India produced a dominant performance to defeat hosts Sri Lanka 78-56 and clinch the FIBA U-18 Asia Cup 2026 title at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on Friday.

The Indian youngsters controlled the game from the opening whistle and displayed excellent teamwork, strong defence and accurate shooting to overpower the home side in front of a large crowd. Sri Lanka struggled to cope with India’s fast-paced attack and fell behind early in the contest.

India held a commanding 42-22 advantage at halftime after a superb first-half display. Their aggressive defence forced several Sri Lankan turnovers, while quick counterattacks allowed them to build a comfortable lead before the break.

Sri Lanka showed improved energy in the second half and attempted to reduce the deficit through determined play and better ball movement. However, India maintained composure and continued to dominate both offensively and defensively to keep the hosts at bay.
The Indian side impressed with their discipline and consistency throughout the tournament and deservedly lifted the championship trophy after remaining unbeaten. Sri Lanka, despite the defeat, earned praise for reaching the final and competing strongly against some of the region’s top youth basketball nations.

Sri Lanka Cricket has officially announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in England later this year. The national side, led by experienced all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu, is expected to leave the island on June 3 as preparations enter the final stage ahead of the global tournament.

The squad combines experienced campaigners with several promising young players, reflecting Sri Lanka’s intention to build a competitive unit capable of challenging the world’s top teams. Captain Athapaththu will once again play a key leadership role, supported by senior players such as Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva and Kaveesha Dilhari.

Young talents including Vishmi Gunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana and Malki Madara have also earned selection following impressive domestic and international performances. The selectors have shown confidence in a balanced squad featuring specialist batters, versatile all-rounders and a strong bowling attack.

The selected squad includes Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Shashini Gimhani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara and Mithali Ayodhya.

Sri Lanka will aim to make a strong impact at the tournament after showing steady improvement in women’s cricket over recent years. Cricket fans across the country are expected to closely follow the team’s campaign as they prepare to compete against the best sides in the world on English soil.

Sri Lanka Squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Shashini Gimhani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya.

The much-anticipated Player Draft for the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 is scheduled to take place on June 1 in Colombo, marking a significant milestone ahead of Sri Lanka’s premier domestic T20 tournament.

A total of 421 cricketers including 179 Sri Lankan players and 242 overseas players will be available for selection during the draft process. The local player pool will consist of national representatives, domestic performers, and emerging talents, offering franchises a wide range of options as they finalize their squads for the upcoming season.

The draft will be conducted across several player categories, namely Platinum, Gold, Classic, Emerging, and Associate Stars.

Among the Sri Lankan contingent, 17 players have been listed in the Platinum category, while 34 players fall under Gold, 80 under Classic, and 48 under Emerging.

The overseas player lineup includes 31 Platinum players, 64 Gold players, 99 Classic players, and 48 players in the Associate Stars category.

The official draft proceedings will commence at 1.30 p.m. and are expected to draw the participation of all franchise owners and team management representatives.

Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, will attend the event as the Chief Guest.

Several key cricket administrators and officials are also expected to be present, including Mr. Eran Wickramaratne, Chairman of the Cricket Transformation Committee (CTC), members of the Transformation Committee, Mr. Ashley De Silva, Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka Cricket, and Mr. Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director of the Lanka Premier League.

The LPL has continued to grow in stature since its inception, providing a competitive platform for local talent while attracting international stars to Sri Lanka’s premier T20 competition.