News
Seifert’s blitz helped New Zealand clinch the series 2-1
Tim Seifert’s brilliant 88 helped New Zealand edge Sri Lanka by four wickets in their thrilling third and final Twenty20 international in Queenstown on Saturday to complete a 2-1 series victory.
Put into bat first Sri Lanka posted 182 runs and in reply, New Zealand took 19.5 overs to achieve the target.
Openers Pathum Nissanka (25) and Kusal Mendis (73) laid a solid platform for their innings with a 76-run partnership until Pathum Nissanka bit the dust when he was caught at the boundary line off Ish Sodhi’s bowling.
His partner Mendis who was dropped on 10 by Mitchell at slip, punished New Zealand with 48-ball 73 runs that contained six fours and five sixes as the 28-year-old reached his 12th half-century in the company of Kusal Perera (33).
Dhananjaya de Silva and skipper Dasun Shanaka both made good starts after the pair departed but the tourists could not lay the final touches as they could score just 3 runs in the 19th and fell short of a match-winning total.
In reply Seifert led the run chase with outstanding innings, scoring 88 off just 48 deliveries,
which propelled the Black Caps to 183-6 in 19.5 overs.
The opener struck 10 fours and three sixes in an inning that bore many of the hallmarks of his unbeaten 79 when New Zealand levelled the series at Dunedin on Wednesday.
Captain Tom Latham provided the only meaningful support with 31 off 23 and New Zealand’s middle order nearly conspired to lose the game after Seifert departed with four overs remaining.
Needing to score at little more than a run-a-ball at that stage, the Black Caps stuttered.
Needing 10 runs to win off the final over bowled by Lahiru Kumara (3-38), Mark Chapman struck a six off the first ball before he was the first of three New Zealand wickets to fall.
With two still needed off the last two deliveries, Rachin Ravindra held his nerve to find a gap in the outfield and secure the 2-1 series win.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 182/6 in 20 overs (Kusal Mendis 73, Kusal Perera 33; Ben Lister 2-37) lost to New Zealand 183/6 in 19.5 overs (Tim Seifert 88, Tom Latham 31; Lahiru Kumara 3-38) by 4 wickets
Seifert ගේ Blitz නවසීලන්තයට තරඟාවලිය 2-1 ක් ලෙස ජය ගැනීමට උපකාරී විය
ටිම් සෙයිෆර්ට්ගේ විශිෂ්ට ලකුණු 88 හේතුවෙන් නවසීලන්තය සෙනසුරාදා ක්වීන්ස්ටවුන් හි පැවති තෙවැනි සහ අවසන් විස්සයි20 ජාත්යන්තර තරගයෙන් කඩුලු 4 ක ජයක් අත්කර ගනිමින් ශ්රී ලංකාව 2-1 ක් ලෙස තරගාවලියේ ජයග්රහණය සම්පූර්ණ කළේය.
පළමුවෙන් පන්දුවට පහරදුන් ශ්රී ලංකාව ලකුණු 182ක් රැස්කළ අතර පිළිතුරු ලෙස නවසීලන්තයට එම ඉලක්කය සපුරා ගැනීමට පන්දුවාර 19.5ක් වැය විය.
ආරම්භක පිතිකරුවන් වන පැතුම් නිශ්ශංක (25) සහ කුසල් මෙන්ඩිස් (73) ලකුණු 76 ක සම්බන්ධතාවක් පවත්වමින් ඔවුන්ගේ ඉනිමට ශක්තිමත් වේදිකාවක් සකසා දුන් අතර, පැතුම් නිශ්ශංක ඉෂ් සෝදිගේ පන්දුවක් හමුවේ හතරේ සීමාවේ දී දැවී ගියේය.
28 හැවිරිදි කුසල් පෙරේරා (33) සමගින් සිය 12 වැනි අර්ධ ශතකය වාර්තා කරද්දී ඔහුගේ සහකරු මෙන්ඩිස් ලකුණු 10කට මිචෙල් අතට උඩ පන්දුවක් දෙමින් නවසීලන්තයට දඬුවම් කළේ පන්දු 48කදී හතරේ පහර 6ක් සහ හයේ පහර 5ක් සමඟින් ලකුණු 73ක් රැස්කරමිනි. )
ධනංජය ද සිල්වා සහ නායක දසුන් ශානක දෙදෙනාම දෙදෙනාම ඉවත්වීමෙන් පසු හොඳ ආරම්භයක් ලබා ගත් නමුත් 19 වැනි තරගයේදී ලකුණු 3ක් පමණක් ලබාගෙන තරගයේ ජයග්රාහී ලකුණු සංඛ්යාවට වඩා අඩුවෙන් දැවී ගිය නිසා සංචාරකයන්ට අවසන් කටයුතු සිදු කිරීමට නොහැකි විය.
