The Sri Lanka squad for the upcoming ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup has been announced, with the tournament scheduled to be held in Malaysia from January 18 to February 2.
The Sri Lankan team is led by Manudi Nanayakkara from Moratuwa, with Rashmika Sevwandi from Matara Anura Vidyalaya as the vice-captain.
This selection has created considerable excitement especially among the players representing Rathgama Devapathiraja Vidyalaya, a school in the southern region which is recognized as a strong place in women’s cricket.
The 15-member squad from Devapathiraja Vidyalaya includes Hiruni Hansika, Sumudu Nisansala, Rashmi Netrangali, Sashini Jumni, Sanjana Kavindi and Shehara Induvari. Limansa Thilakaratne, the daughter of former Sri Lankan cricketer T.M. Dilshan is also included in the squad, Trincomalee Sinhala MA. Vimoksha Balasuriya, Dhammi Sanutma of Nugegoda Anula Vidyalaya, Asheni Talagune of Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya, Kandy, Pramudi Metsara of Ampara Uhana Madhya Maha Vidyalaya, Chamodi Praboda of Ampara Uhana Madhya Maha Vidyalaya, Chamodi Praboda of Ampara Uhana Madhya Maha Vidyalaya. College Chamodi Praboda Kurunegala Girls College. Nethangi passes as Isuranjali reserve.
The Sri Lankan team will leave for Malaysia today and will play against India, West Indies and Malaysia in Group A. The tournament will be held at four venues in Malaysia: Biomes Oval (Selangor), Dato’ Dr. Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (Johangor), Borneo Cricket Stadium (Sarawak) and UKM YSD Oval (Selangor). Sri Lanka’s group matches against West Indies, India and Malaysia will be held in Selangor.
Sri Lanka will face defending champions India on the second day of the tournament.
The 41-match event will feature 16 teams like the inaugural edition in 2023 and will conclude with the final on February 2. Originally, Thailand was to co-host the tournament, but due to their withdrawal, all matches were hosted by Malaysia.
The tournament starts with six matches on the opening day, and runs from January 13 to 16 with 16 matches.
After the group stage, the top three teams from each group advance to the Super Six stage, where they will compete for a place in the semi-finals.
