Under-19 teams of Sri Lanka and England are slated to face off in match no. 3 of the ongoing Tri-Series at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka, on the 30th of March, 2024, at 10:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Sri Lanka – Manudi Nanayakkara, Rashmika Sewwandi, Sanjana Kavindi, Vimoksha Balasuriya, Shashini Gimhani, Rismi Sanjana, Dewmi Vihanga, Sumudu Nisansala, Rashmi Nethranjali, Dahami Sanethma, Vishmi Savindi, Ashani Kaushalya, Yasanthi Nimanthika, Nethmi Senarathna, Hiruni Hansika, Chamodi Praboda
England U19 – Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Jodi Grewcock, Josie Groves, Katie Jones, Charlotte Lambert, Ava Lee, Abigale Norgrove, Charis Pavely, Davina Perrin, Sophia Smale, Alexa Stonehouse, Amuruthaa Surenkumar, Mary Taylor, Erin Thomas, Maddie Ward
Players to watch out:
Sanjana Kavindi
The 15-year-old all-rounder didn’t have a bowl in a few domestic games earlier this year, while also struggling for runs. However, in the U19 curtain-raiser, Sanjana opened the batting top-scored for the team with a 27-ball 38 and it’ll be hoped she capitalizes on this return to form, leading the scoring.
Rashmika Sewwandi
The 17-year-old all-rounder had a notable first outing in the curtain-raiser, delivering with both bat and ball. Rashmika remained unbeaten on 12(13), while producing figures of 1/11 (3) against Australia. She’ll be counted on to step up for the team, delivering the goods.
Alexa Stonehouse
The 19-year-old all-rounder didn’t have much opportunity in the T20s last domestic summer; however, she bagged 9 wickets and scored 179 from 12 One-Dayers. While Alexa returned figures of 2/17 (4) in the series opener, she departed for a 4-ball duck. Nonetheless, she can be banked upon for all-round performances.
Mary Taylor
The 19-year-old pacer across both T20 and One-Day games in the 2023 domestic season, scalped 16 wickets from 17 outings, being particularly successful in the One-Dayers, registering the best of 4/39. Though Mary finished wicketless in England’s opening T20, she’ll be backed to return to her wicket-taking best.
Pitch:
The center wicket at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium presents challenges for batters due to its slow and spin-friendly nature, leading to an average score in the 110s. Batters will need to apply themselves thoroughly to thrive on this demanding track.
Weather:
With mostly sunny skies and a minimal chance of rain, the conditions are ideal for a complete game of cricket at Hambantota. The temperature is expected to hover around 33°C, with light winds and humidity at 62%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Sumudu Nisansala, Dewmi Vihanga, Sanjana Kavindi, Davina Perrin, Sophia Smale, Alexa Stonehouse, Jodi Grewcock, Rashmi Nethranjali, Josie Groves, Mary Taylor, Rashmika Sewwandi
Match details:
Date – March 30, 2024
Time – 10:00 AM IST
Venue – Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube channel.
