The 6th and final game of the ongoing Under-19 Twenty20 (T20) Tri-Series will feature a contest between hosts Sri Lanka and England. The game is scheduled for 2:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 3rd of April, 2024, at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota.
Squads:
Sri Lanka U19 – 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:
Nethmi Senarathna
The 18-year-old keeper-batter didn’t have the best of starts to the series, departing cheaply for 2 (6). However, she managed a quick turnaround in the following game. Nethmi scored a 48-ball 51 against England, and in the upcoming reverse fixture, it’ll be hoped that she notches up another match-winning score.
Shashini Gimhani
The 15-year-old left-arm leg-spinner has had a notable series thus far, being effective with the ball. Though Shashini’s bowling figures from the opener read 0/14 (2), she went on to finish with figures of 2/12 (4) and 1/27 (4) in the subsequent games. It’ll be hoped she continues to lead the tally.
Abigale Norgrove
The 18-year-old all-rounder, while hasn’t had a bowl this series and didn’t feature in the opener, stepped up with the bat for the side. Abigale has notched up consecutive scores of 31 and 30* from a couple of games, and she can be counted on to carry forward this form into the last game of the series.
Tilly Corteen-Coleman
The 16-year-old left-arm off-spinner in the series opener returned figures of 0/18 (3), and though she wasn’t part of the team in the following game, she returned with excellent figures. Tilly, in her most recent outing, registered figures of 3/15 (4), and she will be backed to make the most of this return to form.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at the venue provides a somewhat neutral playing field as the conditions are advantageous to both batters and bowlers. Spinners, in particular, benefit from these conditions, and a score in the 140s is considered competitive on this wicket.
Weather:
While the temperature is forecasted to be around 33°C, with humidity at 69%, light winds, and a high chance of rain, expect delayed starts and interruptions as shower spells are forecasted during match hours.
Fantasy playing XI:
Nethmi Senarathna, Dewmi Vihanga, Sanjana Kavindi, Davina Perrin, Sophia Smale, Alexa Stonehouse, Manudi Nanayakkara, Rashmi Nethranjali, Josie Groves, Shashini Gimhani, Ava Lee
Match details:
Date – April 3, 2024
Time – 2:00 PM IST
Venue – Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube channel.