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Shanto, Mushfiqur shine as Bangladesh go up 1-0 in ODI series against Sri Lanka

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Bangladesh clinched a convincing six-wicket win, courtesy of an unbeaten century by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in the first one-day international (ODI) of a three-game series against Sri Lanka in Chittagong on Wednesday (14).

Najmul’s remarkable innings of 122 not out from 129 deliveries, along with Mushfiqur Rahim’s unbeaten 73, drove Bangladesh to a total of 257-4 in 44.4 overs after dismissing Sri Lanka for 255 runs.

Despite facing early batting difficulties, Bangladesh was in a tough spot at 23-3 following early dismissals by Dilshan Madushanka and Pramod Madushan.

Nevertheless, Najmul’s partnership with Mahmudullah Riyad (37) stabilized the innings before Mushfiqur joined him for a crucial fifth-wicket partnership of 165 runs.

Earlier Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and chose to bat first. The team got off to a strong start as Avishka Fernando and Pathum Nissanka built a solid foundation with a 71-run partnership for the opening wicket.

Pathum Nissanka, who returned from a hamstring injury, continued his impressive performance by scoring a quick 36 runs off 28 balls, which included 5 boundaries and a six. Avishka Fernando also contributed with 33 runs off 33 balls to stabilize the Sri Lankan innings.

Nevertheless, Tanzim Shakib’s comeback to the attack was crucial for Bangladesh as he took out both openers in consecutive overs, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 2-72.

Sri Lanka faced further setbacks when Sadeera Samarawickrama (3) fell to Tanzim Shakib’s bowling, reducing them to 84-3.

With Bangaldesh bolwers clearly on top, Skipper Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka then built a steady partnership of 44 runs before Charith was bowled by Mahedi Hassan Miraz in the 25th over.

At 128-4, Kusal Mendis found a reliable partner in Janith Liyanage, and together they cautiously built a crucial partnership of 69 runs for the fifth wicket.

During this partnership, Kusal Mendis reached his 29th ODI half-century, scoring 59 runs off 75 balls, including 5 boundaries and a six. However, Taskin Ahmed put an end to the partnership by dismissing Kusal Mendis.

From there onwards Sri Lanka never recovered as their middle order fell like a pack of cards with the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga (13), Maheesh Theekshana (1), Pramod Madushan (08) all departing cheaply to leave Sri Lanka in a spot of bother.

However, When the chips were down, Janith Liyanage who is playing his 5th ODI game show maturity in the middle and played a crucial role for Sri Lanka as he batted sensibly and scored a fighting 67 runs off 69 deliveries, including 3 boundaries and 2 sixes. 

His contribution helped Sri Lanka surpass the 250 runs mark. 

At one stage it looked like Sri Lanka could reach a total above 300 but a brilliant death bowling display denied Sri Lanka’s counter attack.

Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Shakib, were the standout bowlers snaring three wickets apiece, while Mehidy Hassan Miraz picked up a wicket.

The win saw Bangladesh go up 1-0 in the three match series with two games to spare.

The two sides will next meet in the second ODI game on Friday at the same venue.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh 257 for 4 (Najmul Hossain Shanto 122, Mushfiqur Rahim 73, Dilshan Madushanka 2-44)

Sri Lanka 255 all out (Janith Liyanage 67, Kusal Mendis 59, Tanzim Shakib 3-44, Shoriful Islam 3-51, Taskin Ahmed 3-60)

Football

Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025: Quarter-Final Lineup Shapes Up with Thrilling Group Stage Battles

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The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 has reached the most exciting stage yet as teams battle for quarter-final glory.

In Group B, Kalutara Central College has stamped their authority with 2 wins from 2 matches, boasting a flawless defense and an impressive +2 goal difference. The battle for the second spot is wide open between Royal College and Alighar Central College, both on 3 points and looking to secure their place in the knockout rounds. Maris Stella College has unfortunately bowed out after a tough group stage.

Meanwhile, Group C promises drama in the final match between St. Patrick’s College and St. Joseph’s College. A win for Joseph will see them top the group, while Patrick could sneak into the quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory. A draw would favor Joseph’s qualification on goal difference.

The quarter-finals, scheduled for 5th November at City League, will feature the following fixtures:

  • Q1: Zahira College, Colombo 🆚 Vaddakachchi Central College – 8:30 AM
  • Q2: Kalutara Central College 🆚 St. Joseph’s College / St. Patrick’s College – 11:00 AM
  • Q3: Gateway College/ St. Joseph’s College 🆚 Royal / Alighar – 1:30 PM
  • Q4: Hameed Al Husseinie College 🆚 Darussalaam College – 4:00 PM

Fans can expect high-octane football and edge-of-the-seat action as Sri Lanka’s brightest school football talents compete for the prestigious Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster Trophy 2025. Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live coverage, match updates, and exclusive interviews.

