Acc U-19 Asia Cup: Sri Lanka U19 Team Departs with Balanced Squad

Sri Lanka’s Under‑19 cricket side has left for the ACC U‑19 Asia Cup, taking a balanced squad drawn mainly from the nation’s top cricket schools. The team, captained by Viran Chamuditha, will open Group B against Malaysia on Thursday.

acc u-19 asia cup: tournament overview

The ACC‑organised competition features eight nations playing the 50‑over format. Sri Lanka joins Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Malaysia in Group B, with the first match scheduled for Thursday versus Malaysia.

A strong SL team leave for Under 19 Asia Cup

The departing squad blends experience and youth. Opening batsman Viran Chamuditha, a St. Servatius alumnus, made history with a 192 at the previous ICC Youth World Cup. His deputy, Senuja Wakunegoda of St. Joseph’s College, already boasts a rare double‑century for the U19 side. Other notable batters include Rehan Peiris (Royal College), Kithma Withanapathirana (Ananda College), and Gimhan Rasanjana (Devapathiraja College). The middle order is further reinforced by Sanul Weerarathne and Lithma Perera.

Sri Lanka U19 cricketers to make use of MCA experience to win maiden title

Selectors have leaned on players who have performed in the prestigious MCC (MCA) school tournaments. Spin options feature Chaniru Senarathne (Trinity College) and the wicket‑keeper Stevon Peiris (S. Thomas’ College). Medium‑pace bowler Lathendra Akash, the sole representative from a lower‑division school, recently claimed wickets against India U19, signalling his readiness for the challenge.

Kaushika Kumarasinghe's bowling masterclass headlines Sri Lanka's dominant victory over Malaysia

In the opening clash, Kaushika Kumarasinghe delivered a standout bowling performance that helped Sri Lanka secure a convincing win over Malaysia, as highlighted by recent match reports.

Group B schedule and next steps

After the Malaysia opener, Sri Lanka will face Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the group stage. Success in these matches will determine progression to the knockout rounds, where the team hopes to capture its first ACC U‑19 Asia Cup title.

Sources: Island.lk, Magzter, ThePapare.