U-19 Cricket: Sri Lanka and Bangladesh ODI series begin on Sunday

The Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Under-19s cricket tour will get underway on Sunday (18) with the first of the five ODI matches scheduled to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium.   The two team’s posses the future cricket stars of the respective countries who would get their opportunity to reach greater heights.   The Sri Lanka junior selectors have selected a squad of 17 players led by Richmond’s allrounder Charith Asalanka for the first three ODI’s due to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium.   Carlton Bernadus speaking to the media at a press briefing held at Jaic Hilton where the two teams area based said that the five match ODI series and the two three-day matches will be an eye opener for the youngsters.   He added that the series is being held in preparation for the ICC U-19 World Cup due to be played in Bangladesh next year.   “In fact this is team building and the youngsters should take the games seriously”.   He further stated that the Pakistan U19 is also expected to be in Sri Lanka in the near future and it’s left to them to grab the opportunity and perform at their best if they are to catch the eye of the selectors and cement their place.   “It’s a great opportunity for the boys” said Sri Lanka U19 coach Roger Wijesuriya.   When inquired why some of the top players in the school cricket arena has been omitted Wijesuriya said that the selectors had picked the best 31 players having initially started the training programme with 90 players.   “Yes I understand that some of the best players have been omitted but at the end of the day the selectors are left with limited options.”   He was optimistic saying that the squad that has been selected is not the final adding that we may change players as the series goes by.   Bangladesh U19 skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz speaking to the media said that it’s a good opportunity that we have got to showcase our talent.   “We will put in our best foot forward and will no doubt take the tour seriously.”   Sri Lanka U19 squad for three ODI’s: Charith Asalanka (Richmond - Capt), Avishka Fernando (St Sebastian’s Moratuwa), Kaveen Bandara (DSS), Sahan Arachchige (Ananda), Vishad Randika (Isipathana), Wanindu Hasaranga (Richmond), Cha\mika Karunaratne (Royal), Damith Silva (Maliyadeva), Nushan Weerasinghe (Trinity), Asitha Fernando (St Sebastian’s Katuneriya), Keshan Wijeratne (Maliyadeva), Nishan Peiris (St Peter’s Negombo), Pasindu Isira (Air Force), Shammu Ashan (Ananda), Duvindu Tillekeratne (Trinity).