Sri Lanka’s under-19 women’s team will open their campaign in match no. 2 of the ongoing tri-series against New Zealand, who suffered a heavy 8-wicket defeat at the hands of the hosts, Australia, in the series opener. The game will be played at Alan Pettigrew Oval, Brisbane, on the 20th of September 2024, at 9:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
New Zealand U19 – Elizabeth Buchanan, Kate Chandler, Sophie Court, Abigail Hotton, Kate Irwin, Rishika Jaswal, Louisa Kotkamp, Emma McLeod, Darcy-Rose Prasad, Izzy Sharp, Anika Todd, Abby Treder, Tash Wakelin, Hannah Wallace, Eve Wolland
Sri Lanka U19 – Manudi Nanayakkara, Rashmika Sewwandi, Sumudu Nisansala, Sanjana Kavindi, Vimoksha Balasuriya, Rashmi Nethranjali, Erandi Hansamali, Pramudi Methsara, Hiruni Hansika, Chamodi Praboda, Dahami Sanethma, Asheni Thalagune, Shehara Induwari, Danuli Thennekoon, Nethagi Isuranjali, Limansa Thilakarathne
Players to watch out:
Kate Chandler
The 17-year-old all-rounder in the 2023 U19 World Cup, averaging 5.80 and maintaining an economy rate of 3.62, scalped 5 wickets from 2 outings. Most recently, in the 2023-24 domestic season, Kate accumulated 244 runs from 10 One Day outings and scalped 5 wickets from 6 innings, while having a quiet T20 season. She can be counted on for the goods.
Abigail Hotton
The 19-year-old spinner, from 5 outings at the 2023 U19 World Cup, bagged 4 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 4.15. Abigail featured in a handful of games last domestic season—3 T20s and as many One Dayers—and while she finished wicketless in the T20s, she bagged 3 wickets in the One Dayers. The team can rely on her for breakthroughs.
Manudi Nanayakkara
The 16-year-old all-rounder added 66 runs to the tally, including the best of 32*, from 5 outings at the 2023 U19 World Cup. Earlier this year, in a tri-series on home soil, Manudi registered scores of 16, 30, 19, and 12, while also taking a couple of wickets. It is hoped she builds on this momentum, stepping up with improved all-round efforts.
Hiruni Hansika
The 17-year-old off-spinner had a notable campaign in a tri-series on home soil earlier this year, featuring Australia and England, registering bowling figures of 0/7, 1/16, 0/15, and 2/21 in the T20s, while in her only One Day match, she returned figures of 2/38. Hiruni can also be handy with the bat and should be backed to find consistency with the ball.
Pitch:
The 22 yards at the Alan Pettigrew Oval cater to both spinners and pacers with its array of variations. It would be wise for the batters to take their time and find their rhythm before shifting gears, targeting a competitive total in the 130s.
Weather:
With light winds, humidity at 42%, and the temperature expected to hover around 17°C, the conditions are pleasant for cricket in Brisbane. The forecast predicts clear, sunny skies with a minimal possibility of rain.
Fantasy playing XI:
Elizabeth Buchanan, Sanjana Kavindi, Emma McLeod, Tash Wakelin, Izzy Sharp, Manudi Nanayakkara, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kate Chandler, Anika Todd, Hiruni Hansika, Rishika Jaswal
Match details:
Date – September 20, 2024
Time – 9:00 AM IST
Venue – Alan Pettigrew Oval, Brisbane
Broadcast – T.B.C.