The Sri Lanka U19 Cricket team will play against South Africa U19 Cricket team for the inaugural Gamini Dissanayake Challenge Trophy as announced by SLC at a press conference held at Hilton on Wednesday evening.
The brainchild of Sri Lanka Cricket President, Thilanga Sumathipala, the series will be played in honour of late Gamini Dissanayake who was a pivotal role in the development of cricket in Sri Lanka and was a former President of Sri Lanka Cricket (then known as BCCSL) in the late 90s.
The young South Africans are set to play three Youth Test matches and three Youth ODIs during their three-week stay in the Island nation. The series kicks off on 23rd June with the first Youth Test taking place in P. Sara Oval grounds.
Speaking at the media conference, Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Mohan De Silva stressed the importance of this tour, “Today is a very unique day. We are privileged in honouring a great son of Sri Lanka by naming this series on behalf of late Gamini Dissanayake, the main personality behind Sri Lanka gaining Test status in 1982.”
Photo Album – Sri Lanka U19 vs South Africa U19 – Press Conference
“We will continue to play this U19 series between Sri Lanka and South Africa home and away every two years and we are extremely thankful to Cricket South Africa for accepting this invitation.” He further said.
Sri Lanka Cricket has bestowed the responsibility of coaching the team to an illustrious former Sri Lankan batsman, Roy Dias, “We’ve got a young side with a few experienced players. This is my first assignment as the U19 coach and it’s a long journey. My idea is to build a side for the 2018 ICC Youth World Cup and for the few young players (8 players) eligible for that tournament, this South African series is very important.” Dias stated.
Sri Lanka U19s will be led by St. Sebastian’s College batsman, Avishka Fernando and South Africa U19s will be skippered by Wiaan Mulder.
“We have a good balanced side. The SLC U19 Provincial Tournament really helped our preparations, almost all the players who performed well in that tournament have been selected.” Fernando told the media.
“We are really excited about this tour. It’s really amazing here and we cannot wait until the tour gets underway.”Confident-looking Mulder stated.
“We have picked about 9 players who are eligible for the next U19 world cup. It’s not the cricket season in South Africa but we had a four-day camp at the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Centre of Excellence.” South Africa U19 coach Lawrence Mahatlane shared his views on the preparations.
Sri Lanka U19 squad for the Youth Tests
Avishka Fernando (Captain), Sammu Ashan (Vice-Captain), Vishad Randika, Damitha Silva, Navindu Nirmal, Pethum Nissanka, Sanjula Abeywickrama, Vishwa Chathuranga, Wanitha Wanninayake, Praveen Jayawickrama, Hasitha Boyagoda, Thisaru Dilshan, Ashen Bandara, Thilan Prashan, Thilanga Udeeshan.
Sri Lanka U19 squad for the Youth ODIs
Avishka Fernando (Captain), Sammu Ashan (Vice-Captain), Vishad Randika, Damitha Silva, Navindu Nirmal, Pethum Nissanka, Shanogeeth Shanmuganathan, Jehan Daniel, Mishen Silva Wanitha Wanninayake, Praveen Jayawickrama, Hasitha Boyagoda, Thisaru Dilshan, Ashen Bandara, Thilan Prashan, Thilanga Udeeshan.
South Africa U19 squad
Wiaan Mulder (Captain) Eathan Bosch, Jerome Bossr, Jesse Christensen, Jade de Klerk, Wandile Makwetu, Akhona Mnyaka, Daniel Moriarty, Vezokuhle Mtungwa, William Sendin, Kenan Smith, Siphamandla Krweqe, *Jashua van Heerden, Raynard van Tonder, Ricardo Vasconceles, *Mitchell van Buuren.
*Van Buuren replaces van Heerden for the Youth ODI series.
Full Schedule
1st Youth Test – 23rd, 24th and 25th June at P. Sara Oval grounds.
2nd Youth Test – 28th, 29th and 30th June at Welegedara Stadium, Kurunegala.
3rd Youth Test – 3rd, 4th, 5th July at Pallekelle International Stadium, Pallekelle
1st Youth ODI – 9th July at P. Sara Oval grounds.
2nd Youth ODI – 11th July at NCC grounds.
3rd Youth ODI – 13th July at SSC grounds.
