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SLC National Super League 50 over

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Priyanjan, Pavan shine in Dambulla’s win over Colombo

Ashan Priyanjan (6-20) followed by Pavan Rathnayaka’s half-ton, helped Team Dambulla outplay team Colombo by 6 wickets and continue their brilliant form in the ongoing SLC National Super League 50 over tournament at SSC on Sunday.

Put into bat first, Colombo was bundled out for 140 runs and in reply, Dambulla reached the target in just 27.3 overs.

Colombo didn’t have the best of the starts as they were reduced to 3-46 inside 11 overs with Sithara Gimhana (7), Krishan Sanjula (18) and Nipun Dhananjaya (4) all departing cheaply.

To make things worse, they lost two more quick wickets, that of Heshan Fernando (19) and Sachitha Jayathilake (4), to pin them down further.

With the scoreboard reading 5-72, Dushan Vimukthi joined Ashen Bandara in the middle and slowly revived their innings building 32 run partnership for the 6th wicket, but the partnership was short-lived when Vimkuthi (14) was caught at mid-on off Sonal Dinusha’s bowling.

With half of the side back in the pavilion, Ashen Bandara played a lone cameo of 36 runs off 40 deliveries including a boundary and a six before he was run out courtesy of a brilliant fielding effort from Lakshan Sandakan.

At one stage it looked like Dambulla wouldn’t go past the 120-run mark, but a late surge by Kalana Perera (24) saw them add some valuable runs from down the order before they were bowled out for 140 runs.

Ashan Priyanjan was the architect of Colombo’s collapse and ended with figures of 6-20, while Lahiru Samarakoon and Sonal Dinusha picked up a wicket each.

In reply, it was a walk in the park for team Dambulla as they took just 27.3 overs to achieve the target.

Pavan Rathnayaka top scored with a brilliant 53 ball 51 runs including 7 boundaries and a six, while Lasith Abeyrathna (30) and Sonal Dinusha (29*) also contributed with useful knocks.

Brief scores:

Colombo: 144 all out (38) (Ashen Bandara 36, Kalana Perera 24*, Ashan Priyanjan 6-20)

Dambulla: 146-4 (27.3) (Pavan Rathnayaka 51, Lasith Abeyrathna 30, Sonal Dinusha 29*, Dushan Vimukthi 1-30, Nuwan Pradeep 1-51, Danushka Sandaruwan 1-27)

SLC ජාතික සුපර් ලීග් පන්දුවාර 50

කොළඹට එරෙහිව දඹුල්ල ජයග්‍රහණයෙන් ප්‍රියංජන්, පවන් බැබළේ

අශාන් ප්‍රියංජන් (6-20) පසුව පවන් රත්නායකගේ අර්ධ ශතකය, දඹුල්ල කණ්ඩායම කොළඹ කණ්ඩායම කඩුලු 6කින් පරාජය කරමින් ඉරිදා SSC හි පැවැත්වෙන SLC ජාතික සුපර් ලීග් ඕවර 50 තරඟාවලියේදී ඔවුන්ගේ විශිෂ්ට දස්කම් දිගටම කරගෙන යාමට උපකාරී විය.

පළමුවෙන් පන්දුවට පහරදුන් කොළඹ කණ්ඩායම ලකුණු 140කට දැවී ගිය අතර පිළිතුරු ලෙස දඹුල්ල කණ්ඩායම පන්දුවාර 27.3කදී එම ඉලක්කය පසුකර ගියේය.

සිතාර ගිම්හාන (7), ක්‍රිෂාන් සංජුල (18) සහ නිපුන් ධනංජය (4) අඩු මුදලකට දැවී යාමත් සමඟ ඕවර 11 ක් ඇතුළත ලකුණු 3-46 කට සීමා වූ බැවින් කොළඹට හොඳම ආරම්භය නොතිබුණි.

තත්වය තවත් නරක අතට හැරීම සඳහා ඔවුන්ට තවත් වේගවත් කඩුලු දෙකක් අහිමි විය. හේෂාන් ප්‍රනාන්දු (19) සහ සචිත ජයතිලක (4) එම කඩුලු තවදුරටත් බිඳ හෙළීමට සමත් විය.

