Sri Lanka U-19 off to a flying start in South Africa

12th January, 2017, Stellenbosch – South Africa: The Sri Lankan Under-19 team in Sri Lanka was off to a good start at their first warm-up match against the Boland Academy at Stellenbosch scoring 288 for the loss of five wickets in just 49.3 overs.

The Sri Lankan lads won the toss and elected to bat first. Thisaru Rashmika was included after both coaches decided to have 12 players each for the match with one player bowling and the other batting.

Boland Academy scored 284 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 50 overs. Thisaru secured four wickets for 64 runs while Manelker got two wickets.

Captain Avishka Fernando had to retire early as he was hit on the hand while fielding and was unfortunately hit again at the same spot while batting. Manager of the team Mahinda Halangode confirmed that the Fernando did not sustain any serious injuries or fractures. “As a precaution we decided to get him to retire. But he should be fine within the next two days.”

“We now have three days of practice and the 1st tournament match stars on Sunday against South Africa followed by Zimbabwe the following day,” he said.

“The team is eagerly looking forward to their first match.” The team selected for the warm-up match in the batting order included Avishka Fernando, Vishya Chathuranga, Hasitha Boyagoda, Kamindu Mendis (Vice Captain), Sammu Ashan, Ashen Bandara, Mishen Silva, Manelher De Silva, Jehan Daniel, Nipun Ransika and Praveen Jayawickrama.