News

Zimbabwe stun Sri Lanka for the first time in T20I’s

Published

2 years ago

January 17, 2024

Editor

Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka (2nd T20I)

Zimbabwe scirpted history when they edge Sri Lanka by a thrilling 4 wicket in the second T20I worked off at R.Premadasa stadium, Colombo on Tuesday (16).

The win also registered as the first victory for Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka in T20I’s.

After being put in to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a decent score of 173/6 in their allotted 20 overs thanks to half-centuries from Charith Asalanka and Angelo Mathews. In reply, Zimbabwe chased down the target in 19.5 overs and levelled the three-match series 1-1.

Earlier Sri Lanka’s one of major concern their top order once again failed to deliver as they were reduced to 26-4 in 4.4 overs.

The host commenced there innings in the worst possible way when they lost Pathum Nissanka (1) in the second over of the day.

Nissanka was followed by three more wickets that of Kusal Perera (0), Kusal Mendis (4) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (16) to put Sri Lanka in some sort of trouble.

However when the chips were down, Charith Asalanka along with experience campaigner Angelo Mathews turn things around as the duo engaged in a massive 118-run stand off 79 balls for the fifth wicket.

Charith Asalanka led the charge from the front with a blistering knock of 69 runs until Luke Jongwe gave the breakthrough to send the left hander back to the pavilion.

With the damage already done former skipper Dasun Shanaka arrived at the crease and score quick 9 runs including two boundaries to entertain the crowd.

However the former skipper bit the dust when he skied one straight to Ryan Burl who was at mid off.

Despite two quick wickets Angelo Mathews launched a late surge with back to back boundaries as he went onto score 66 runs off 51 deliveries and guiding his team to a decent score of 173-6 in their allotted 20 overs.

During the chase it was the same scenario for Visitors as well wehere their top order failed to click.

Despite wickets falling at one end Craig Ervine kept Zimbabwe in the hunt, top scoring with 70 runs off 54 balls with six fours and two sixes.

At the half way mark Zimbabwe revived their innings to a certain extent but their saviour Craig Ervine bit the dust when Wanindu Hasaranga delivered to send Ervin back to the pavilion after he was caught near the boundary line.

Visitors reeling at 143-6 after 18 overs required to maintain at-least 15 runs per over to end on the winning side.

They required 30 runs from the last two overs, which turned into 20 off the final over.

Angelo Mathews was given the ball in the last over with Luke Jongwe and Clive Madande but the veteran failed to live to the expectations as Zimbabwe did the unthinkable in style.

It was a day to forget for Angelo Mathews as Jongwe smashed the first ball of the final over for six over long-on — and Mathews had overstepped as well, so the equation came down to 13 off six balls.

Next, Jongwe managed a boundary off the free hit, before smashing a six off the next delivery — making it three runs required off four balls.

Mathews managed a dot ball next. Then, to make matters worse, Jongwe was dropped off the next delivery and the batters completed a single.
Clive Madande was on strike for the penultimate ball, and as Mathews missed the yorker, he swept it for six to finish the match in style.

It also should be mentioned that the host were sloppy in the field, dropping a couple of catches as well.

With the three match series now levelled at 1-1 the decider will be played on Thursday at the same venue.

Brief scores:
Sri Lanka 173/6 in 20 overs (Charith Asalanka 69, Angelo Mathews 66*; Richard Ngarava 1-30, Blessing Muzarabani 2-36, Luke Jongwe 2-32, Wellington Masakadza 1-25)

Zimbabwe 178/6 in 19.5 overs (Craig Ervine 70, Brian Benett 25, Luke Jongwe 25*; Dilshan Madushanka 1-24, Maheesh Theekshana 2-25, Dushmantha Chameera 2-30, Wanidu Hasaranga 1-31)

Football

Quarter Finals Set for Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 – Four Epic Battles Await!

Published

1 week ago

November 4, 2025

Editor

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

Published

2 weeks ago

October 30, 2025

Editor

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!

Published

2 weeks ago

October 27, 2025

Editor

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.