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Group C Still Up for Grabs as Four Teams Eye Quarterfinal Spots in Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025!

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The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship Group C stage remains finely poised — with all four schools still in contention to reach the quarterfinals. With Gateway College having completed all their matches, the final fixtures will decide the fate of St. Benedict’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Joseph’s Colleges.

Current Standings:

SchoolMWLDGSGAGDPoints
Gateway College310264+25
St. Benedict’s College210132+14
St. Patrick’s College201134-11
St. Joseph’s College101013-20

Gateway College – Top for Now 🟢

Gateway College leads with 5 points after finishing all their group-stage matches. Their unbeaten record gives them a strong edge, but their qualification still depends on the final two matchdays. They’ll be watching closely as St. Benedict’s and St. Patrick’s fight for crucial wins.

St. Benedict’s College – Advantage in Hand ⚪

With 4 points from 2 games, St. Benedict’s College holds the upper hand. A victory in their next match will guarantee a quarterfinal spot, potentially as Group winners. A draw could still be enough, but a defeat would leave them vulnerable to a late surge from the other two schools.

St. Patrick’s College – Still in the Race 🟡

With 1 point from 2 games, St. Patrick’s still has a chance to qualify — but only if they win the remaining match. They’ll also need to improve their goal difference, currently at -1, to stay competitive in case of a tie on points.

St. Joseph’s College – A Must-Win Situation 🔵

After losing their opening game, St. Joseph’s College faces a do-or-die scenario. With two matches left, the Josephians must win both — and by convincing margins — to stay in contention for a top-two finish. Anything less will end their campaign.

Qualification Scenarios:

  • 🏆 If St. Benedict’s wins next match: Gateway and Benedict’s advance.
  • 🤝 If St. Benedict’s draws next match: Gateway likely through; second spot open between Benedict’s and Patrick’s.
  • If St. Benedict’s loses: St. Patrick’s or St. Joseph’s could qualify by winning their remaining games.

The Group C showdown promises edge-of-the-seat drama as school football’s finest battle for survival in the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025. Every point counts — and one mistake could end a dream run.

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live coverage, photos, and exclusive post-match reactions from the players and coaches.

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CBL Samaposha Continues to Empower Sri Lanka’s Young Footballers for the 14th Consecutive Year

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In a remarkable display of commitment to grassroots sports development, CBL Samaposha continues its proud legacy of empowering the U14 Inter-School National Football Championship for the 14th consecutive year, reaffirming its role as one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent supporters of school-level football.

Organized by the Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA), this year’s championship will take place across 32 regional grounds islandwide, drawing participation from over 12,000 young players representing 510 boys’ teams and 110 girls’ teams.

Provincial champions will advance to the final rounds in Galle, with matches scheduled at the Dadella Football Complex, B.T.S. School Grounds, and Galle Municipal Grounds. The grand final will be played at the Colombo Racecourse Grounds on December 13, where the nation’s most talented young players will compete for top honors.

CBL Foods’ Chief Executive Officer Mr. Manjula Dahanayake emphasized the company’s deep-rooted commitment to nurturing youth potential, saying:

“Our vision is to inspire young Sri Lankans to pursue their dreams through sport, discipline, and teamwork. Supporting this tournament helps build the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.”

SSFA CEO Mr. Iraj Wimalasuriya expressed appreciation for Samaposha’s continued partnership, stating:

“CBL Samaposha has been a true ally in our mission to strengthen school football. Their long-term commitment ensures that children from all parts of the island get an equal opportunity to play, compete, and grow.”

Adding further, Lt. Col. G.G. Anura Apevikrama, Director of Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education, noted that this championship is often the first competitive experience for many budding footballers — a crucial step in building Sri Lanka’s sporting future.

As a proudly homegrown brand under CBL Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Samaposha continues to fuel the nation’s youth — both nutritionally and inspirationally — reinforcing the value of sportsmanship and unity through football.

🏆 About the Championship

  • Organizer: Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA)
  • Sponsor: CBL Samaposha
  • Players: Over 12,000 (Boys & Girls)
  • Venues: 32 regional grounds, finals in Galle & Colombo
  • Finals Date: December 13, 2025
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