News
Sri Lanka Announces 60-Player Squad for Crucial Rugby Playoff Against Malaysia
Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) has unveiled a 60-player national squad for their high-stakes Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) Top 4 playoff against Malaysia, set for April 19 under floodlights at Racecourse Ground, Colombo. The winner will join Hong Kong, South Korea, and the UAE in the ARC Top 4, making this a must-win encounter for Sri Lanka.
Squad Selection & Training Plans
The selected players will undergo medical examinations on April 9 at SLR headquarters, with any existing injuries needing to be disclosed. After medical assessments, the squad will enter an intensive training camp in Colombo, taking a short break from April 13-15 for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
Sri Lanka’s final 30-player squad will be announced after medical evaluations to ensure a fully fit and competitive team. While Sri Lanka is just beginning preparations, Malaysia has already kicked off their training camp, potentially giving them an edge. However, playing on home turf under the Colombo lights gives Sri Lanka a strong advantage.
Squad Breakdown
The majority of the squad comes from Kandy SC, Havelock SC, and CR & FC, with Tarinda Ratwatte expected to lead the side under the guidance of head coach Sanath Martis.
Kandy SC Players:
Milan Weerasinghe, Malitha Wijesundara, Dilshad Fareed, Thilina Bandara, Tharindu Chathuranga, Dahan Wickramarchchi, Heshan Janson, Tharinda Ratwatte, Shahid Sumri, Kavindu Perera, Dinal Ekanayake, Dhanushka Ranjan.
CR & FC Players:
Senura Perera, Wenura Kodagoda, Naveen Marasinghe, Sohiru Anthony, Adeesha Weerathunga, Lasindu Karunathilaka, Omalka Gunarathna, Ravin De Silva, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Gamunu Chethiya, Zubair Dore.
Havelock SC Players:
Faiz Abdulla, Janindu Fernando, Shehan Silva, Azmir Fajudeen, Chathura Dilshan, Mohamed Rifan, Samuel Maduwantha, Sudesh Jayawickrama, Mushin Falil, Jayathu Rajarathna.
Other clubs contributing players include CH & FC, Police SC, Sri Lions SC, Army SC, Air Force SC, and Navy SC.
Aiming for ARC Top 4 Spot
With the opportunity to return to the top tier of Asian rugby, Sri Lanka will look to leverage home advantage and the experience of key players. However, long-term development remains a concern, as Sri Lanka Rugby still lacks a structured youth league and grassroots development system to nurture future talent.
Match Date: April 19, 2025
Venue: Racecourse Ground, Colombo
What’s at Stake? Winner qualifies for Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) Top 4
Cricket
Team Green Clinch Women’s NSL T20 Title with Commanding Final Victory
Team Green were crowned champions of the Women’s National Super League T20 tournament after producing a dominant six-wicket victory over Team Blue in the final played at the P. Sara Oval on Saturday.
The championship triumph was built on a disciplined and clinical bowling performance, as Team Green dismissed Team Blue for a modest total of 95 in 18.1 overs. Oshadi Ranasinghe led the attack with an outstanding four-wicket haul, applying sustained pressure through the middle overs and preventing any meaningful recovery. She received strong support from Malsha Shehani, Kawya Kavindi, Nimasha Madushani, and Udeshika Prabodani, as Team Blue struggled to establish partnerships.
Team Blue found resistance through Chamari Athapaththu, who played a determined innings of 51 from 41 deliveries. Her knock helped stabilise the innings after early setbacks, but regular wickets at the other end stalled momentum. Once Athapaththu was dismissed, the remainder of the batting lineup was unable to provide support, leading to a rapid collapse.
In response, Team Green approached the chase with calm assurance. Despite losing a few early wickets, they remained firmly in control throughout the pursuit of the modest target. Nilakshika Silva anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 36, rotating the strike effectively and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Oshadi Ranasinghe completed a memorable all-round performance by contributing an unbeaten 16, ensuring there were no late complications.
Team Green reached the target at 98 for 4 in 18.1 overs, sealing the title with 11 balls to spare. Team Blue’s bowlers attempted to apply pressure, but the total proved insufficient to trouble a well-organised batting unit.
The victory capped a successful campaign for Team Green, underlining their consistency and balance throughout the tournament, while Oshadi Ranasinghe’s all-round brilliance stood out on the biggest stage.