ලකුණු පුවරුව 5-72ක් ලෙස සටහන් වෙද්දී දුෂාන් විමුක්ති අශේන් බණ්ඩාර සමඟ එක්ව 6 වැනි කඩුල්ලට ලකුණු 32ක සබඳතාවයක් ගොඩනැංවූ අතර ඔවුන්ගේ ඉනිම සෙමෙන් පණ ගැන්වූ නමුත් විම්කුති (14) සොනාල්ගේ පන්දුවකට මිඩ්-ඕන්හිදී දැවී යාමත් සමඟ එම සබඳතාව කෙටිකාලීන විය. දිනූෂගේ පන්දු යැවීම.

කණ්ඩායමේ අඩක් මණ්ඩපයට පැමිණ සිටියදී අශේන් බණ්ඩාර පන්දු 40 කදී හතරේ පහරක් සහ හයේ පහරක් ඇතුළුව ලකුණු 36 ක් රැස්කරමින් හුදකලා ක්‍රීඩා කරමින් ලක්ෂාන් සඳකැන්ගේ විශිෂ්ට පන්දු රැකීමේ උත්සාහයකින් දැවී ගියේය.

එක් අවස්ථාවක දී දඹුල්ල ලකුණු 120 සීමාව පසු නොකරනු ඇතැයි පෙනුනද, කලණ පෙරේරාගේ (24) ප්‍රමාද වූ පිබිදීමක් නිසා ඔවුන් ලකුණු 140කට දැවී යාමට පෙර අනුපිළිවෙලින් අගනා ලකුණු කිහිපයක් එකතු කරන ලදී.

කොළඹ කඩාවැටීමේ නිර්මාතෘ අශාන් ප්‍රියංජන් ලකුණු 6-20ක් ලෙසින් අවසන් වූ අතර ලහිරු සමරකෝන් සහ සොනාල් දිනූෂ කඩුල්ල බැගින් දවා ගත්හ.

පිළිතුරු ඉනිම ක්‍රීඩා කළ දඹුල්ල කණ්ඩායමට එම ඉලක්කය සපුරා ගැනීමට ගතවූයේ පන්දුවාර 27.3ක් පමණි.

පවන් රත්නායක පන්දු 53කින් හතරේ පහර 7ක් සහ හයේ පහරක් සමගින් ලකුණු 51ක් ලබා ගත් අතර ලසිත් අබේරත්න (30) සහ සොනාල් දිනූෂ (29*) ද ප්‍රයෝජනවත් දස්කම් දැක්වීමෙන් දායක වූහ.

කෙටි ලකුණු:

කොළඹ: සියලුම දෙනා දැවී 144 (38) (අශේන් බණ්ඩාර 36, කළණ පෙරේරා 24*, අශාන් ප්‍රියංජන් 6-20)

දඹුල්ල: 146-4 (27.3) (පවන් රත්නායක 51, ලසිත් අබේරත්න 30, සොනාල් දිනූෂ 29*, දුෂාන් විමුක්ති 1-30, නුවන් ප්‍රදීප් 1-51, ධනුෂ්ක සඳරුවන් 1-27)

SLC தேசிய சூப்பர் லீக் 50 ஓவர்

கொழும்பிற்கு எதிரான தம்புள்ளை வெற்றியில் பிரியஞ்சன், பவன் ஜொலித்தனர்

ஞாயிற்றுக்கிழமை SSC இல் நடைபெற்று வரும் SLC தேசிய சுப்பர் லீக் 50 ஓவர் போட்டியில், அஷான் பிரியஞ்சன் (6-20), பவன் ரத்நாயக்கவின் அரை சதம், தம்புள்ளா அணி கொழும்பு அணியை 6 விக்கெட் வித்தியாசத்தில் வீழ்த்தி, அவர்களின் சிறப்பான ஆட்டத்தை தொடர உதவியது.

