Sri Lanka have presented a complete team for the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026placing his faith in a new generation of talents looking to go far in the tournament. The team will be captained by Vimath Dinsarawith Kavija Gage named vice-captain as Sri Lanka look to build on their encouraging performance in the previous edition. The main youth event will begin on January 15 with matches being played in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Vimath Dinsara handed over leadership responsibility
Dinsara has been entrusted with the captaincy after impressing the selectors with his composure and consistency at the youth level. Known for his solid batting technique and calm presence in pressure situations, Dinsara is expected to anchor the innings while also leading tactically from the front. His deputy, Gamage, adds further stability to the leadership group, offering flexibility as a batsman and as an all-round option.
Batting Depth and Overall Strength
The Sri Lanka team reflects a clear emphasis on batting depth and versatility. Together with Dinsara and Gamage, Dimantha Mahavithana He is another batsman who is expected to play a key role in the top and middle order. The selectors have also placed great confidence in a group of versatile players, including Viran Chamuditha, Chamika Heentigalaand Gamage, who bring balance to the team with their ability to contribute in more than one discipline.
This overall depth is likely to be crucial in the demanding conditions of Zimbabwe and Namibia, where teams often need to quickly adapt to different pitches and weather conditions. Sri Lanka’s think tank appears keen to avoid over-reliance on specialists and instead opts for players who can adjust their roles depending on match situations.
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Focus on adaptability and conditions.
Sri Lanka’s approach to the 2026 edition is largely determined by lessons learned from the previous Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, where they advanced to the Super 6 stage. That campaign highlighted the importance of flexibility, particularly in overseas conditions. With headquarters spread across two countries, adaptability has once again become a central theme in the selection.
The bowling unit features a mix of pace and spin options, with players like Sethmika Seneviratne, Kugathas Mathulan, Rasith Nimsaraand Vigneshwaran Akash was expected to shoulder the responsibility in different phases of the game. His ability to exploit conditions early and control the halfway points could define Sri Lanka’s campaign.
Sri Lanka have been drawn into Group A, where they will face a tough test against defending champions Australia, along with Ireland and Japan. The group promises a mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging cricketing nations, making consistency vital from the start.
Sri Lanka will begin their tournament on January 17 against Japan, a match that offers an early opportunity to calm nerves and build momentum. However, clashes against Australia and Ireland are expected to provide a clearer picture of the team’s title credentials.
Sri Lanka 2026 U-19 World Cup Squad
Vimath Dinsara (c), Kavija Gamage (vc), Dimantha Mahavithana, Viran Chamuditha, Dulnith Sigera, Chamika Heentigala, Adam Hilmy, Chamarindu Nethsara, Sethmika Seneviratne, Kugathas Mathulan, Rasith Nimsara, Vigneshwaran Akash, Jeewantha Sriram, Senuja Wekunagoda, Malintha Silva
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![IND vs. New Zealand [WATCH]: Virat Kohli frozen in disbelief as Glenn Phillips almost makes an impossible catch to dismiss Shubman Gill during Vadodara ODI](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Virat-Kohli-and-Glenn-Phillips.webp "IND vs. New Zealand [WATCH]: Virat Kohli frozen in disbelief as Glenn Phillips almost makes an impossible catch to dismiss Shubman Gill during Vadodara ODI")
