SLC Super Provincial 50 Overs Tournament 2017 kicks off on April 9
The Super Provincial 50 Over Tournament scheduled to be held from the 9th to 30th April will witness 60 top players from 4 provinces showcase their talent. With teams from Galle, Dambulla Colombo and Kandy captained by Upul Tharanga, Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal and Chamara Kapugedera respectively, upcoming young players will face the ultimate performance test as they play to get a spot in the 15 squad.
Colombo is set to take on Dambulla at the CCC in a day game while Galle will also be taking on Kandy in a day encounter. As seasoned national squad players lead their respective teams from the front, the Super Provincial provides an ideal domestic platform for upcoming players to stand out at a time that is marked by an influx of young talent raising their hands for national selection.
Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) Super Provincial Tournament concept, under the direction of its President, Thilanga Sumathipala, has opened an avenue to draw talented cricketing individuals at grassroots level from across the island. Providing recognition at national level. The final is to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in a day-night game.
Sadeera Samarawickrema, who shows immense talent with a half century against Bangladesh, and a match winning top score of 45 against Pakistan, instrumental in guiding the Sri Lanka Emerging XI to the Asian Cricket Council Emerging Team Cup 2017 Championship title, as well as tournament Man of the Series Charith Asalanka, are prospective high potential performers.
Former Sri Lanka vice-captain Lahiru Thirimanne, who lost his way from the 2016 Australian home tour due to poor form, and Akila Dananjaya, the off spinner representing Galle, who made an impressive wicket taking international debut a few years ago, but faded away since will also be taking part. And interestingly, the tournament while focusing on youngsters will also be a stage for more recognized players to reestablish their capabilities.
THE SQUADS:
COLOMBO: Dinesh Chandimal (Captain), Lahiru Thirimanne, Dilshan Munaweera, Kithuruwan Vithanage, Ashan Priyanjan, Angelo Perera, Shehan Jayasuriya, Wanindu Hasaranga, Thissara Perera, Kasun Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Vishva Fernando, Sachithra Senanayake, Jeffrey Vandasay, Alankara Asanka
Manager – Jerry Woutersz, Head Coach – Avishka Gunawardena, Assistant Coach – Manoj Abeywickrema, Bowling Coach – Nuwan Zoysa, Physio – Ranjith Nanayakkarawasam.
GALLE: Upul Tharanga (Captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Dananjaya De Silva, Shammu Ashan, Yashoda Lanka, Minod Banuka, Chathuranga De Silva, Seekkuge Prasanna, Suranga Lakmal, Vikum Sanjaya, Dasun Shanaka, Akila Dananjaya, Chamika Karunaratne, Malinda Pushpakumara.
Manager – Varuna Waragoda, Head Coach – Hashan Tillakaratne, Assistant Coach – Upul Chandana, Bowling Coach – Ravindra Pushpakumara, Physio – Ajantha Wattegama.
KANDY: Chamara Kapugedera (Captain), Mahela Udawatte, Danushka Gunathilaka, Sandun Weerakkody, Charith Asalanka, Dilhan Cooray, Hashan Dumindu, Sachith Pathirana, Lahiru Madushanka, Shaminda Eranga, Lahiru Gamage, Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana, Amila Aponso, Ramith Rambukwella.
Manager – Sunil Wickremanayake, Head Coach – Piyal Wijetunga, Assistant Coach – Nuwan Seneviratne, Bowling Coach – Chamila Gamage, Physio – Brad Robinson.
DAMBULLA: Kusal Janith Perera (Captain), Udara Jayasundera, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Banuka Rajapaksha, Harsha Cooray, Lahiru Milantha, Milinda Siriwardene, Dilruwan Perera, Nuwan Kulasekera, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando, Lashiru Kumara, Suraj Randiv, Lakshan Sandakan.
Manager – Vinothan John, Head Coach – Sumithra Warneakulasuriya, Assistant Coach – Ajith Ekanayake, Bowling Coach – Darshana Gamage, Physio – Priyantha Wickramasinghe.