முதலில் துடுப்பெடுத்தாடிய கொழும்பு அணி 140 ஓட்டங்களுக்குச் சுருண்டது, பதிலுக்கு துடுப்பெடுத்தாடிய தம்புள்ளை அணி 27.3 ஓவர்களில் வெற்றி இலக்கை எட்டியது.

சிதார கிம்ஹானா (7), கிரிஷன் சஞ்சுலா (18), நிபுன் தனஞ்சய (4) ஆகியோர் மலிவாக வெளியேறியதால், 11 ஓவர்களுக்குள் 3-46 ரன்களுக்குக் குறைக்கப்பட்டதால் கொழும்பு சிறந்த தொடக்கத்தைக் கொண்டிருக்கவில்லை.

நிலைமையை மோசமாக்குவதற்கு, அவர்கள் மேலும் இரண்டு விரைவான விக்கெட்டுகளை இழந்தனர், ஹெஷான் பெர்னாண்டோ (19) மற்றும் சச்சித ஜயதிலக (4), அவர்களை மேலும் பின்தள்ளினார்.

ஸ்கோர்போர்டு 5-72 ஆக இருந்த நிலையில், துஷான் விமுக்தி, அஷேன் பண்டாரவுடன் இணைந்து 6வது விக்கெட்டுக்கு 32 ரன் பார்ட்னர்ஷிப்பை உருவாக்கி, அவர்களின் இன்னிங்ஸை மெதுவாக மீட்டெடுத்தார், ஆனால் விம்குதி (14) சோனாலின் பந்தில் மிட்-ஆனில் கேட்ச் ஆனபோது அந்த பார்ட்னர்ஷிப் சிறிது காலம் நீடித்தது. தினுஷாவின் பந்துவீச்சு.

40 பந்துகளில் ஒரு பவுண்டரி மற்றும் ஒரு சிக்ஸர் உள்ளடங்கலாக 36 ரன்கள் எடுத்திருந்த நிலையில், அஷேன் பண்டார, லக்ஷான் சந்தகனின் சிறப்பான பீல்டிங் முயற்சியால் ரன் அவுட் ஆவதற்கு முன், அஷேன் பண்டார தனி ஒருவராக விளையாடினார்.

ஒரு கட்டத்தில் தம்புள்ளை 120 ரன்களுக்கு மேல் செல்லாது என்று தோன்றியது, ஆனால் கலனா பெரேரா (24) 140 ரன்களுக்கு ஆட்டமிழக்க முன் அவர்கள் வரிசையில் இருந்து சில மதிப்புமிக்க ரன்களைச் சேர்த்ததைக் கண்டது.

அஷான் பிரியஞ்சன் கொழும்பின் சரிவை உருவாக்கி 6-20 என்ற புள்ளிகளுடன் முடிவடைந்தது, லஹிரு சமரகோன் மற்றும் சோனால் தினுஷா ஆகியோர் தலா ஒரு விக்கெட்டை கைப்பற்றினர்.

பதிலுக்கு துடுப்பெடுத்தாடிய தம்புல்லா அணி இலக்கை அடைய வெறும் 27.3 ஓவர்கள் மட்டுமே எடுத்துக்கொண்டது.

பவன் ரத்நாயக்க சிறந்த 53 பந்துகளில் 7 பவுண்டரிகள் மற்றும் ஒரு சிக்ஸர் உள்ளடங்கலாக 51 ஓட்டங்களைப் பெற்றதோடு, லசித் அபேரத்ன (30) மற்றும் சோனல் தினுஷா (29*) ஆகியோரும் பயனுள்ள ஆட்டங்களை வெளிப்படுத்தினர்.

சுருக்கமான மதிப்பெண்கள்:

கொழும்பு: 144 ஆல் அவுட் (38) (அஷேன் பண்டார 36, கலன பெரேரா 24*, அஷான் பிரியஞ்சன் 6-20)

தம்புள்ளை: 146-4 (27.3) (பவன் ரத்நாயக்க 51, லசித் அபேரத்ன 30, சோனல் தினுஷா 29*, துஷான் விமுக்தி 1-30, நுவன் பிரதீப் 1-51, தனுஷ்க சண்டருவன் 1-27)

Football

Sri Lanka Women Finish Qualifiers with 0 Goals, 20 Conceded – Who Will Take Responsibility?

