Canta Lions Cricket

🏏 Match Reports – Round 1 & Round 2 One Days

🏏 Weekend Match Summary – Div 1 Men

Halswell Canta Lions Div 1 Men

Round 1 – vs East Shirley Tridents

📍 Halswell Domain | 🗓 20 Dec 2025
Result: Lions won by 6 wickets

The Lions delivered a composed all-round performance to defeat East Shirley Tridents. Tight bowling restricted the visitors to 116, led by Sam Wijesinghe (3 wickets), with strong support from Ashan Kulathilake, Niluka Kandaddarage, Amila Korale, and Sahan.

In reply, Tharaka De Silva (33) anchored the chase, supported by Savith Pitiyegedara (21) and Danushka Sameera (17). Vishwa Yasas Mahapana Mudalige (13)* and Amila Korale (8)* finished the job as the Lions reached the target in 22.1 overs.

Round 2 – vs Marist Harewood

📍 Redwood Park | 🗓 10 Jan 2026
Result: Lions won by 3 wickets

In a low-scoring thriller, the Lions produced a dominant bowling display to restrict Marist Harewood to 57. Tharaka De Silva starred with a sensational spell of 6/24, well backed by Udan Gamage (2/18).

Chasing 58 on a challenging surface, the Lions were tested but held their nerve. Key contributions from Vishwa Yasas Mahapana Mudalige (15) and Shanuka Rajapaksha (12) steadied the innings before Amila Korale (7)* and Danushka Sameera (1)* guided the team home in 19.4 overs.

Before the T20 clash against Lancaster Park, both teams observed a one-minute silence in honour of our fellow Sri Lankans affected by the severe floods. 🇱🇰🙏

Sending our thoughts, strength, and prayers to everyone impacted. ❤️🕯️

Wishing a Happy Birthday to our Mr. Reliable- Tharaka De Silva! 🥳❤️ Here’s to a year filled with loads of runs, wickets, and towering sixes! 💥🏏

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Nuwan! ❤️
May the year ahead bring you success on and off the field! 🎂😉

Match Report 🏏 | Halswell CantaLions vs Beach Bar Sumner CC

Division 1 Two Day | Round 3 | Day 1 | Halswell Domain 2

It was a perfect sunny day at Halswell 2 as captain Savith Pitiyegedara won his third toss in a row and chose to bowl first, a decision that proved absolutely spot on. The CantaLions’ opening pair of Tharaka and Udan caused havoc from the very first over, combining precision with pace to tear through the Sumner batting lineup. The visitors had no answers as Tharaka bowled with outstanding control and accuracy, while Udan’s fiery pace kept the pressure mounting from the other end. Tharaka finished with exceptional figures of 5 for 9, and Udan supported brilliantly with 4 for 21, before Savith ended the innings in style with a sharp run-out, dismissing Sumner for just 45 runs.

In reply, the CantaLions started positively, with Savith setting the tone early. However, a couple of quick wickets from the other end made the innings look shaky for a brief moment, before Darsh*tha and Savith steadied things with a composed yet aggressive partnership. Savith played with class and control, while Darsh*tha counterattacked confidently, taking the game away from Sumner’s bowlers. After reaching his quick 50, Darsh*tha fell attempting another big shot, but Savith continued to anchor the innings beautifully. Niluka then joined him and played an energetic knock of 29, keeping the scoreboard moving rapidly. Savith brought up a brilliant century, remaining unbeaten on 116, as the CantaLions declared confidently at 241/6, holding a massive lead.

Sumner came out to bat again, needing over 200 runs to avoid an innings defeat, yet they found themselves under relentless pressure once more. Tharaka continued his dream form, claiming four wickets, while Niluka, Udan, Nuwan, and Sam chipped in with one each. The visitors were bundled out for 68, giving the CantaLions a dominant innings-and-128-run victory which is an extraordinary result completed in just one day.

The Lions now look ahead to their next challenge against East Shirley next Saturday, eager to extend their unbeaten run in the Division 1 campaign. 🦁

Our Sponsors — Advisory Window | Šhanë Šilvå

🏏 Match Report | Halswell CantaLions vs Riccarton Mahja Cannons
Division 1 Two Day | Round 2 | Day 2 | Halswell Domain

The Halswell CantaLions resumed at Halswell Domain with a 74-run first-innings lead and plenty of confidence. The wicket remained true, offering opportunities for both bat and ball, and the Riccarton Mahja Cannons made the most of their chances. Their openers and middle order dug in superbly, building partnerships through patience and precision before declaring at 271 for 6.
Sam led the CantaLions’ bowling effort with two wickets, while Ashan, Danushka and Nuwan each picked up one in a disciplined spell.

Chasing 198 in 30 overs, the CantaLions began positively. Tharaka opened brightly, striking boundaries with authority and setting a lively tempo before departing for a well-made 20. Ashan Kulathilake then took charge of the innings, mixing class and aggression to compile a brilliant 58 off just 40 balls, guiding the chase with intent. After his dismissal, Danushka and Shanuka kept the hopes alive. Danushka, fresh from an unbeaten 72 last week, added a brisk 22 before falling while accelerating the scoring.