Brief Scores
Team Blue – 95 all out in 18.1 overs
Chamari Athapaththu 51; Oshadi Ranasinghe 4/17, Udeshika Prabodani 1/17
Team Green – 98/4 in 18.1 overs
Nilakshika Silva 36*, Oshadi Ranasinghe 16*; Devmi Vihanga 1/22
Cricket
Milan, Dunith Likely to Return for ODIs as Sri Lanka Prepare for England Series
England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026
All-rounders Milan Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage are set to make their return to Sri Lanka’s One-Day International squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, which is scheduled to begin in the coming days.
Sri Lanka selectors have opted for a well-balanced squad that blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent as the hosts prepare for a demanding home series against a strong England side.
Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the ODI team as captain, with his role in the middle order expected to be pivotal. Asalanka’s ability to absorb pressure and accelerate when required will be key against England’s varied bowling attack.
At the top of the order, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara are expected to open the batting. Nissanka’s consistency and sound technique remain central to Sri Lanka’s ODI plans, while Mishara will be eager to convert starts into meaningful contributions. Their partnership will be crucial in providing solid foundations.
Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis adds experience and aggression to the middle order, offering Sri Lanka flexibility in both tempo and shot selection. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage further strengthen the batting unit, with both players capable of anchoring the innings or playing decisive roles when momentum is needed.
The squad features strong all-round depth, with Kamindu Mendis offering versatility with both bat and ball. The return of Wanindu Hasaranga significantly enhances Sri Lanka’s all-round options, with his leg-spin expected to play a decisive role on home pitches. Dunith Wellalage’s inclusion adds another spin-bowling all-rounder capable of controlling the middle overs.
Milan Rathnayake’s likely return boosts the seam-bowling all-round resources, while the pace attack will be led by Asitha Fernando, supported by Eshan Malinga and Pramod Madushan. The spin department is further reinforced by Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay, both expected to be influential under Sri Lankan conditions.
The first ODI of the series is scheduled to be played on Thursday (22) at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Probable Sri Lanka ODI Squad vs England
Charith Asalanka (Captain), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay.
News
Peiris, Norbert, Usgodaarachchi and De Silva Lead Women’s Charge at Yeti SSC Open
The Women’s Singles quarterfinals at the Yeti SSC Open Tennis Championship delivered a high standard of competition, with Yuhansa Peiris, Annaya Norbert, Sandithi Usgodaarachchi, and Dinara De Silva producing impressive performances to book their places in the semifinals.
Yuhansa Peiris produced one of the most commanding displays of the tournament, overwhelming Dulkini Ranasinghe in straight sets, 6/0, 6/0. Peiris controlled the match from the outset, combining solid baseline dominance with precise shot placement and relentless pressure that gave her opponent little opportunity to find rhythm.
Dinara De Silva was equally dominant in her quarterfinal encounter, cruising past Aroshi Thomas 6/1, 6/0. De Silva’s confident shot selection, consistent aggression, and sharp court movement allowed her to dictate play throughout the match, underlining her strong form in the championship.
One of the most competitive matches of the women’s quarterfinals saw Annaya Norbert edge past Biyanka Acquistapace in a tightly contested contest. Norbert held her nerve in crucial moments to secure a 6/4, 7/6 victory, clinching the match in a tense second-set tiebreak after sustained pressure from both players.
Sandithi Usgodaarachchi showcased impressive resilience and mental strength in her quarterfinal clash against Vinethya Dharmarathne. After dropping the opening set 2/6, Usgodaarachchi regrouped and raised her intensity, dominating the next two sets 6/3, 6/1 to complete a hard-fought comeback and advance to the semifinals.
The Men’s Singles quarterfinals were equally compelling, with several strong performances shaping an exciting semifinal lineup. Ganuka Fernando advanced with a composed 6/3, 6/4 victory over Ashen Silva, using disciplined baseline play and timely winners to maintain control during key phases of the match.
Thehan Wijemanne delivered one of the most dominant performances in the men’s draw, dismantling Neven Kannangara 6/1, 6/2. Wijemanne’s aggressive approach and constant pressure from the opening game left little room for his opponent to recover.
Harishva Parameshwaran demonstrated experience and tactical awareness in a solid 6/2, 6/4 win against Rehan Gunawardhana, maintaining steady momentum and dictating play with well-constructed points. Rounding off the quarterfinal stage, Methvan Vijemanne advanced in emphatic fashion, defeating Aahil Kallel 6/1, 6/1 with excellent court coverage and sharp finishing.
With the semifinals now set, the Yeti SSC Open Tennis Championship continues to highlight the growing depth, competitiveness, and quality of Sri Lanka’s tennis talent across both the women’s and men’s categories.
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