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Colombo, July 3 – Sri Lanka Women’s National Football Team wrapped up their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign with a third straight defeat — a 2-0 loss to Laos — confirming their position at the bottom of Group F, with 0 wins, 0 goals scored, and 18 conceded in just three games.

But beyond the scorelines lies a far more serious issue: a complete collapse of women’s football development in Sri Lanka. And this time, the blame does not lie on one individual — but on a system that has failed the sport, from top to bottom.

Match-by-Match Recap

Match 1: Sri Lanka 0 – 10 Uzbekistan

  • Possession: 30%
  • Shots on Target: 0
  • xG: 0.0 vs Uzbekistan’s 3.60
  • A game that exposed a lack of preparation, structure, and fitness from the very start.

Match 2: Sri Lanka 0 – 8 Nepal

  • Possession: 50%
  • Defensive errors gifted goals, including a hat-trick by Sabitra Bhandari.
  • xG: Nepal 3.76 vs Sri Lanka 0.60
  • Tactical breakdown: Midfield collapsed under pressure, backline failed to close space.

Match 3: Sri Lanka 0 – 2 Laos

  • Possession: 50%
  • Shots on Target: 5
  • xG: 2.56 (Laos) vs 1.08 (Sri Lanka)
  • A more balanced performance, but defensive lapses in the 73rd and 90+2 minutes led to defeat. Sri Lanka couldn’t convert chances despite their best game statistically.

Final Group Standings – Group F

TeamMPGFGAGDPoints
🇳🇵 Nepal2170+176
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan2170+176
🇱🇦 Laos2216-140
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka3020-200

Tactical Issues Across All Matches

  • No clear formation or transition play.
  • Lack of defensive coordination — players failed to track runners, especially on the flanks.
  • No attacking identity — only 1.08 xG across three games.
  • In-game management absent — few substitutions or tactical shifts despite being outplayed.

While public criticism often targets the President of the Football Federation, this decline in women’s football runs deeper:

Who Is Accountable? Not Just the President

Women’s Football Committee:

  • Failed to organize any domestic tournament in recent years.
  • Selected the squad via open trials, with no league performance data to back selections.
  • No consistent training camps or fitness programs.

Executive Committee:

  • Remains silent on the recurring failures.
  • No inquiries, reviews, or structural reforms have followed Sri Lanka’s repeated humiliations — including the U20 Women’s SAFF defeat earlier this year.

Technical & Development Staff:

  • No tactical framework or youth development.
  • No modern coaching methods or international exposure for players.

The Bigger Problem: Silence and Stagnation

Sri Lanka is not just losing matches — it’s losing direction. The current state of women’s football is not the result of one bad campaign. It’s the product of years of neglect, political appointments, and a failure to treat women’s football with equal priority.

Even now, there is no explanation from the Executive Committee on how the women’s team was prepared or what plans exist for recovery.

Time for a Reset, Not Excuses

If Sri Lanka is serious about competing in international football, the following must be addressed:

  • ✅ A national women’s league
  • ✅ Provincial and school-level competitions
  • ✅ Professional coaching staff and structured fitness programs
  • ✅ Regular international friendlies and camps
  • ✅ Transparent selection processes based on performance, not politics

🔚 Conclusion

Sri Lanka’s 2026 AFC campaign should not just be remembered for the scorelines — but as a call for change. It is time for every stakeholder — from the Women’s Committee to the Executive — to reflect, respond, and rebuild.

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Sri Lanka Set to Face UAE in Crucial Rugby Clash Tomorrow in Colombo

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The Sri Lanka national rugby team will lock horns with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a much-anticipated international rugby encounter set to take place today (July 4) at the iconic Racecourse Ground, Colombo.

