The curtain came down on another spectacular edition of the SLCL Provincial League Season 2, as Colombo Lions (Team Colombo) emerged as champions after defeating Ceylon Falcons (Team Galle) by 28 runs in a thrilling Grand Final at the world-class Karwan Sports Club, Ajman.
Widely regarded as the highest-ranked domestic cricket league for Sri Lankan cricketers in the UAE, the tournament once again showcased the country’s finest expatriate talent, bringing together 140 of the best Sri Lankan cricketers representing six provincial franchises in an unforgettable 16-day cricketing festival.
Six Provinces… One Destiny…
The six franchises competing for provincial supremacy were:
- Scorpios by Thambapanni – Team Negombo (Defending Champions)
- UAE Lions Kings – Team Trincomalee
- Thambapanni Lions – Team Jaffna
- Pearls XI – Team Kandy
- Ceylon Falcons – Team Galle
- Colombo Lions – Team Colombo
From the opening match to the final league fixture, every game was fiercely contested, with the qualification race remaining alive until the very last ball of the league stage. The competitive balance among all six teams reflected the remarkable depth of Sri Lankan cricketing talent currently residing in the UAE.
After 18 exhilarating matches, Colombo Lions, Ceylon Falcons, Scorpios by Thambapanni, and Thambapanni Lions secured semi-final berths, while UAE Lions Kings and Pearls XI narrowly missed out despite spirited performances throughout the competition.
A New Benchmark for Domestic Cricket
Season 2 represented a significant leap forward in the tournament’s evolution, introducing several innovations that elevated the competition to unprecedented standards.
For the first time, the Provincial League was hosted at the prestigious Karwan Sports Club, recognised as one of the finest cricket venues in the UAE, featuring lush green wickets and international-quality facilities.
Top Knock International (the organizer) also introduced a range of professional enhancements, including:
- Five-camera live match recording
- Decision Review System (DRS)
- Impact Player rule
- Live ball-by-ball commentary (Panel headed by Sameer Yoonus)
- Enhanced broadcast and match presentation
These additions provided players, officials, sponsors and spectators with a professional cricketing experience rarely witnessed at community league level, further strengthening SLCL’s reputation as the premier Sri Lankan cricket platform in the region.
Colombo Lions Lift the Trophy
The Grand Final lived up to expectations as Ceylon Falcons, after winning the toss, elected to field first.
Colombo Lions produced an outstanding batting display, posting a formidable 202/7 in 20 overs.
- Shehan Dilshan anchored the innings with a brilliant 58 off 38 balls.
- Akalanka Ganegama added an elegant 50 off 34 deliveries.
- Inshaka Siriwardhana provided the late fireworks with a rapid 37 from just 18 balls.
Despite an impressive spell of 4 wickets for 32 runs by Lahiru Dedigama, Colombo had already established a commanding total.
In reply, Ceylon Falcons mounted a determined chase led by captain Dilan Suraweera, whose explosive 57 off 32 balls kept his side in contention. Lahiru Dedigama also contributed a quick 24 off 14 deliveries, but disciplined bowling from the Colombo attack proved decisive.
Vikum Costa delivered a match-winning spell of 4 for 26, well supported by Asel Sigera, who claimed 3 wickets for 30 runs, bowling Ceylon Falcons out for 174 in 19.5 overs.
Colombo Lions secured a memorable 28-run victory, with captain J.D. Mahesh leading his side to a well-deserved Provincial League title.
Celebrating Individual Excellence
The tournament also recognised several outstanding individual performances.
Player of the Finals
- Vikum Costa (Colombo Lions) – 4 wickets for 26 runs
Player of the Tournament & Master Blaster
- Nishitha Abilash (Scorpios by Thambapanni)
- 272 runs, 4 wickets and 4 dismissals
Best Batsman & Top Knock Golden Youth Award
- Hasith Kavinda (Ceylon Falcons)
- 264 runs in 6 innings
- Average: 44.00 | Strike Rate: 169.23
Best Bowler
- Shiran Tharanga (Scorpios by Thambapanni)
- 12 wickets
- Economy: 7.50 | Average: 15.00
Best Fielder
- Lahiru Kashyapa (Ceylon Falcons)
- 6 dismissals
- 4 catches and 2 run-outs
Best Wicketkeeper
- J.D. Mahesh (Colombo Lions)
- 7 dismissals
- 3 catches, 2 stumpings and involvement in 2 run-outs
Most Promising Player
- Mohamed Nafees (Thambapanni Lions) – 17 Years old Sri Lankan cricketer
- 209 runs, 7 wickets and 6 dismissals
Emerging Player
- Fathur Rahman (Thambapanni Lions) – 16 Years old cricketer Sri Lankan cricketer
- 124 runs
- Average: 24.80 | Strike Rate: 167.57
Top Knock Golden Arm Award
- Harsha Madushanka (Colombo Lions)
- 10 wickets
- Economy: 6.48 | Average: 14.90
A special milestone was also achieved by Shan Salgadu (Ceylon Falcons), who claimed the tournament’s only hat-trick against Colombo Lions.
Looking Ahead
With the successful conclusion of the Provincial League, the SLCL officially concludes its 2025/26 cricket season.
Today, SLCL proudly stands as the largest Sri Lankan community cricket league in the world, boasting over 60 registered teams and more than 1,000 registered players, providing an unparalleled platform for Sri Lankan cricketers living overseas.
Preparations are already underway for an exciting 2026/27 season, which will commence on 12 September 2026 with a packed calendar of competitions:
- September – November: SLCL Club League Season 9
- November – December: SLCL Masters League Season 3
- January – February: SLCL Schools League Season 3
- February – March: SLCL Ramadan League Season 7
- May – June: SLCL Provincial League Season 3
SLCL is a registered brand under Top Knock International, the licensed Sports Management Company owned by Manju Abeysekera concluded another remarkable season, the SLCL has once again demonstrated that community cricket can be organised with professionalism, innovation and passion, setting new standards while strengthening the bonds of the Sri Lankan community in the United Arab Emirates.
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