The under 19 division one schools cricket tournament for the 2015/16 season has commenced braving the inclement weather in the island last couple of days.
The new structure has opened out the whole tournament into an exciting plateau where all teams have an equal opportunity of becoming the champions this year. But the defending champions, Trinity College, Kandy has already stamped their authority in the current league winning 4 matches out of 5 games.
The 2013/14 champions, Richmond College and 2014/15 runners-up Thurstan College have made winning starts to their season.
Some top cricket-playing schools such as St. Peter’s College, Ananda College, St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa, St. Joseph’s College & Royal College are yet to commence their campaigns.
We at ThePapare.com unveil here some of the captain’s from top contending in schools under 19 division one league tournament. With many international tours coming up for the Sri Lanka under 19 team, most of these captain’s will be on national duty until the end of ICC Youth World Cup in January, 2016 in Bangladesh.
Raveen Sayer – Trinity College
He will be playing his 4th season and took 108 wickets with his off-spinners in the 2013/2014 season and continued his good work with another 96 wickets last season after missing out on four matches due to national duty. Sayer is a reliable middle-order batsman.
Vinu Mohotti – St. Peter’s College
The 18-year old off-spinning all-rounder has been bestowed of a great responsibility in captaining a strong Peterite outfit. The boys from Bambalapitiya ended as number 4 in last year’s two-day league points table and he will be itching to end his school career with a championship.
Sandaruwan Rodrigo – St. Joseph’s College
The stylish middle order batsman has represented his alma mater since 2013 and has the ability to score big hundreds in all important fixtures such as his match-saving ‘Big’ match ton in 2015. Sandaruwan will have to bowl his off-spinners if needed.
Geeshanth Panditharathne – Royal College
He is a talented left-handed batsman who can even open the batting for his College and also renowned as a capable leg-spinner. Last season he scored over 750 runs while vice-captaining the team.
Sachitha Jayathilake – S. Thomas’ College
The multi-talented sportsman, who represents ‘Thora’ in Rugby & Water polo apart of Cricket will be a force to be reckoned this season. His hard-hitting batting and mysterious leg-spin bowling will add great value to the Thomian side.
Charith Asalanka – Richmond College
He is by far the best all-rounder in the present crop of school players. The Sri Lanka under 19 skipper is an accomplished left-hand batsman and a terrific off-spinner for the school from Galle.
Kavin Bandara – D.S Senanayake College
One of the most stylish left-handers in the current schools circuit, Kavin will be leading an inexperienced DS team this season. He will open the batting for his College and has the knack of scoring centuries in big games.
Thanula Wickramasinghe – Mahanama College
The left-hand batsman is playing his 4th year for Mahanama. The specialist batsman will be focusing on his off-spin as well this season.
Salinda Ushan – Isipathana College
The elegant left-handed opener will lead a strong Isipathana outfit which have the most number of Sri Lanka youth players. Salinda is pleasing to the eyes whenever he is middling the ball and he is also a part-time off-spin bowler.
Charana Nanayakkara – Thurstan College
The fast-bowling all-rounder is a fierce competitor who has all weapons in his arsenal. He can clear the boundary at will and one of the most disciplined seamers in the league.
Avishka Fernando – St. Sebastian’s College
The best schools batsman in the country and the most experienced schools cricketer, playing his 5th year. The youngster who is also the future of Sri Lanka batting, is a medium fast-bowler. He was awarded the Best Batsman last season after he accumulated over 1000 runs.
Thilan Nimesh – Prince of Wales’ College
The 18-year old left-arm spinner is a match-winner with the ball and a capable right-hand batsman in the lower middle order. He has a good cricketing brain though he is small in stature.
Thulina Dilshan – St. Benedict’s College
The right-handed batsman will open the batting for the Benedictines. He will be playing his 4th year and will be bowling right-arm leg-spinners as well.
Nisal Fransisco – Ananda College
The left-handed top-order batsman is a natural stroke-maker who is also a handy right-arm leg-spinner. Nisal has represented Ananda in the last couple of seasons and has bag loads of experience with him to lead his school to victory.
Mohommad Akram – Lumbini College
The right-handed middle order batsman is an experienced campaigner for the dark horses of Sri Lanka Schools Cricket. The school from Havelock Town ended as the number 3 team last season. Akram will be most probably batting at number 4 and will be contributing with his off-spinners.
