Connect with us

Sports

Ranpul delivers as Sri Lanka Under 19s contain Afghanistan to 134 runs

Published

on

Deciding to field first Sri Lanka Under 19s held Afghanistan batting lineup in a vice like grip as Vinuja Ranpul took five wickets to contain them to 134 runs in the quarter-finals of the ICC Under 19 World Cup at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua on Thursday.

Nalanda College speedster Vinuja Ranpul, who played no part in the first three matches of the World Cup played a crucial role in containing Afghanistan to a low score.

The former Cambrian shared the new ball with Yasiru Rodrigo in the crucial encounter and produced an outstanding first spell to get Sri Lanka in to a commanding position. Bowling eight overs at a stretch Ranpul rattled the top order taking three wickets in his sixth and seventh overs.

Spinner Treveen Mathew coming in as the first change bowler provided the ideal backing as he commenced with three consecutive maidnes. Mathew took one wicket for four runs in his first spell of six overs before completing his ten overs for just 13 runs.

The tight bowling in the first half of the innings proved to be crucial as Afghanistan struggled to get back in to the game. They could score just 59 runs in the first 25 overs and were yet to reach three figures going in the last seven overs.

However from six wickets down for 84 runs they managed to reach their eventual total thanks largely to a seventh wicket stand of 48 runs between Abdul Hadi and Noor Ahmad. The latter was the aggressive of the two as he hit four sixes in a knock of 30 runs (33 balls). His threat of a big score was doused when Ranpul had him as his fourth wicket when he returned for his last two overs.

While Wellalage picked up three wickets in his ten overs, Ranpul completed a remarkable five wicket haul for just ten runs (9.1-3-10-5).

Sri Lanka were yet to use paceman Matheesha Pathirana when Afghanistan were bowled out.

The winners of this match will take on England Under 19s in the semi-finals.

Scores:

Afghanistan

U19s  134 all out in 47.1 overs (Allah Noor 25, Abdul Hadi 37, Noor Ahmad 30  ; Vinuja Ranpul 5/10, Dunith Wellalage 3/36)  (RF)



Sports

Clash of the Sisters set for October 4

Published

on

Past students of eight schools will come together in the inaugural 'Clash of the Sisters.'

The St. Lawrence’s Convent Past Pupils Association will bring together former students from several leading schools for a day of cricket and camaraderie when the ‘Clash of the Sisters ’26’ takes place at the Wesley College Grounds, Campbell Park, on Sunday, October 4.

The tournament will feature a series of fast-paced 10-over softball cricket matches, with past pupils renewing old friendships while representing their respective schools in a spirit of friendly rivalry.

The women’s competition will feature teams representing St. Lawrence’s Convent, St. Bridget’s Convent, Holy Family Convent, St. Anne’s BMV Wattala, Ave Maria Convent Negombo, Ladies’ College, Musaeus College and Methodist College.

A men’s invitational exhibition match will also be staged, with the Old Wesleyites Sports Club taking on the S. Thomas’ College OBA.

Organisers are also planning a carnival atmosphere away from the cricket, with food stalls, games, entertainment and other activities lined up for alumni, families and visitors.

The event is being organised by the St. Lawrence’s Convent Past Pupils Association 2026/27 with the aim of bringing together different alumni communities and strengthening ties between past pupils through sport.

With eight schools involved in the women’s competition and an exhibition fixture adding further interest, organisers expect the event to provide a lively mix of cricket, fellowship and school spirit.

Continue Reading

Sports

Play cricket with passion, Madugalle tells youngsters

Published

on

Ranjan Madugalle delivering the key note address

by Rex Clementine

Former Sri Lanka captain Ranjan Madugalle urged the next generation of cricketers to wear the national colours with passion and pride, reminding youngsters that there is no greater honour in the game than representing their country.

The ICC’s Chief Match Referee was speaking at a ceremony at the P. Sara Oval where Tamil Union’s players and coaching staff were felicitated following their triumph in the domestic T-20 competition a fortnight ago.

