U-19 Cricket: Kamindu to lead Sri Lanka U19s at ICC Youth WC

Ayana Siriwardena who captained Sri Lanka’s U-19 team during the recent U-19 Challenge Trophy in India, involving three other Indian domestic sides has been given the most unkindest cut as he has been omitted from the 15-man World Cup squad. 

The ICC U19 Youth World Cup is scheduled to be played from January 13 to February 3, 2018 in New Zealand. 

Siriwardena, a cricketer from the Isipathana College Colombo scored a half century and picked up nine wickets during the series and his omission from the 15-man squad surprised many. 

Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera said that he has approved the team subject to alterations as there are some complaints regarding team selections. 

“There are a couple of grievances which were brought to my notice. I have approved the team including the five stand-by players subjected to alterations. Once the appeals are heard, we will finalise the 15-man squad,” the minister said. 

Meanwhile the selectors have appointed Richmond College Galle all-rounder Kamindu Mendis to lead the side. 

Mendis will be the second successive player from Richmond to lead the Sri Lanka U19 side following his teammate Charith Asalanka who led the 2016 Sri Lanka U19 side at the 2016 ICC Youth World Cup which was held in Bangladesh. 

Mendis will have St Joseph’s allrounder Jehan Daniel as his deputy and the squad includes 12 of the players who played at the recently concluded Asia U19 Cup played in Malaysia. 

In fact Mendis and Daniel are the only two players from the 15 member squad that has been named to have played at the ICC U19 Youth World Cup last year. 

According to sources the 15 member squad along with the standby players will undergo training in Pallekelle over the next few days under head coach Roy Dias. 

Sri Lanka are placed in Group D along with Pakistan, reigning U19 Asia cup champions Afghanistan and Ireland. 

Sri Lanka U19 Squad: Kamindu Mendis (Captain – Richmond), Jehan Daniel (Vice-Captain – St. Joseph’s Colombo), Hasitha Boyagoda (Trinity), Thisaru Rashmika Dilshan (Trinity), Krishan Sanjula (De Mazenod Kandana), Kalana Perera (S. Thomas’ Mt Lavinia), Dananjaya Lakshan (Richmond), Praveen Jayawickrama (St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa), Nuwanidu Fernando (St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa), Ashen Bandara (St. Aloysius Galle), Hareen Buddhila (St. Aloysius Galle), Nipun Malinga (Mahinda Galle), Nipun Dananjaya (St. Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa), Nishan Madushka (Moratu MV), Santhush Gunathilaka (St. Peter’s Colombo). 
Stand by Players: Vishva Chathuranga (Prince of Wales Moratuwa), Ravindu Sanjana (St. Aloysius Galle), Randeer Ranasinghe (St. Anne’s, Kurunegala), Ayana Siriwardana (Isipathana Colombo), Thilan Prashan (St. Servatius’ College, Matara).