As part of their final preparations, the Sri Lankan team held an intensive training session today under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff. The team looked sharp, focused, and ready to bring their A-game to home soil.

This clash promises to be a key test for the Tuskers as they look to strengthen their footing in the regional rugby scene and gain momentum ahead of upcoming international competitions. UAE, a rising force in Asian rugby, will also be eyeing a big performance away from home.

Both teams are expected to field strong lineups, and the match is anticipated to draw significant interest from local fans eager to witness top-tier rugby action.

📍 Match Info
🗓️ Date: July 4, 2025
📍 Venue: Racecourse Rugby Grounds, Colombo
🕒 Kick-off: TBA

Stay tuned for live updates, photos, and post-match coverage on Sri Lankan Sports TV.

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Football

Sri Lanka Women Crushed 8-0 by Nepal in AFC Qualifiers – Tactical Collapse Raises Alarm

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Colombo, July 2 – Sri Lanka Women’s National Football Team suffered another brutal defeat in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, going down 8-0 to a confident and clinical Nepalese side. Coming just days after a 10-0 hammering by Uzbekistan, this latest loss highlights deeper tactical, technical, and structural issues within Sri Lanka’s women’s football system.

Full-Time Score: Sri Lanka 0 – 8 Nepal

Half-Time: 0 – 4
Venue: Group F – AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Key Match Statistics

StatSri Lanka WomenNepal Women
Possession50%50%
Total Shots426
Shots on Target318
Shots off Target18
Expected Goals (xG)0.603.76
Corners014
Fouls46
Cards00
Offsides03

Tactical Breakdown – Why Sri Lanka Lost 8-0

Despite the possession being even at 50%, Sri Lanka was thoroughly outplayed. This is a classic case where possession stats mislead the reality on the pitch.

1. Poor Defensive Organization

  • Sri Lanka conceded 14 corners and 18 shots on target, indicating that Nepal constantly penetrated both flanks and delivered into the box unchallenged.
  • There was no compact defensive line, and Nepal exploited space behind Sri Lanka’s fullbacks repeatedly.

2. Ineffective Midfield Structure

  • While Sri Lanka held possession equally, it was largely passive and in non-threatening zones.
  • Nepal, on the other hand, converted their possession into 3.76 xG, showing how effective and vertical their transitions were.

3. Repeated Failures in Closing Down Key Players

  • Sabitra Bhandari scored a hat-trick within 26 minutes (14’, 36’, 40’) and was left unmarked multiple times.
  • Nepal’s attackers were given space and time to shoot – evident from the 18 shots on target.

4. No Offensive Threat

  • Sri Lanka managed only 4 shots in the entire game, with an xG of just 0.60.
  • With no corners and no real pressing, the team offered nothing going forward, allowing Nepal to push numbers up comfortably.

Back-to-Back Heavy Losses: Structural Failures Exposed

This defeat comes after a 10-0 loss to Uzbekistan, meaning Sri Lanka has now conceded 18 goals in two matches without scoring once.

This isn’t just a reflection of players’ on-field performance — it’s a glaring indictment of:

  • FFSL’s failure to conduct any women’s football league in years
  • A rushed team selection based on a short trial, without competitive match practice
  • No structured coaching program or international exposure
  • Lack of scouting, fitness programs, and tactical planning

Nepal, though not an Asian powerhouse, had better coaching structure, player chemistry, and clear tactics, which led to their dominance.

What’s Next for Sri Lanka?

If the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) and the Ministry of Sports continue to ignore these warning signs, Sri Lanka risks becoming irrelevant in women’s football on the Asian stage.

What’s needed:

  • ✅ A proper national women’s league
  • ✅ Regular youth-level competitions and scouting
  • ✅ Appointing qualified coaching staff with modern tactical knowledge
  • ✅ Consistent international exposure for players

Conclusion

An 8-0 defeat to Nepal isn’t just a bad result — it’s a mirror held up to a broken system. Unless real change is implemented beyond symbolic participation, these results will become Sri Lanka’s norm in women’s football.

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