• Tourney uncovers emerging talent

The Men’s Tapeball Sixes Championship 2025 organised by the Sri Lanka Tapeball Council (SLTC) was successfully held on 13 and 14 September at the SLLRDC Cricket Grounds, Nawala drawing remarkable energy, talent and spectator support.

With 16 top tapeball teams from across the nation taking part, the two-day event not only produced top-drawer matches, but also served as a platform to identify emerging grassroots talent, in line with SLTC’s vision to develop tapeball into a nationally recognised mainstream sport in the foreseeable future.

In an absorbing final, Sky team clinched the championship title after defeating Salota International, capping off an impressive campaign.

Sky had earlier overcome the much-fancied Best of Ratnapura, led by Sri Lanka tapeball skipper Krishantha Sandaruwan in a fiercely contested semi-final.

Meanwhile, Salota International advanced to the final with a dominant display over Deniyaya CC.

The final was a closely-fought affair, with both sides displaying high skills and tremendous spirit.

Eventually the Sky team emerged triumphant, showcasing their discipline, strategy and formidable team dynamics.

Nipun Sathsara of Sky was adjudged the Player-of-the-Series for his outstanding all-round performance throughout the competition, while Y. Sunil Shantha (Ashantha Lefa) of Salota International was named the Player-of-the-Final for his impactful showing in the title-decider.

The awards were presented by SLTC Head Janath Punchihewa, who graced the event as chief guest along with SLTC Senior Vice President Dumidu Hemal.

The success of this championship reflects the rapid growth and popularity of tapeball in this country, as well as the SLTC’s commitment to nurturing hidden talent and building national-level pathways for the youth.