Sri Lanka face New Zealand netballers today

The Sri Lanka squad: Thishala Algama (Captain)Thilini Waththegadara (Vice-Captain), Bhashi,Udagedara,Tumalka Ekanayake, Gayani,Dissanayake, Anjalika Thilakarathne,Timee Wasanthapriya, Rashmi Perera, Gayanjale Amarawansa, Dulangi Wanniyathilaka, Chalani Neesha and Malmi Hettiarachchi

By Susil Premalal

The first two matches of a six-game friendly netball series between the Sri Lanka netball team and the touring Lincoln University of New Zealand will be played today and tomorrow at the Dadalla Indoor Stadium in Galle.

The series has been organised by the Netball Federation of Sri Lanka (NFSL) to provide valuable international match experience for the Sri Lanka squad selected for the 14th Asian Senior Netball Championship 2026, which will be held in Hong Kong from August 6 to 15.

The visiting Lincoln University players arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday in response to an invitation extended by the NFSL. According to reports, the New Zealand university authorities have covered the team’s international travel expenses, while the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will provide local hospitality and logistical support.

The six-match series will run until July 9, with fixtures scheduled across four venues. Two matches will be played in Galle before the teams move to Digana in Kandy, the University of Kelaniya and the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo.

Having won the Asian Senior Netball Championship on six occasions between 1985 and 2024, Sri Lanka will need to finish either as champions or runners-up in Hong Kong to secure a place at the World Cup.

Sri Lanka’s most recent international tournament was the 2024 Asian Senior Netball Championship in Bangalore, where the team finished as runners-up.

The New Zealand Lincoln University squad: Back row from left: Perri Hore, Macy Costello, Charlotte Coughlan, Taiana Day, Nicole Sinclair (Assistant Coach), Kim Tallott (Head Coach), Callum Brown (Strength & Conditioning Coach). Front row from left: Esther Pratten, Lily Marshall (SGL), Kate Grant (SGL), Annie Francis, Siahn Nilsen, Holly Munro and Lily Early (Captain)