Colombo South champions for second consecutive year

Tuesday, 23 December 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Colombo South became U15 SL Youth League Champions

Colombo South Under-15 cricketers continued their dominance in junior cricket by clinching the Sri Lanka Youth League title for a record second consecutive year, defeating the Central Hills team in the final played at the Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA) Ground recently.

Sponsored by Ceylon Agro Industries (Prima Group Sri Lanka) for a record 18th year, the tournament once again highlighted Colombo South’s consistency, depth, and ability to perform under pressure at the highest youth level.

Asked to take first lease of the wicket, Colombo South posted a competitive total of 197 in their allotted 50 overs, despite early setbacks. Their top order struggled initially, slipping to 39-3 within the first 14 overs. However, the hallmark of their success over the past two seasons has been the fight back and never give up qualities of the youngsters, which was evident as the middle order rebuilt the innings with maturity and discipline.

Miyura Bandara led the recovery with a composed 41, while Chenuka Methsara (37) and Ranuda Ranasinghe (33) provided valuable support. Sanga Dulmika added crucial lower-order runs with 24, ensuring Colombo South reached a defendable total. For Central Hills, Thinula Rajapakse claimed three wickets and Sathira Denuwan picked up two, but the collective batting effort proved decisive.

Defending the total, Colombo South’s bowlers delivered a disciplined and relentless performance. The Central Hills side struggled from the outset, losing wickets at regular intervals to slump to 45-7. The pressure applied by Colombo South reflected their superior planning and execution throughout the tournament.

Colombo South skipper Methuka Gunaratne receiving the Champions Trophy

Although Shashith Bandara (41*) and Savitha Vithanage (22) offered brief resistance to lend respectability to the chase, Central Hills were eventually bowled out for 117. Sathira Denuwan and Lithum Devasurendra shared two wickets apiece as Colombo South sealed a comprehensive victory. This triumph not only underlined Colombo South’s consistency in the Prima-sponsored event but also confirmed their status as the benchmark team in Sri Lanka’s Under-15 cricket.

Player of the Final: Ranuda Ranasinghe (Colombo South)

Most Valuable Player and Best Batsman: Gesandu Bisas (Galle)

Best Bowler: Sathira Denuwan (Kandy)

Chief scores:

Colombo South 197 (50) (Miyuru Bandara 41, Chenuka Mithsara 37, Ranuda Ranasinghe 33, Sanuga Dulmika 24, Thinulaka Rajapaksa 3/40, Sathira Denuwan 2/28.

Kandy 117 (42) (Shashith Bandara 41*, Savitha Vithanage 22, Denuwan Sathish 2/8, Lithum Devasurendra 2/20.