පිළිතුරු ඉනිම ක්රීඩා කළ සීෆර්ට් ලකුණු 88ක් ලබා ගත්තේ පන්දු 48කදී ලකුණු 88ක් ලබා ගනිමින්.
එය ඕවර 19.5කදී බ්ලැක් කැප්ස් පිල ලකුණු 183-6කට තල්ලු කළේය.
බදාදා නවසීලන්තය ඩුනෙඩින් හිදී තරඟාවලිය සම කරන විට ආරම්භක පිතිකරු ඉනිමක හතරේ පහර 10 ක් සහ හයේ පහර 3 ක් එල්ල කළ අතර එය ඔහුගේ නොදැවී ලකුණු 79 හි බොහෝ සලකුණු දරයි.
නායක ටොම් ලේතම් ලකුණු 23කින් ලකුණු 31ක් ලබා ගනිමින් එකම අර්ථාන්විත සහය ලබා දුන් අතර නවසීලන්ත මැදපෙළ ඕවර 4ක් ඉතිරිව තිබියදී සීෆර්ට් පිටත්ව ගිය පසු තරගය පරාජයට පත්වීමට බොහෝ දුරට කුමන්ත්රණය කළේය.
එම අදියරේ දී පන්දුවට ලකුණකට වඩා මඳක් වැඩි ලකුණු ප්රමාණයක් ලබා ගැනීමට අවශ්ය වූ අතර, කළු කැප්ස් ගොත ගැසීය.
ලහිරු කුමාර යැවූ අවසන් ඕවරයේදී ජයග්රහණය සඳහා ලකුණු 10ක් අවශ්යව තිබියදී (3-38) පළමු පන්දුවේදීම හයේ පහරක් එල්ල කළ මාර්ක් චැප්මන් නවසීලන්ත කඩුලු තුනෙන් පළමුවැන්නා විය.
අවසන් පන්දු දෙකේදී තවත් දෙකක් අවශ්යව තිබියදී, රචින් රවීන්ද්ර පිටියේ හිඩැසක් සොයා ගැනීමට සහ 2-1 තරගාවලියේ ජයග්රහණය තහවුරු කර ගැනීමට ඔහුගේ ශක්තිය රඳවා ගත්තේය.
සංක්ෂිප්ත ලකුණු: ශ්රී ලංකාව ඕවර 20 කදී 182/6 (කුසල් මෙන්ඩිස් 73, කුසල් පෙරේරා 33; බෙන් ලිස්ටර් 2-37) නවසීලන්තයට ඕවර 19.5 කදී 183/6 පරාජය (tim Seifert 88, Tom Latham 31; Lahiru Kumara 3-38 ) විකට් 4 කින්
Seifert அதிரடி ஆட்டத்தால் நியூசிலாந்து தொடரை 2-1 என கைப்பற்றியது
Tim Seifert இன் அற்புதமான 88 ரன்களுக்கு நியூசிலாந்து குயின்ஸ்டவுனில் சனிக்கிழமையன்று நடந்த மூன்றாவது மற்றும் கடைசி இருபதுக்கு 20 சர்வதேச போட்டியில் 4 விக்கெட்டுகள் வித்தியாசத்தில் இலங்கையை வீழ்த்தி தொடரை 2-1 என்ற கணக்கில் கைப்பற்றியது.
முதலில் துடுப்பெடுத்தாடிய இலங்கை அணி 182 ஓட்டங்களை பெற்று பதிலுக்கு துடுப்பெடுத்தாடிய நியூசிலாந்து அணி 19.5 ஓவர்களில் வெற்றி இலக்கை எட்டியது.
தொடக்க ஆட்டக்காரர்களான பாத்தும் நிசாங்க (25) மற்றும் குசல் மெண்டிஸ் (73) ஆகியோர் இஷ் சோதியின் பந்துவீச்சில் பவுண்டரி லைனில் கேட்ச் ஆகி 76 ரன்கள் பார்ட்னர்ஷிப்பில் தங்கள் இன்னிங்ஸுக்கு உறுதியான தளத்தை அமைத்தனர்.
28 வயதான குசல் பெரேரா (33) ஜோடியில் தனது 12வது அரைசதத்தை எட்டியபோது, 28 வயதான அவர், 48 பந்துகளில் 6 பவுண்டரிகள் மற்றும் 5 சிக்ஸர்களுடன் 73 ரன்கள் எடுத்து நியூசிலாந்தை 10 ரன்களில் மிட்செல் வீழ்த்தினார். )
தனஞ்சய டி சில்வா மற்றும் அணித்தலைவர் தசுன் ஷனக இருவரும் இந்த ஜோடி வெளியேறிய பின்னர் நல்ல தொடக்கத்தை வழங்கினர், ஆனால் சுற்றுலாப் பயணிகளால் 19வது ரன்னில் வெறும் 3 ரன்கள் மட்டுமே எடுக்க முடிந்தது மற்றும் போட்டியில் வெற்றிபெறும் ஸ்கோரை விட குறைவாக வீழ்ந்தது.
