Sri Lanka joins Group C of U19 WC 2024

Three-time champions Australia are joined by Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Namibia to make up Group C of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024.

The first game in the group will take place between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe on 22 January. All the games will be played in Kimberley.

Sri Lanka 
Sri Lanka are yet to lift the U19 Men’s CWC trophy but have left their mark on the tournament over the years. They made the final once in 2000, where they lost to Mohammed Kaif’s India by six wickets. Their solitary success at this event has come in the previous format, winning the Plate Finals twice, in 2012 against Afghanistan and in 2018 against the West Indies.

Some of the prominent names to have played in the U19 World Cups before making their name at the international level include Sanath Jayasuriya, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana and Dunith Wellalage. 

The current Sri Lanka U19s have featured in a triangular series against Afghanistan and Bangladesh in 2023, have hosted West Indies, and toured Pakistan in the leadup to the World Cup. The side recently played in the U19 Asia Cup but failed to make it to the knockout stage. Still, with practice aplenty, the young Lankans will look to set the tournament alight.

Squad

Sineth Jayawardena (c), Pulindu Perera, Hirun Kapurubandara, Ravishan Nethsara, Rusanda Gamage, Sharujan Shanmuganathan, Dinura Kalupahana, Malsha Tharupathi, Vishva Lahiru, Garuka Sanketh, Duvindu Ranatunga, Ruvishan Perera, Supun Waduge, Vihas Thewmika, Vishen Halambage. 

Travelling Reserves: Dinuka Tennakoon, Hiran Jayasundara.

Fixtures

21 January: v Zimbabwe, Kimberley
24 January: v Namibia, Kimberley
28 January: v Australia, Kimberley

Watch out for

Malsha Tharupathi

In a land known for its finger spinners, Malsha Tharupathi is a rising leg-break bowler with a knack for handy contributions with the willow. The bowling all-rounder has already made his mark in the Sri Lanka domestic circuit, with 10 List A wickets at an average of 21.9, and 18 T20 wickets for merely 11.27. 

He played a crucial role in Sri Lanka U19's ODI series win over Pakistan during their tour of the country in October, taking seven wickets at an average of 18.71. He also picked five wickets at an average of 20 in the U19 Asia Cup in December. 

A leg-spinning all-rounder, Tharupathi seems to be following up in the footsteps of his Richmond College alum Wanindu Hasaranga. Sri Lanka U19s will hope that the youngster can emulate Hasaranga’s magical touch to lift their fortunes in the tournament.

What they said

Sineth Jayawardena, Sri Lanka captain: “As a unit, we are always together, and as the captain, I think that's our main strength. Even though we have downfalls, we have always made comebacks.”

Three-time champions Australia are joined by Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Namibia to make up Group C of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024.

The first game in the group will take place between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe on 22 January. All the games will be played in Kimberley.