Asalanka to lead Sri Lanka Emerging Asia Cup squad
Charith Asalanka
Allrounder Charith Asalanka will lead the Sri Lanka Emerging 15 member squad for the forthcoming Emerging Asia Cup limited over tournament scheduled to be played in Bangladesh from November 14 to 23. Richmondite Asalanka will have his school team mate and prolific batsman Kamindu Mendis as his deputy.
The team spearheaded by Asalanka possesses a strong outfit with players in the caliber of Kamindu who was adjudged the man of the final and man of the tournament last year, Sammu Ashan who led the team at the latter stages of the tournament last year due to Asalanka’s injury, Hasitha Boyagoda, Pathum Nissanka, Minod Bhanuka, Jehan Daniel, Amila Aponso and Jehan Daniel to name a few.
The Sri Lanka Emerging side will be coming into the tournament with the aim of retaining the title. They recorded a thrilling three run win against the India Emerging XI which was played at the R. Premadasa Stadium last year.
The tournament which is the fourth in the series is being contested by eight teams divided into two groups of four in each. Sri Lanka Emerging is in Group A along with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Oman while the Group B includes runner up India, host Bangladesh, Hong Kong and United Arab Emirates.
The Test playing nations, host Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan will need to include eleven Under 23 players in the 15 member squad while the Associate members United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong and Oman will have the option to field their national team.
Sri Lanka Emerging XI will play their first match against Oman on November 14, against Pakistan on November 16 and against Afghanistan on November 18. All these matches will be played at Cox’s Bazaar.
The two semi finals scheduled to be played on November 20 and 21 and the final on November 23 are slotted to be played at the Sher – e – Bangla Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
Sri Lanka Emerging Squad:
Charith Asalanka (Captain), Kamindu Mendis,
Pathum Nissanka, Hasitha Boyagoda,
Minod Bhanuka, Ashen Bandara, Sammu Ashan, Nishan Madushka, Jehan Daniel, Asitha Fernando, Kalana Perera, Shiran Fernando, Ramesh Mendis, Amila Aponso, Sachindu Colomnage.