coming months.
Cricket observers believe the inclusion of several experienced former players could bring renewed direction to the country’s selection process.
Cricket
Sanath Jayasuriya Steps Down from Sri Lanka Cricket High Performance Role
Former Sri Lankan cricket legend and former head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has officially resigned from his position as Consultant to Sri Lanka Cricket’s High Performance Centre, with his resignation set to take effect at the end of this month.
In a letter addressed to the recently appointed Cricket Transformation Committee, Jayasuriya stated that he had become aware of concerns raised by several committee members regarding his dual roles within Sri Lankan cricket administration.
The concerns reportedly centered on his appointment to the High Performance Centre while simultaneously serving as President of the Matara District Cricket Association, which some believed could create a potential conflict of interest.
Jayasuriya noted that his decision to step down was made in the best interests of transparency and the future development of Sri Lankan cricket. He emphasized his continued commitment to supporting the sport and nurturing young talent despite leaving the consultancy role.
Widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketers, Jayasuriya has remained actively involved in cricket administration and player development since retiring from international cricket. His resignation comes at a time when Sri Lanka Cricket is undergoing significant structural reforms aimed at improving governance and performance standards.
Officials from Sri Lanka Cricket have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the resignation.
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