By Dhammika Ratnaweera
Defending champions Sri Lanka cricket team is confident that they can launch a successful attempt to retain the Emerging Asia Cup in Bangladesh. “We have done really well in the Emerging Asia Cup tournament in the past and we won the last Emerging Asia Cup as well. I have a skilled team and we practised hard for this tournament” said Sri Lanka Emerging cricket team skipper Chairth Asalanka.
He added that he is confident that his team could win the Emerging Asia Cup this time too. Sri Lanka left for Bangladesh on Saturday to defend their title which they won last year. “This time we have a well balanced side with many experienced players. Most of them are involved with ongoing Mercantile cricket tournament and good form with match practice,” said Asalanka.
The Sri Lanka team skipper 22-year-old Charith Asalanka who also led them to the championship in 2018 once again hope to repeat performance. Sri Lanka is sending a strong squad for this tournament with up and coming players in the calibre of Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Asitha Fernando, Minod Bhanuka and Amila Aponsu included to strengthen the side. There are seven players out of the 15-man squad who were part of last year’s Asia Emerging Cup. The squad will have a huge task defending the trophy for the second time.
The fourth edition of the tournament will see Under-23 teams of five Test nations from Asia (Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan) battling it out with the national teams of Hong Kong, Oman and Nepal for the championship from November 14-23.UAE who was to take part in this tournament pulled out without stating any official reasons thus making way for Nepal’s entry.
Former Sri Lanka fast bowler Chaminda Vaas who is the coach said that past experiences in Bangladesh will be handy in this tournament. “We have toured Bangladesh a few months ago and the boys competed really well there. Those experiences will help this bunch in the coming tournament. There are a few players who are vying for a place in the senior setup. This will be a golden opportunity for those players to polish their skill set,” said Vaas. Former fast bowler Dharshana Gamage also with the team as Assistant coach. Chaminda Mendis the selector on this tour also named to the Manager post.
Sri Lanka is drawn in Group A with Pakistan Emerging, Afghanistan Emerging and Oman. Group B will comprise India Emerging, Bangladesh Emerging, Hong Kong and Nepal.
Sri Lanka will play their three group matches at Cox’s Bazar on November 14 v Oman, November 16 v Pakistan Emerging, and on November 18 v Afghanistan Emerging.
Sri Lanka Emerging Team to take part in the 08 nation Emerging Teams Asia Cup, which will be held in Bangladesh from 13th to 23rd November,
Charith Asalanka- (Captain) Kamindu Mendis (Vice-Captain) Pathum Nissanka, Hasitha Boyagoda, Minod Bhanuka, Ashen Bandara, Shammu Ashan, Nishan Madushka, Jehan Daniel, Asitha Fernando, Kalana Perera, Ramesh Mendis, Amila Aponso, Chamika Karunaratna Shiran Fernando, Sachindu Colombage, Chaminda Vaas (Head coach).
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