Playing in Australia crucial before World Cup, says U-19 skipper Manudi

Sri Lanka’s U-19 women’s cricket captain, Manudi Nanayakkara, says the upcoming Tri-Nation tournament in Australia is crucial preparation for next year’s U-19 Women’s World Cup. Speaking before the team left for Australia, she said playing against strong teams like Australia and New Zealand in their home conditions is very important.

“We played a similar Tri-Nation tournament at home with Australia and England in Hambantota and Galle. However, playing in Australian conditions against teams like Australia and New Zealand is very important for us. Especially since we’re playing New Zealand for the first time, my team is confident about this series,” said Manudi.

“Our coaching staff, led by Mahesh Weerasinghe, has always been highly supportive, and we have a well-balanced team of both bowlers and batters. The most important thing at this level is gaining match exposure, and I’m confident this series will help us in that regard,” said the captain.

The team includes many outstation players, with six coming from Devapathiraja Vidyalaya, Rathgama. Manudi said that after the Youth League Women’s Tournament, it was tough to pick the final squad due to the many talented players. Seven new players made it to the team this time.

Chamodi Probodha Munasinghe, a top leg-spinner from Monaragala, also earned a spot after her strong performance in the previous U-19 Tri-Nation tournament. “We played well against Australia at home last April, but playing in their conditions is always a good learning experience before the World Cup,” said Manudi, who studies at Princess of Wales College, Moratuwa.

The Sri Lanka U-19 team will begin the tournament with a T20 match against New Zealand on September 20, followed by another game on September 26.  They will also play two T20s against Australia on September 22 and 25. After the Tri-Nation series, the team will play two ODIs – one against Australia on September 30 and another against New Zealand on October 1.

Sri Lanka women’s under 19 team

Manudi Nanayakkara (Capt), Rashmika Sewwandi.(V.Capt) Sumudu Nisansala, Sanjana Kavindi, Vimoksha Balasuriya, Rashmi Nethranjali, Erandi Hansamali, Pramudi Methsara, Hiruni Hansika, Chamodi Prabodha, Dahami Sanethma, Asheni Thalagune, Shehara Induwari, Danuli Thennakoon, Nethagi Isuranjali, Limansa Thillakarathne

Source:Daily News