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Sri Lanka Set for Crucial Rugby Playoff Against Malaysia with Asia Rugby Top 4 Spot at Stake

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Sri Lanka’s national rugby team is gearing up for a pivotal playoff match against Malaysia on April 19, with a coveted spot in the Asia Rugby Top 4 Championship hanging in the balance. The high-stakes clash, which was officially previewed at a press conference held at the Colombo Hilton, marks a significant moment in Sri Lanka’s bid to rejoin Asia’s rugby elite.

A win against Malaysia would not only secure Sri Lanka’s place in the Top 4, but also guarantee home fixtures against South Korea and the UAE, while their match against Hong Kong would be played away. This presents a prime opportunity for the Sri Lankan Tuskers to make a strong comeback after several years of restructuring and rebuilding.

The Asia Rugby Top 4 Championship carries even greater importance this year, as the champion will earn direct qualification to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The runner-up will still have a chance to qualify through a final playoff against the second-placed team from the Pacific Islands. With Japan already qualified, there is potential for three Asian nations to be represented at the upcoming World Cup — a historic prospect for the region.

Sri Lanka’s squad, led by Head Coach Sanath Martis, is a mix of emerging young talent and seasoned players. The team has been undergoing intensive preparation, with Dushanth Lewke managing the forwards, Saliya Kumara working with the backs, and Tharaka Algama overseeing fitness as team trainer.

A selection trial is scheduled to take place at Havelock Park, where the final 30-member squad will be determined. Coach Martis acknowledged the impact of injuries but remains optimistic:

“After a long season, some players are carrying injuries, which is typical in a contact sport like rugby. The bright side is that this opens the door for younger players to represent the national team. We also have a packed schedule ahead — two games against New Zealand and three more fixtures once we qualify for the Asia Rugby Top 4,” Martis said.

This critical match is supported by a strong network of sponsors, including Gordone, Power World, Prima Kottu Mee, and Hilton Colombo all of whom are backing Sri Lanka’s journey back to international prominence and a potential World Cup berth.

The Sri Lankan rugby community is rallying behind the Tuskers as they prepare to take on a tough and physical Malaysian side — a match that could be a turning point in the country’s rugby future.

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Vision Care Colombo Championship Set to Serve Off on 19 June

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The 111 Vision Care Colombo Championship 2026, one of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious and long-standing ‘A’ Grade tennis tournaments, will get underway on 19 June at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) Playing Section courts in Colombo.

Held on six iconic clay courts, this year’s championship is expected to attract a record number of entries from across the country. The tournament will also offer its largest-ever prize pool of Rs. 3 million, underlining its growing status on the local tennis calendar.

Organizers say the increased investment reflects a long-term commitment to nurturing local tennis talent and raising the standard of competition. Last year’s event featured a prize purse of Rs. 2.5 million, with the amount steadily increasing over recent years.

Tournament officials expressed their ambition of developing the championship into a future ‘Colombo Open’ capable of attracting leading players from across South Asia. They emphasized that the event is not only about tennis but also about building a strong sporting identity for Sri Lanka.

The championship will feature Men’s and Women’s Singles and Doubles events, as well as Mixed Doubles. Junior competitions will be conducted for boys and girls from Under-12 to Under-18 age categories, while senior events will cater to players in the Over-35, Over-45, Over-55 and Over-65 divisions.

Vision Care continues its longstanding support as title sponsor for the 12th consecutive year. Wilson has come on board as the Official Ball Partner.

The sponsorship handover ceremony was attended by Vision Care Managing Director Janaka Fonseka, SLTA Playing Section President Sriya Munasinghe, Captain Prasantha Dissanayake, and other officials representing both the SLTA and Vision Care.

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Wyatt-Hodge Century Powers England Women to Crushing Win Over Sri Lanka

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England Women produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka Women by 87 runs in their opening game of the ICC T20 Cricket world cup 2026 posting a formidable 219 for 1 from their 20 overs.

Opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge starred with a magnificent unbeaten 105 off 62 balls, striking 13 fours and a six at a blistering strike rate of 169.35. She shared a match-defining 135-run opening partnership with Amy Jones, who contributed a fluent 53 from 38 deliveries. England accelerated further in the closing overs through captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, whose unbeaten 46 from just 22 balls helped the hosts finish with an imposing total.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge inspires perfect start at T20 World Cup to underline  England evolution - Yahoo Sports

Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain England’s aggressive batting, with Malki Madara claiming the only wicket while conceding 51 runs from her four overs.

Chasing 220, Sri Lanka never recovered from an early collapse. Lauren Bell dismissed Vishmi Gunaratne before Charlie Dean removed captain Chamari Athapaththu, leaving the visitors under pressure. Harshitha Samarawickrama offered brief resistance with a quick-fire 29 off 18 balls, while Nilakshika Silva top-scored with 39 from 33 deliveries.

England’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings. Freya Kemp delivered the standout performance, taking 4 wickets for 22 runs, including three wickets in the space of four balls to derail Sri Lanka’s middle order.

Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean chipped in with two wickets each as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 132 on the final ball of the innings.

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Chamudi Praboda to Lead Sri Lanka U19 Women on India Tour

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The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Panel has named a 15-member Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s squad for the upcoming tour of India, where the young cricketers will compete in both T20 and One Day formats.

Chamudi Praboda has been appointed captain of the side, while Sanjana Kavindi will serve as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The tour is expected to provide valuable international exposure and competitive experience for the emerging players.

Sri Lanka will play three T20 matches in Chennai on June 22, 24 and 27, followed by three One Day matches in Pondicherry on June 30 and July 3 and 6.

The series will offer Sri Lanka’s young talents an important opportunity to test their skills against strong opposition and gain experience in challenging Indian conditions as they continue their development at international level.

The squad comprises Chamudi Praboda (Captain), Sanjana Kavindi (WK, Vice-Captain), Nethmi Upeksha, Manudi Nanayakkara, Limansa Thilakarathna, Umayangana Peiris, Danodya Sewmini, Nethagi Isuranjali, Pramudi Methsara, Yesali Jithara, Vimoksha Balasooriya, Sanuki Pathirage, Chamodi Herath, Aseni Thalagune and Daria Dissanayaka.

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