Sri Lanka U-19 cricket team leaves for South Africa

The Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket team left to South Africa on Sunday evening to play a Youth ODI series against the South Africa Under-19 and Zimbabwe Under-19 teams, scheduled to begin on 11 January at Stellenbosch.

The young cricketers will begin their campaign with a practice match against the Boland Academy at the Spes Bona Cricket grounds in Stellenbosch on 11 January (Wednesday). 

The Sri Lankan team will play three matches each against both countries at various venues including the Wally Wilson Oval, Boland Park and Coertzenberg Oval. The final is to be held on 28 January at Boland Park in Paarl.

The team will be led by Avishka Fernando while Kamindu Mendis will be the Vice-Captain for the tour.

The team was addressed by Sri Lanka Cricket President Thilanga Sumathipala, who advised them on the expectations that the nation has in them, urging them to develop a disciplined and professional approach to their game. He further urged them to enjoy the series and the learning experience, in camaraderie and the highest spirit of the game.

Sri Lanka Under-19 squad comprises Avishka Fernando – Captain – St. Sebastian College; Kamindu Mendis - Vice Captain - Richmond College; Vishva Chathuranga - Prince of Wales College; R. Kelly - St Joseph’s College; Ashen Bandara – St. Aloysious College, Galle; Hasitha Boyagoda - Trinity College; Pathum Nissanka - Isipathana College; Shammu Ashan - Ananda College; Jehan Daniel – St. Joseph’s College; Manilka de Silva – St. Peter’s College; Mishen Silva – St. Sebastian’s College; Thisaru Rashmika - Trinity College; Nipun Ransika - P.D.S. Kularathne MMV; P. Jayawickrama – St. Sebastian’s College; H. Buddila – St. Aloysious College, Galle and Krishan Sanjula - De Mazenod College. The officials comprise Mahinda Halangoda – Manager; Roy Dias - Head Coach; Chaminda Vaas - Fast Bowling Coach; Darshan Weerasinghe – Trainer; Nick Pothas - Fielding Coach/Data Analyst; Sanjeewa Gamage - Physio and Keerthi Gunarathna - School Representative.