Sri Lanka Under-19 women’s team, led by Manudi Nanayakkara, will begin their campaign in the ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup when they meet Malaysia in their opening game on January 19 in Kuala Lumpur.
Before the World Cup, Sri Lanka played two warm-up games against Bangladesh and Samoa. Sri Lanka lost to Bangladesh in the first warm-up game but recorded an easy 76-run win over Samoa, which is making its first World Cup appearance.
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh tied their four-match T20 series in Sri Lanka, each winning two games. Sri Lanka took the first two matches but were defeated in the last two.
In their first warm-up game for the Malaysia T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka suffered another defeat to Bangladesh, extending their losing streak to three matches. However, the second warm-up match was a dominant performance against a less experienced Samoa side. Sri Lanka’s bowlers excelled, led by leg-spinner Limansa Thillakaratne, who took 5 for 6. She was well-supported by 15-year-old Chamodi Munasinghe (3 for 6) and Aseni Thalagune (2 for 7). Samoa was bowled out for just 38 runs in 12.4 overs, chasing Sri Lanka’s total of 114.
Sri Lanka relies heavily on their spinners, with 16-year-old wrist-spinner Shashini Gimhani, a senior national team member, carrying a key role in the World Cup. Sri Lanka faced Malaysia in the recent Asia Cup in Malaysia, winning by 94 runs. Skipper Manudi Nanayakkara led with a 40-ball 74 as Sri Lanka scored 153/4, while Malaysia managed only 59/6 in 20 overs. Facing Malaysia again on January 19, Sri Lanka aims to repeat this performance to boost their morale and start the tournament strong.
Sri Lanka, Malaysia, West Indies, and defending champions India are in Group A for the World Cup. Sri Lanka will play West Indies on January 21 and India on January 23. The team plans to focus on one match at a time. After their recent win against Malaysia in the Asia Cup under similar conditions, Sri Lanka looks to minimise mistakes and win again.
Head coach Mahesh Weerasinghe, with the support of batting coach Rivin Pieris and bowling coach Omesh Wijesiriwardena, is focused on preparing the team. The squad has gained valuable experience from playing in a tri-national tournament with England and Australia in Sri Lanka, as well as playing against Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane. Their exposure to conditions similar to those in Malaysia during the Asia Cup gives them an edge. However, the World Cup will showcase top teams, and intense competition is expected.
The 41-game event will feature 16 teams, just like the inaugural edition in 2023, and will conclude with the final on February 2.
Under-19 Women’s Team Groupings for the T-20 World Cup:
Group A – India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, West Indies
Group B – England, Ireland, Pakistan, USA
Group C – New Zealand, Nigeria, Samoa, South Africa
Group D – Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Scotland
Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s Squad: Manudi Nanayakkara (Capt), Rashmika Sewwandi (V.Capt), Vimoksha Balasooriya, Hiruni Hansika, Sumudu Nisansala, Dahami Sanuthma, Rashmi Nethranjali, Sashini Gimhani, Asheni Thalagune, Pramudi Methsarani, Chamodi Praboda, Sanjana Kavindi, Danuli Thennakoon, Limansa Thilakaratne, Shehara Induwari.