பதிலுக்கு சீஃபர்ட் 48 பந்துகளில் 88 ரன்கள் எடுத்து சிறப்பான இன்னிங்ஸ் மூலம் ரன் வேட்டைக்கு தலைமை தாங்கினார்.
இது பிளாக் கேப்ஸை 19.5 ஓவர்களில் 183-6 ரன்களுக்குத் தள்ளியது.
தொடக்க ஆட்டக்காரர் ஒரு இன்னிங்ஸில் 10 பவுண்டரிகள் மற்றும் மூன்று சிக்ஸர்களை அடித்தார், இது புதன்கிழமை டுனெடினில் நியூசிலாந்து தொடரை சமன் செய்தபோது அவர் ஆட்டமிழக்காமல் 79 ரன்கள் எடுத்ததன் பல அடையாளங்களைத் தாங்கினார்.
கேப்டன் டாம் லாதம் 23 பந்தில் 31 ரன்களுடன் ஒரே அர்த்தமுள்ள ஆதரவை வழங்கினார் மற்றும் நியூசிலாந்தின் மிடில் ஆர்டர் நான்கு ஓவர்கள் மீதமுள்ள நிலையில் சீஃபர்ட் வெளியேறிய பிறகு ஆட்டத்தை இழக்க சதி செய்தார்.
அந்த கட்டத்தில் ஒரு ரன்-எ-பந்தை விட சற்று அதிகமாக ஸ்கோர் செய்ய வேண்டியிருந்தது, பிளாக் கேப்ஸ் தடுமாறியது.
லஹிரு குமார (3-38) வீசிய இறுதி ஓவரில் வெற்றிக்கு 10 ரன்கள் தேவை என்ற நிலையில், மார்க் சாப்மேன் முதல் பந்தில் சிக்ஸர் அடித்து நியூசிலாந்து 3 விக்கெட்டுகளை வீழ்த்தினார்.
கடைசி இரண்டு பந்துகளில் இன்னும் இரண்டு ரன்கள் தேவைப்பட்ட நிலையில், ரச்சின் ரவீந்திரன் அவுட்ஃபீல்டில் ஒரு இடைவெளியைக் கண்டுபிடித்து 2-1 என்ற கணக்கில் தொடரைக் கைப்பற்றினார்.
சுருக்கமான ஸ்கோர்கள்: இலங்கை 20 ஓவரில் 182/6 (குசல் மெண்டிஸ் 73, குசல் பெரேரா 33; பென் லிஸ்டர் 2-37) நியூசிலாந்திடம் 19.5 ஓவரில் 183/6 (டிம் சீஃபர்ட் 88, டாம் லதம் 31; லஹிரு குமார 3-38) தோல்வியடைந்தது. ) 4 விக்கெட்டுகள்
Football
FFSL’s Suspension of Six Leagues Sparks Outrage Amid Governance Failures
Colombo – The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has suspended six regional football leagues, citing administrative and financial irregularities. However, this decision has triggered widespread criticism and raised serious questions about the federation’s own accountability and governance standards.
The suspended leagues are Embilipitiya, Hambantota, Jaffna, Kalkuda, Madhu Manthai West, and Point Pedro, with the FFSL alleging that they failed to submit annual reports, maintain financial accounts, or conduct football activities for over three years.
While FFSL claims these actions were taken to uphold its constitution, critics argue that FFSL itself has consistently failed to meet national governance standards, particularly those outlined in Sri Lanka’s Sports Act.
FFSL’s Own Compliance Under Fire
According to Section 32 of the Sports Act, national sports bodies like FFSL are legally required to submit their audited financial reports for the previous year on or before May 31st each year. However, the FFSL has reportedly failed to comply with this for multiple consecutive years — from 2022 to 2024 — placing it in clear violation of national law.
This failure gives the Ministry of Sports the legal authority to suspend FFSL’s registration, raising the possibility of a broader administrative intervention if reforms are not undertaken.
Lack of Support for Grassroots Development
Furthermore, FFSL’s lack of consistent funding and tournament organization for regional leagues has hampered football development:
- 2021: LKR 250,000 per league
- 2022: LKR 100,000
- 2023 & 2024: No funding
- 2025: Limited support to select leagues for a yet-to-be-played Y19 Youth League
Despite this, FFSL is now penalizing regional leagues for being inactive — an inactivity that many argue is the direct result of the federation’s own inaction and neglect.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
The suspension of Jaffna Football League, which is currently under judicial review, has also raised eyebrows. With a court case pending, legal experts question how FFSL can justify suspending a league under such circumstances without violating due process.