As the tension rose, Nuwan contributed valuable late boundaries that swung momentum back towards Halswell. However, a run-out and two quick wickets, including Shanuka for 25, shifted the balance once again. Entering the final three overs with more than 30 runs required, the Cannons appeared in control. Yet Nirmana and Udan showed composure under pressure to see out a thrilling last-ball finish that ended in a well-fought draw.

The CantaLions earned valuable first-innings points and demonstrated outstanding fight and resilience. They will look to carry that momentum into their next fixture against Sumner at Halswell Domain next Saturday. 🦁

Our Sponsers - Advisory Window | Šhanë Šilvå

🏏 Match Report | Halswell CantaLions vs Riccarton Mahja Cannons

Division 1 Two Day | Round 2 | Day 1 | Halswell Domain

The Halswell CantaLions kicked off their second two-day fixture of the season against the Riccarton Mahja Cannons under bright skies at Halswell Domain. Winning the toss, captain Savith Pitiyegedara elected to bowl first - and his decision quickly paid off.

Opening the attack, Udan struck early with a fiery spell, claiming the first breakthrough and another soon after to put Riccarton under immediate pressure. Ashan joined in with a disciplined spell, picking up two crucial wickets, while Vishwa chipped in with one as the Cannons tried to rebuild. Just as they began to settle, Sam came into the attack and swung the momentum back to the Lions, taking two wickets off two sharp slip catches by Tharaka. Udan then returned for another blistering spell, picking up two more wickets to finish with 4, while Sam claimed 3, Ashan 2, and Vishwa 1- a complete bowling effort from the CantaLions to dismiss the Cannons for 144.

In reply, the CantaLions started positively but lost both openers before reaching 30. Ashan and Amila then steadied the innings with a patient stand, before Ashan fell after a well-made 26. Coming in next, Vishwa looked calm and composed, building an excellent partnership with Sam. After Sam’s dismissal, Danushka joined Vishwa at the crease, and the pair took control of the innings.

Once settled, Vishwa began finding the boundary with confidence, bringing up his first fifty for the CantaLions. At the other end, Danushka unleashed an attacking display, going aerial and punishing the bowlers with a series of boundaries, reaching a quickfire 72 off 60 balls. In the final hour, the Lions continued to score freely before losing Vishwa late in the day for a brilliant 59 (71).

The CantaLions finished strongly at 218/7 after 45 overs, taking a 74-run first-innings lead into Day 2 next Saturday - with momentum and confidence high as they chase their first outright win of the season. 🦁

Our Sponsers - Advisory Window | Šhanë Šilvå

🏏 Here’s your Playing XI for the CantaLions! 🦁

It’s the first home game of the season, and the lads are all set to make a strong start on familiar turf! 💪🔥
Amila and Nirmana return after injuries, while Denuka comes into the XI. 👀

Time to make it count at home! 💛💙

Our Sponsers - Advisory Window | Šhanë Šilvå

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Vishwa! ❤️ May the year ahead bring you success on and off the field - with plenty of runs and wickets! 🎂😉

Match Report 🏏 | Halswell CantaLions vs East Shirley Gujarat Lions

Division 1 Two Day | Round 1 | Burwood Park

The first game of the season was played on a sunny and very warm day at Burwood Park after the opening day was washed out. With only 107 overs available on day two, both teams agreed to 8 overs each for the first innings. Leading the CantaLions for the first time, Savith Pitiyegedara won the toss and chose to bowl first.

East Shirley started aggressively, reaching 83/4, with Tharaka de Silva impressively taking three wickets. In reply, the CantaLions fell just short, finishing 74/8, despite Tharaka’s explosive 25 off 10 balls.

In the second innings, Tharaka continued his strong bowling, taking two early wickets for the CantaLions. East Shirley then rebuilt steadily, with two batsmen reaching half-centuries. Vishwa made a key impact, taking a catch off Niluka’s bowling and then delivering a brilliant spell himself, claiming two wickets. Udan also picked up a wicket and contributed to a sharp run-out for the CantaLions as East Shirley declared at 228/8.

Chasing 229, the CantaLions faced early pressure, losing four wickets inside 40 runs. However, a resilient partnership between Vishwa and Shanuka steadied the innings. Vishwa, playing in his debut, impressed with a valuable 42 before being dismissed. Shanuka and Niluka fought hard, with Shanuka scoring 46 and guiding the team till the last ball.

As the sun set, the CantaLions reached 137/7, and the match ended in a draw, with East Shirley taking first innings points. Vishwa was named Man of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance.

The Halswell CantaLions now look forward to their next challenge against Riccarton Mahja Cannons next Saturday.

Sponsors : Advisory Window Cey Lounge

📸 - Hansa Misheal / Irushi Pitiyegedara

🏏 Here’s your Playing XI for the CantaLions! 🦁

The boys are all set to take on East Shirley Gujarat Lions on Day Two, after Day One was washed out. 🌧️

Vishwa and Udan are also set to make their debuts for the Lions! 👀

Presenting the CantaLions Squad for the 25/26 Season! 👊

Savith leads from the front with Niluka by his side! Seasoned veterans return hungrier than ever, joined by newcomers ready to make their mark! 🦁🔥



Advisory Window
Šhanë Šilvå