With the ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup approaching in just a few months, cricket boards worldwide are intensifying their preparations, and the Sri Lanka Cricket Board is no exception. In a strategic move to ready their team, they have announced the U19 squad for a pivotal tour to Australia.
This tour is a crucial part of their preparation for the World Cup, where Sri Lanka will face formidable opponents, including defending champions India, West Indies, and host nation Malaysia. The 41-match tournament, featuring 16 teams, kicks off on January 18, 2025, with the final scheduled for February 2.
The Cricket Selection Committee has unveiled a 16-member squad for the upcoming tri-series against Australia and New Zealand, set to begin on September 20, 2024. This tour will feature both T20 and 50-over games, providing valuable experience against top-tier teams in varied conditions. Sri Lanka’s U19 team also participated in a tri-series against Australia and England earlier this year in Sri Lanka.
In that series, Australia U19 secured two out of three One Day matches held at Galle, while Sri Lanka U19 clinched the final match. Sanjana Kavindi stood out as the top Sri Lankan batter with 81 runs, followed by Rashmika Sewwandi with 60 runs. Chamodi Praboda excelled with the ball, leading the series with 8 wickets from 2 matches, supported by Dewmi Vihanga, who took 5 wickets but has not been selected for the upcoming Australian tour.
In the T20 matches at Hambantota, England emerged victorious with 3 wins, Sri Lanka secured 2, and Australia won just 1, leading to a final between England and Sri Lanka, where England triumphed. Kavindi again shone with 95 runs from 4 matches, while Manudi Nanayakkara added 77 runs. Shashini Gimhani, who also misses out on the touring squad, was the standout bowler with 4 wickets, and Hiruni Hansika contributed 3 wickets.
Sri Lanka’s tour will kick off with a T20 match against New Zealand on September 20 at the Alan Pettigrew Oval, followed by a clash with Australia on September 22 at the Ian Healy Oval. Sri Lanka will face Australia again on September 25 and New Zealand on September 26 at the Bill Pippen Oval (GC). The tour will wrap up with two 50-over games: Sri Lanka will take on Australia on September 30 and New Zealand on October 1, both at the Alan Pettigrew Oval.
The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has approved the following squad for the tour – Sri Lanka U19 Squad:
Manudi Nanayakkara (C), Rashmika Sewwandi (VC), 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