Hypocrisy in Action?
Despite citing “no financial reports” as a reason for suspension, FFSL has not published its own audited reports for three straight years. Observers call this an act of institutional hypocrisy, and many stakeholders are calling for the federation to hold itself to the same standards it demands of others.
If Sri Lanka is to progress in regional and international football, governance reform must begin at the top — starting with FFSL’s transparency, accountability, and genuine grassroots development efforts.

News
Strengthening Ties Through Sport: China Donates Five Dragon Boats to Sri Lanka
The People’s Republic of China has donated five dragon boats worth LKR 5 million to Sri Lanka, marking a significant step in promoting water sports across the island.

The donation was made during the China-Sri Lanka Friendship Dragon Boat Championship, organized by NACKSL – the National Association of Canoeing and Kayaking Sri Lanka, held on May 31 at the Diyawanna Rowing Center. The championship saw the participation of 25 teams from various regions of the country.
The event was graced by:
- Minister of Youth and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamagedara
- Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara
- Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong
Trophies and certificates were awarded to the winning athletes, and the official handover of the dragon boats was completed at the same event.
A Symbol of Friendship and Cultural Exchange
Minister Gamagedara emphasized that the China-Sri Lanka Dragon Boat Championship, and the donation of dragon boats, symbolize the strong cultural, sporting, and diplomatic ties between the two nations. He extended his gratitude to the Chinese Embassy and stated that this generous gift would be instrumental in expanding and developing water sports across Sri Lanka.
“From North to South and East to West, we are committed to promoting water sports across the country,” said the Minister.
He further noted that this donation would help create pathways for Sri Lankan youth in canoeing, kayaking, and dragon boat racing, while also boosting sports tourism.
Celebrating Unity and National Inclusion
Special appreciation was extended to student participants from schools in Jaffna, highlighting the championship’s role in fostering national unity and showcasing the talent and commitment of young athletes from all regions.
The Deputy Minister also expressed hope that more youth with exceptional talent in water sports would be provided with sports scholarships in the future.
Gallery











Cricket
Kusal Mendis Falls Short in High-Stakes IPL Eliminator Clash
Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis failed to rise to the occasion during a crucial IPL 2025 Eliminator as Gujarat Titans fell short in their chase against Mumbai Indians at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in New Chandigarh.
Chasing a steep target of 229, Gujarat Titans needed early momentum. While opener Sai Sudharsan led the charge with a composed 80 off 49 deliveries, Kusal Mendis—expected to play a key supporting role—could not live up to expectations on this competitive stage.
Mendis, who had the platform to make an impact, started aggressively with two sixes in his 10-ball 20 but threw away his wicket in an uncharacteristic manner—getting out hit wicket to Mitchell Santner. In a high-pressure match where composure was vital, Mendis’s dismissal was a major setback for GT, stalling their momentum during a promising phase of the innings.
This was an opportunity for Mendis to demonstrate consistency and reliability at the highest level of franchise cricket, especially with the eyes of selectors and fans fixed on performances under pressure. However, the lack of game awareness and a reckless approach led to a soft exit at a crucial moment.
GT eventually managed 208/6, falling short by 20 runs. With Mendis’s early exit, the middle order was left exposed to the mounting run rate, and despite brief resistance from Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia, the chase fizzled out.
While Mendis has shown flashes of brilliance in previous matches, this performance serves as a reminder of the demands of knockout-stage cricket. With playoffs being the toughest test of mental and technical strength, Sri Lanka’s white-ball star must tighten his game to deliver when it matters most.
-
Live4 years ago
Live Broadcast of Syria vs Sri Lanka | AFC U23 Asian Championship Qualification
-
Football4 months ago
Sri Lanka Schools National Championship 2025: Super 8 Fixtures and Grouping
-
Football5 months ago
FFSL Rebrands Division-1 as ‘League-One’ with a Bold New Vision
-
Cricket4 days ago
Nuwan Thushara Shines as RCB Storms into IPL 2025 Final
-
News4 months ago
2025 Schools Rugby Season Set to Thrill Fans with Knockout and League Action
-
News4 years ago
We are Back
-
Football3 months ago
Sri Lanka Schools National Championship 2024: Super Eight Round Concludes – Semifinalists Confirmed!
-
Football5 months ago
Erling Haaland Signs Record-Breaking 9.5-Year Contract Extension with Manchester City