With the exciting  U 19 division one ‘Singer Trophy’ cricket tournament 2016/17 gaining momentum already, we take a look at another set of cricket captains who will be leading their respective schools this season. 

Lakshina Rodrigo – St. Peter’s College

4th year coloursman and the wicket-keeper of the side, Rodrigo is a bulky lad but certainly a talented cricketer. Right-handed middle-order batsman topped the 1000-run mark last year with an average of over 40. He started off the season with a matured 75 against St. Aloysius’ College last week and will no doubt be a terrific leader for St. Peter’s this season. He has also represented Sri Lanka U19s last year playing four youth ODIs and one youth Test.

Shanogeeth Shanmuganathan – Trinity College

Touted as one of the most promising opening batsmen in the hill capital this season, Shanogeeth amassed more than 1000 runs last season going on to represent Sri Lanka U19s as well. The ability to bowl left-arm orthodox spin is another prowess of  the left-handed stylist who can certainly lead his alma mater to great heights this season. He was recently awarded a Trinity Lion for Cricket a prestigious accolade at Trinity.

Romesh Nallaperuma– S. Thomas’ College

The right-handed middle-order batsman debuted for S. Thomas’ College in 2013/14 season against Richmond College. He played his first ‘Battle of the Blues’ in 2016 and will lead the Thomian side in March, 2017. Apart of Cricket, Nallaperuma plays Hockey for S. Thomas’ College and is areliable slip fielder. He has led S. Thomas’ College cricket in U13, U15 and U17 age categories. Last season he scored close to 400 runs with a highest score of 82.

Kamindu Mendis – Richmond College

Kamindu Mendis got himself into the lime-light during the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2016 in Bangladesh when he bowled with both his arms, becoming an overnight sensation as an ambidextrous spinner, an absolute rarity in world cricket. A top-class left-handed batsman, he is still recovering from a shoulder injury and will take part in the current season only after getting the clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket. Mendis made his list ‘A’ debut for Galle Cricket Club last year and will certainly become an exceptional batting all-rounder in the years to come.

Know Your Schools’ Cricket Captains 2016/17 – Part 1

Thanuka Dabare – Lumbini College

Left-handed opening batsman and right-arm off-spinner Thanuka Dabare has been given the responsibility of leading the Lumbini outfit this year.  He is a vastly experienced player, representing Sri Lanka U19s and Saracens SC in SLC Premier Club Tournament. Last year he accumulated over 450 runs and will look to double that total this season.

Malinga Hewage – President’s College, Kotte

18-year old Hewage will be the main cog in the President’s College wheel this season. Left-handed middle order batsman had an average 2015/16 season and his main forte will be the left-arm spinners. His accuracy with the red leather ball will definitely bring him loads of wickets in the future.

Udara Ravindu – Gurukula College, Kelaniya

Right-handed middle-order batsman, Ravindu playing his last year for Gurukula College, Kelaniya is a versatile cricketer who could even bowl right-arm leg-spinners at any given time. Without having a proper cricket ground at their disposal, Ravindu has also earned praises from many coaches for being a terrific fielder.

Sandaru Asanga – St. Mary’s College, Kegalle

4th year coloursman, Sandaru Asanga was instrumental last season to help St. Mary’s College earn a promotion to play top-tier schools’ cricket. Right-handed middle-order batsman scored over 500 runs and took more than 20 catches. His captaincy skills will be severely tested this season as they are competing with many renowned cricket-playing schools.

Dinitha Basnayake – St. Benedict’s College

3rd year player and left-handed batsman, Dinitha Basnayake has been bestowed with the great honour of leading St. Benedict’s College this season. Left-handed top order batsman, Basnayake scored over 500 runs last season and captured close to 20 wickets with his right-arm off-spinners.

Deshan Gunasinghe – Dharmaraja College, Kandy

18-year old left-handed middle order batsman Gunasinghe will be representing Rajans for the 5th consecutive year. He bowls part-time right-arm leg-spinners and has a safe pair of hands. He made over 600 runs last year with only one century to his name. Essentially a driver, Gunasinghe loves the off and on drives.  He also has valuable under 23 club cricket experience representing Kurunegala Cricket Club.

Sasiri Adikari – Bandaranayake College

5th year coloursman, Adikari is the stumper of the side who bats in the middle order for his team. Last season, the right-handed batsman made a staggering 890 runs in 13 matches with a century against St. Anthony’s College, Wattala.  Adikari is renowned to be a great team player who gives his ‘all’ to the team. His expertize behind the wickets will no doubt boost Bandaranayake College, Gampaha.

Sachindu Colombage – Maris Stella College

18-year old Colombage is a right-arm leg-spinner playing his 4th year for Maris Stella College. He had a terrific 2015/16 season scoring 550 runs and capturing 45 wickets. He has previously led Maris Stella College in U15 and U17 age-levels.

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