News
Sri Lanka Clinch ODI Series Against West Indies with a Game to Spare
Sri Lanka secured a convincing 2-0 series victory against the West Indies in the second ODI at Pallekele, clinching the three-match series with one game left. Skipper Charith Asalanka led the charge with an unbeaten 62*, guiding Sri Lanka to a five-wicket win in a rain-shortened match, with 44 balls to spare.
Match Overview
- Sri Lanka: 190/5 in 36.4 overs
- West Indies: 189 all out in 36 overs
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets (DLS Method)
The match, initially set for 50 overs per side, was reduced to 44 overs due to rain. West Indies, sent in to bat, struggled early, losing wickets rapidly to be 58 for 8, before a resilient stand between Shefarne Rutherford (80) and Gudakesh Motie (50*) revived their innings.
West Indies Innings
- Shefarne Rutherford: 80 (98 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes)
- Gudakesh Motie: 50* (67 balls, 4 fours)
- Ninth-wicket partnership: 119 runs
- Best Sri Lankan bowler: Dushmantha Chameera – 3/25 in 7 overs
- Notable bowling performances: Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka picked up two wickets each as Sri Lanka dismantled the Windies’ top order. West Indies were bowled out for 189 in 36 overs.
Despite the ninth-wicket partnership, the total was below par, as Sri Lankan bowlers dominated the early stages, exploiting the seam-friendly conditions in Pallekele.
Sri Lanka’s Chase
Sri Lanka’s chase wasn’t smooth, as they lost opener Avishka Fernando early for 12, followed by Kusal Mendis (14) as Alzarri Joseph and Romario Shepherd kept the pressure on.
- Nishan Madushka: 38 (53 balls, 3 fours)
- Sadeera Samarawickrama: 38 (47 balls, 4 fours)
- Third-wicket partnership: 62 runs
- Charith Asalanka: 62* (48 balls, 5 fours, 1 six)
- Janith Liyanage: 24 (28 balls)
After a 62-run stand between Madushka and Samarawickrama, Asalanka steadied the innings and built another key partnership with Janith Liyanage (24) to ensure Sri Lanka crossed the target comfortably.
Asalanka’s form continues to impress as he followed up his 77 in the first ODI with a match-winning knock in the second.
Key Statistics:
- Charith Asalanka’s Series Performance: 139 runs in 2 ODIs, averaging 139.00 with a strike rate of 92.66.
- Sri Lanka Bowling Attack: Chameera has taken 5 wickets in 2 matches, averaging 12.80 with an economy rate of 4.71.
- Shefarne Rutherford’s Impact: The top scorer for the West Indies with 121 runs in 2 innings, averaging 60.50.
- Ninth-Wicket Partnership Record: The 119-run stand between Rutherford and Motie is one of the highest ninth-wicket partnerships for the West Indies in ODIs.
Conclusion
With this win, Sri Lanka sealed the ODI series 2-0, leaving the third and final game as a formality. The team’s dominance, particularly with both ball and bat in the middle overs, highlights their improving performance heading into future challenges. The West Indies, meanwhile, will look to salvage some pride in the final game after back-to-back losses.
Football
Quarter Finals Set for Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 – Four Epic Battles Await!
After weeks of intense group-stage action across the island, the Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 – 1st XI School Football Challenge Trophy now heads into its Quarter Final stage with eight of the country’s top school football teams set to battle for a place in the semi-finals.
The group phase produced thrilling matches, dramatic finishes, and moments of pure school football passion, and now the competition reaches its knockout phase where every goal — and every mistake — will count.
🏆 Quarter Final Line-Up
Quarter Final 1
Zahira College, Colombo 🆚 Vaddakkachchi Central College
📅 5th November | ⏰ 8.30 AM | 📍 City League Grounds
Zahira College, one of the tournament favorites, will look to continue their dominant form against the spirited Vaddakkachchi Central College, who impressed in their provincial campaign to earn a historic spot in the final eight.
Quarter Final 2
Kalutara Muslim Central College 🆚 Gateway College
📅 5th November | ⏰ 11.00 AM | 📍 City League Grounds
Unbeaten so far, Kalutara Muslim Central College will face the technically disciplined Gateway College in a tactical showdown that promises end-to-end action.
Quarter Final 3
St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 🆚 Royal College, Colombo
📅 5th November | ⏰ 1.30 PM | 📍 City League Grounds
A Colombo classic awaits as Royal College step into the quarter finals following a protest decision that eliminated Aligar Central College. St. Joseph’s, Group C leaders, will aim to maintain their strong run in what is expected to be a fierce and emotional derby encounter.
Quarter Final 4
Hameed Al Husseini College 🆚 Darussalaam College
📅 5th November | ⏰ 4.00 PM | 📍 City League Grounds
Two of the most passionate teams in the competition collide in the day’s final fixture. Expect a physical, high-tempo contest as both sides chase their dream of a semi-final berth.
🎥 LIVE COVERAGE
All four matches will be broadcast live on Sri Lankan Sports TV, giving fans across the nation a front-row seat to witness the best of Sri Lankan school football.
The Lifebouy Ball Blaster 2025 continues to deliver on its promise of promoting youth football, sportsmanship, and school pride, powered by Lifebuoy Bodywash — encouraging young athletes to play clean, play strong, and play fair.
Football
Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025: Quarter-Final Lineup Shapes Up with Thrilling Group Stage Battles
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.
Football
Group C Still Up for Grabs as Four Teams Eye Quarterfinal Spots in Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025!
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:
| School | M | W | L | D | GS | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway College | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 5 |
| St. Benedict’s College | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 |
| St. Patrick’s College | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 1 |
| St. Joseph’s College | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
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.
-
Football9 months agoSri Lanka Schools National Championship 2025: Super 8 Fixtures and Grouping
-
Live4 years agoLive Broadcast of Syria vs Sri Lanka | AFC U23 Asian Championship Qualification
-
News10 months ago2025 Schools Rugby Season Set to Thrill Fans with Knockout and League Action
-
Cricket6 months agoNuwan Thushara Shines as RCB Storms into IPL 2025 Final
-
Football10 months agoFFSL Rebrands Division-1 as ‘League-One’ with a Bold New Vision
-
News6 months agoMajor Shake-Up in Sports Governance: New 2025 Regulations Reform National Sports Bodies in Sri Lanka
-
Football6 months agoSri Lanka Announces U19 Football Squad for SAFF Championship 2025
-
Cricket10 months agoSri Lanka’s Greatest Cricketers: Top Batters and Bowlers of All Time

