Sri Lanka storm into Asia Rugby Top 4 with dominant win over Malaysia

Player of the Match Dinal Ekanayake held by a Malaysian player

By Shamseer Jaleel

In a display of sheer power, flair, and determination, Sri Lanka on Saturday surged past Malaysia with an emphatic 59/19 victory at the fully packed and appreciative crowd at the Racecourse Ground, securing their place in the prestigious Asia Rugby Top 4 Championship. 

At the short breather, Sri Lanka led 33/7.

Sri Lanka’s performance, marked by clinical finishing and spirited teamwork, not only thrilled the packed Colombo crowd but also underlined their growing stature in Asian rugby. This win now sets them up for thrilling encounters with Hong Kong, South Korea, and the UAE, with a potential pathway to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Both the South Korea and UAE games will be played at home, while the Hong Kong game will be an away encounter.

Sri Lanka came out firing from the start, showing their attacking intent early on. Speedster Janindu Dilshan struck twice, setting the tone for what would become a one-sided affair. Danushka Ranjan, one of Sri Lanka’s most experienced backs, also crossed the whitewash, while Akash Madhushanka and Naveen Marasinghe added their names to the score sheet.

However, it was Dinal Ekanayake who stole the spotlight, powering over for three tries and playing a crucial role in both attack and defence. With ball in hand, he looked threatening and the Malaysian defence was all over – his electrifying pace was too much of an asking for the tired-looking Malaysian outfit.

Mursheed Doray, after an uneven, shaky start, built on confidence and was flawless with the boot, converting seven of the nine tries with precision, bringing his personal tally to 14 points. His calm demeanour and consistent performance played a key role in maintaining Sri Lanka’s momentum throughout the game. Despite a Yellow card to Thilina Bandara midway through the match, Sri Lanka’s defensive structure held firm, preventing Malaysia from gaining any real foothold in the game. Malaysia received two Red cards for their Fijian players.

Malaysia, to their credit, fought valiantly and managed three tries of their own, all courtesy of the powerful Etonia Vaga. His solo effort was commendable, consistently breaching the Sri Lankan defensive line. Conversions were slotted in by Muhammad Amirul Aqik and Mohammed Nazreen Fitri, bringing their total to 19 points. Yet, the visitors struggled to match Sri Lanka’s pace, cohesion, and physicality across the pitch as they ran out of steam for the most part of the second half. 

With this result, Sri Lanka now joins rugby heavyweights Hong Kong, South Korea, and the UAE in the Asia Rugby Top 4. This elite group not only determines the top-tier rugby nations in the continent but also acts as the qualification path to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The eventual champion will earn a direct berth in the global tournament in Australia, while the runner-up will face the Pacific Island runner-up in a two-legged play-off to decide a second qualifying spot. Considering Japan’s automatic qualification, Asia could potentially have up to three teams represented at the next World Cup.

Sri Lanka’s campaign will see them face South Korea and the UAE at home, while a challenging away fixture awaits them in Hong Kong. The home advantage against South Korea and the UAE could prove pivotal, given Sri Lanka’s passionate fan base and the team’s impeccable record on familiar turf. With the Racecourse Ground turning into a fortress, visiting teams will be wary of the Lions’ roar echoing through Colombo.

The Racecourse Ground was electric throughout the afternoon, filled with an enthusiastic crowd that rallied behind their national team. From the opening whistle, the atmosphere was charged with energy, as chants, drums, and flags created a carnival of rugby celebration. 

The referee was Jaco De Wit (South Africa).