Sri Lanka U.19 off to South Africa in confident mood

by Ranjan ANANDAPPA

CRICKET: The buoyant Sri Lanka under 19 cricketers, after their dual success beating their Australian counterparts 3-2 in an away series and defeating Pakistan in a triangular `home' series involving Bangladesh, left last evening (Saturday) for South Africa to meet the host and India in a triangular series.

This tournament is in preparation for the under 19 World Cup to be staged in New Zealand from January 15 to 30.

The Lankan juniors have been preparing for some time under the guidance of coach Naveed Nawaz and consultant Aravinda de Silva who have been able to knit them to an effective combination. This tournament, which features three of the tough sides in junior cricket, will no doubt help them to asses their strength and weaknesses prior to the all important one in January 2010. "The team is a good combination with a balance in all three departments.

The only flaw has been their running between the wickets which should be rectified. Our batsmen have the tendency due to lack of communication to run themselves out at crucial moments, particularly under pressure", said coach Nawaz.

The team consist many left-hand batsmen (9). It includes the captain Chatura Pieris and his deputy Kithruwan Vithanage along with his fellow Royalist Banuka Rajapakse who are in the top bracket. Both excelled in their previous tour of Australia.

The other South-paws are Rumesh Buddikia, Charith Jayampathy, Udara Jayasundera, Denuwan Rajakaruna, Danushka Gunatileka, Saranga Rajaguru. The team: Chatura Pieris (St. Peter's) Captain, Kithruwan Vithanage (Royal) V. Captain, Danushka Gunatileka (Mahanama), Udara Jayasundera (Ananda), Andre Berenger (St. Peter's), Rumesh Buddika (Mahinda), Yasodha Lanka (Richmond), Denuwan Rajakaruna (Mahinda), Charith Jayampathy (D.S. Senanayake), Lahiru Jayaratne (St. Peter's), Kasun Madusanka (St. Servatius, Matara), Samitha de Mel (St. Sebastian's, Moratuwa), Banuka Rajapakse (Royal), Rushan Jaleel (Trinity), Maduka Liyanapathirana (Lumbini MV), Saranga Rajaguru (Nugawela Central, Katugastota), Adeesha Nanayakkara (Nalanda), Angelo Jayasinghe (Maris Stella), Nipun Karunanayake (Nalanda), Akshu Fernando (St. Peter's).

Officials: Muttiah Devaraja (Manager),

Aravinda de Silva (Consultant),

Upul Chandana (Fielding coach),

Naveed Nawaz (Coach).

Schedule of matches: All matches will be played at different venues in Johanesburg.

December 27: Sri Lanka Vs South Africa

December 28: South Africa Vs India

December 30: Sri Lanka Vs India

December 31: Sri Lanka Vs South Africa

January 2, 2010: Sri Lanka Vs India

January 3: South Africa Vs India

January 5: Final