Youth side in the Caribbean, looking to perfect rhythm ahead of World Cup
Chamara Silva
The Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket team will leave for the West Indies today for a seven-match One-Day International series that is seen as vital preparation for next year’s ICC Under-19 World Cup. The series, which begins on August 30 and runs until September 15, will be staged in Antigua and North Sound.
For Sri Lanka, this assignment comes at an important juncture. Despite the island’s proud cricketing heritage, the Under-19 side has consistently fallen short on the global stage. It has been 25 years since Sri Lanka reached the final of the Youth World Cup, finishing runners-up on home soil in 2000. With the 16th edition of the tournament set for early 2026 in Zimbabwe and Namibia, the challenge before the current management is to turn promise into enactment.
That responsibility now rests with former national cricketer Chamara Silva, who was appointed Head Coach in March this year. Silva has already overseen his first assignment, a competitive home series against Bangladesh where Sri Lanka lost 3-2, with one game abandoned due to rain. Speaking ahead of the Caribbean tour, Silva admitted his transition into the role had not been without challenges.
“Even though I had coached at club level, stepping into the national Under-19 setup brought unique challenges,” Silva said.
“These boys are directly from the schools system, so their exposure to top level cricket is limited. My job was to give them clarity on their roles and share the knowledge I gained as a player. It took time, but progress was evident as the Bangladesh series went on.”
While the Bangladesh tour provided useful exposure, it also revealed key shortcomings, particularly with the batting. Sri Lanka’s top order repeatedly struggled against the pace of Bangladesh’s attack, spearheaded by Al Fahad, who claimed 12 wickets in four matches at an average of just 13.66.
“Our batting weaknesses were exposed,” Silva admitted.
“We don’t have enough fast bowlers at school level who bowl at express pace, so our batters have limited experience facing that kind of attack. Against quality fast bowling, we were on the back foot. But these are lessons we can use to improve in the West Indies.”
On the bowling front, however, Silva was encouraged. Seamers Kugathas Mathulan and Rasith Nimsara showed promise with their discipline, while spinners Vigneshwaran Akash and Tharusha Navodya kept the opposition in check.
“The bowlers impressed me with their control,” Silva said.
“If they continue to improve with experience, we will have a balanced attack for the future.”
Since the Bangladesh series, the Under-19s have had three months of intensive training under Silva and his coaching staff, with a focus on rectifying technical flaws and sharpening match awareness. The recently concluded Under-19 Provincial Tournament also gave selectors the chance to identify fresh talent, with four standout performers rewarded with maiden call-ups.
Right-handed batter Pulisha Thilakaratne, wicketkeeper-batter Jason Fernando, and fast-bowling all-rounder Sethmika Seneviratne are among the new inclusions. Silva welcomed these additions and stressed the value of a long series to shape the World Cup preparation.
“This seven-match series gives us the chance to test combinations and provide opportunities for the whole squad,” Silva explained.
“Adapting to Caribbean conditions, with different pitches and ground dimensions, will be crucial. If we can expand our pool of players now, selectors will have more options when naming the final World Cup squad.”
Leadership will be critical in the coming weeks, and Silva has identified captain Vimath Dinsara, along with middle-order batters Chamika Heenatigala and Kavija Gamage, as key players who must shoulder responsibility.
“Our senior batters need to step up,” he said.
“If they can score consistently, it will give the rest of the side the freedom to play naturally and execute our plans.”
For Silva, the series is about more than just performances on the field. It is about building belief ahead of a defining year.
“Our priority is to compete hard, but of course we want to win the series,” Silva said.
“Success in the Caribbean would give the boys confidence and momentum. That’s the mindset we want going into a World Cup year.”
| Sri Lanka Under-19 Squad | |
| Vimath Dinsara (Captain, Royal College), Dimantha Mahavithana (Trinity College), Pulisha Thilakaratne (Trinity College), Senuja Wekunagoda (St. Joseph’s College), Aadham Hilmy (Trinity College), Kavija Gamage (Kingswood College), Viran Chamuditha (St. Servatius’ College), Jason Fernando (St. Peter’s College), Chamika Heenatigala (Mahanama College), Ramiru Perera (Royal College), Sethmika Seneviratne (Trinity College), Kugathas Mathulan (St. John’s College, Jaffna), Sanuja Ninduwara (St. Anne’s College), Rasith Nimsara (Lyceum International School, Wattala), Vigneshwaran Akash (Hartley College, Jaffna), Tharusha Navodya (Zahira College)
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