“I hear that four players from this team will be travelling to Japan tomorrow to represent Sri Lanka at the Asian Games. That’s a very good achievement for any club and I urge you to play with passion and be committed. There is no bigger honour than representing your country,” Madugalle said.

Madugalle, who charmed cricket lovers with his elegant stroke play during his playing days, held the gathering spellbound with an eloquent address that also took him on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

“I have many fond memories of P. Sara Oval. I walked into this ground as an 11-year-old to watch the Royal-Thomian. I played our inaugural Test here, but above all, my most memorable moment at this ground was when we won our maiden Test against India in 1985.”

The P. Sara Oval occupies a special place in Sri Lankan cricket history. It hosted the country’s inaugural Test against England in 1982 and, three years later, the island’s maiden Test victory when Sri Lanka stunned India.

Madugalle also paid tribute to several Tamil Union stalwarts who had played an influential role in his cricketing journey.

“This club has several stalwarts of the game and there are three people I looked up to. One was Sathi Coomaraswamy, who invited me into the dressing room when I was a kid and ignited the passion in me for the game. Then, of course, there are other gentlemen like Chandra Schaffter and T. Murugaser, who were managers when I was representing the Sri Lankan team.”

Madugalle, a former Head Prefect of Royal College, received a prolonged ovation at the conclusion of his address. Also present was another former Royal Head Prefect, Eran Wickramaratne, who represented Tamil Union in First Class cricket and currently heads Sri Lanka Cricket.

Tamil Union’s championship winning players and coaching staff were felicitated during the ceremony, while club patron Chandra Schaffter made a personal donation of Rs. 1.5 million to the players.

SLC officials, Tamil Union members and several former presidents of the club, including S. Skandakumar, Dinal Philips, A.R. Rasiah, Selva Perumal, Kandos Kandasamy and N. Vasanthakumar, were among those present.

Tamil Union enjoyed a remarkable run in this season’s T-20 competition, winning nine matches on the trot before overcoming SSC in the final. The side was captained by wicketkeeper batter Minod Bhanuka.

The club had further reason to celebrate with four of its playersl Tharindu Rathnayake, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Binura Fernando and Sineth Jayawardene selected to represent Sri Lanka at the Asian Games in Japan.

Continue Reading

Sports

Mosvold Martinus Foundation Challenge Trophy on October 4

Published

on

Connaissance de Ceylan will be looking to defend their title

Mosvold Sri Lanka, whose portfolio includes Mosvold Villa Ahangama and Sundara by Mosvold Balapitiya, will stage the second edition of the Mosvold Sixes in partnership with the Mosvold Martinus Foundation on Sunday, 4th October 2026, at the Colombo Malay Cricket Club.

The six a side softball cricket tournament brings together twenty destination management companies from across the travel trade for a day of competition, networking and celebration ahead of the industry’s busiest months.

Play runs from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, with food and beer available throughout the day. Once the final match is done, the tournament moves into an evening of live music and an after party for players and guests.

Now in its second year, the Mosvold Sixes began as a way to bring the travel trade together as a season opener, a chance for agents, suppliers and partners to network, play cricket and unwind before the season ahead gets busy. Mosvold Sri Lanka says the longer term goal is to widen the tournament to foreign agents, giving international partners a firsthand look at how the local trade works, plays and welcomes visitors.

The tournament trophy, the Mosvold Martinus Foundation Challenge Trophy, is named after the Foundation by design. Giving back sits at the centre of the event, and the Foundation’s work spans education, women and community upliftment.

Twenty DMCs have confirmed for this year’s tournament: Tangerine Tours, Sri Lanka Tailormade, Olanka Travels, Antiquity Sri Lanka, Travel Trends Leisure, House of Travels & Tourism, NKAR Travels & Tours, Jetwing Travels, Walkers Tours, Connaissance de Ceylan, Delux Holidays, Ceylon Roots, Spiceland Holidays, Infinity Vacations, Tropiculture, Serene Travels, Authenticities, Red Apple Travel & Holidays Lanka, DTH Travel Lanka and Ceylon Tours.

Connaissance de Ceylan enters as the defending champions, having won the inaugural tournament last year.

Continue Reading

Trending