The highly anticipated ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 is set to begin on October 18 in Oman. This tournament will showcase the rising stars of Asian cricket as eight teams compete for the title. Divided into two groups of four, each team will face off against the others in their group. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the winners of those matches battling it out in the final.

Group composition and historical significance

Group A features Afghanistan A, Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, and Hong Kong. Group B includes India A, Oman, UAE, and Pakistan Shaheens. Historically, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have dominated the tournament, each claiming two titles. India have also secured one championship, adding to the competitive nature of the event. The tournament will kick off with a Group A match between Bangladesh A and Hong Kong on October 18. Cricket fans can expect ten days of thrilling action, culminating in the final on October 27.

A promising Sri Lanka A contingent

Sri Lanka A team will be led by Nuwanidu Fernando, who brings both leadership and batting prowess to the side. Supporting him at the top of the order are aggressive players like Yashodha Lanka and Lasith Croospulle, known for their ability to score quickly during the powerplay.

The middle order features versatile batters such as Sahan Arachchige and Pawan Rathnayake, who can stabilize the innings when needed. With a strong emphasis on all-round capabilities, players like Isitha Wijesundera and Kavindu Nadeeshan are expected to contribute significantly with both bat and ball. The bowling attack is bolstered by experienced spinners like Ramesh Mendis and Nimesh Vimukthi.

This blend of youth and experience positions Sri Lanka A as a formidable contender in Group A. The squad aims to leverage its depth in talent to make a strong start in the tournament, with the first match against Afghanistan A on October 18, 2024.

Also READ: Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 Schedule: Date, Squads, Match Time, Broadcast & Live Streaming details

Best playing XI for Sri Lanka A for the Men’s T20 Emerging Asia Cup 2024:

Lasith Croospulle

Role: Opening Batter
Position: Top Order
Strengths: An accomplished batter, Croospulle is known for his ability to set a solid foundation at the top of the order. His experience and technique allow him to navigate early overs effectively, making him a key player in building partnerships.

Yashodha Lanka

Role: Opening Batter
Position: Top Order
Strengths: Lanka is an aggressive opener who can score quickly, particularly in the powerplay. His ability to take on bowlers early can put pressure on the opposition and set the tone for the innings.

Nuwanidu Fernando (c)

Role: Middle Order Batter
Position: No. 3
Strengths: As captain, Fernando brings leadership and stability to the middle order. He has a solid technique and can anchor the innings while also accelerating when needed, making him versatile in various match situations.

Sahan Arachchige

Role: Middle Order Batter
Position: No. 4
Strengths: Arachchige is known for his calm demeanor and ability to rebuild innings under pressure. His experience in handling challenging situations makes him a valuable asset in stabilizing the batting lineup.

Pawan Rathnayake

Role: Middle Order Batter
Position: No. 5
Strengths: Rathnayake is a versatile player who can adapt to different match scenarios. His ability to play both aggressively and defensively adds depth to the middle order, providing flexibility in strategy.

Lahiru Udara

Role: Wicketkeeper
Position: Middle Order Batter
Strengths: Udara is a versatile player who combines his skills as a wicketkeeper with his batting prowess. As a wicketkeeper, he is known for his agility and sharp reflexes, making him effective behind the stumps. His batting style is aggressive yet technically sound, allowing him to play crucial innings at the top of the order. With a solid first-class average of 40.59 and experience in various formats.

Isitha Wijesundera

Role: All-rounder
Position: Lower Middle Order / Bowler
Strengths: Wijesundera is effective with both bat and ball, providing depth in the lower order and options in bowling. His ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game enhances team dynamics.

Ramesh Mendis

Role: Bowling All-rounder
Position: Bowler / Lower Order Batter
Strengths: Mendis is a skilled off-spinner capable of breaking partnerships and containing runs. His lower-order batting adds depth, making him a valuable player in tight matches.

Kavindu Nadeeshan

Role: All-rounder
Position: Lower Middle Order
Strengths: Nadeeshan’s dual capabilities as a batter and bowler make him a crucial all-rounder. His innovative batting skills can disrupt bowlers, while his bowling adds balance to the team.

Nimesh Vimukthi

Role: Slow left arm
Position: Bowler
Strengths: Vimukthi’s spin bowling can be pivotal on turning tracks, allowing him to take crucial wickets while maintaining an economical rate. His variations keep batters guessing.

Eshan Malinga

Role: Fast Bowler
Position: Bowler
Strengths: Malinga brings raw pace and aggression to the bowling lineup, capable of unsettling batters early on. His ability to bowl yorkers makes him effective during crucial moments of the game.

Also READ: Men’s T20 Emerging Asia Cup 2024: Best playing XI for Bangladesh A

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