Japan Under-19s take on Sri Lanka Under-19s in a Group C fixture of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at the Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek on 17th January. The match is scheduled to begin at 07:30 UK time, which converts to 13:00 IST. With Sri Lanka arriving as strong contenders and Japan continuing their journey on the global stage, this encounter highlights the expanding reach and competitiveness of Under-19 cricket.
Form Guide
Japan Under-19s
Japan Under-19s enter the World Cup as one of the developing nations, focused on growth, exposure, and competing with discipline. Their qualification pathway showcased improved structure and teamwork, particularly in their bowling and fielding. Against an experienced Sri Lankan side, Japan will aim to execute basics well and remain competitive for as long as possible.
- Bowling unit emphasising accuracy and containment.
- Batting focused on application rather than power.
- Valuable experience gained at global tournaments.
Sri Lanka Under-19s
Sri Lanka Under-19s arrive with a proud history at youth World Cups and a squad built around technical excellence. Their batting lineup is comfortable building innings on slower surfaces, while the bowling attack blends control with subtle variations. Sri Lanka are renowned for their ability to manage pressure situations effectively.
- Technically sound batting suited to tournament conditions.
- Spin bowling strength through middle overs.
- Strong tactical awareness and game management.
Key Players
Japan Under-19s
- Kaito Uchida – Dependable top-order batter tasked with anchoring the innings.
- Makoto Taniyama – All-rounder providing balance with bat and ball.
- Kenta Yamamoto – Bowler relied upon for disciplined spells.
Sri Lanka Under-19s
- Dunith Wellalage – Influential all-rounder capable of controlling games.
- Shevon Daniel – Technically strong batter adept at pacing innings.
- Ravindu Rasantha – Key bowling option with variation and control.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Namibia Cricket Ground generally offers good pace and carry early before settling into a surface that rewards patient batting. Seamers can extract bounce in the morning sessions, while spinners become more effective as the pitch wears. Warm and dry conditions are forecast, providing ideal conditions for uninterrupted World Cup cricket.
Japan Under-19s vs Sri Lanka Under-19s – Prediction
This Group C encounter is likely to be dictated by Sri Lanka’s superior experience and depth. If Dunith Wellalage controls the middle overs and the batting unit builds a solid platform, Sri Lanka Under-19s should dominate proceedings. Japan’s objective will be to show resilience through contributions from Kaito Uchida and disciplined bowling. While Japan may produce competitive moments, Sri Lanka Under-19s are clear favourites to secure victory.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Dunith Wellalage – Premium all-round fantasy option.
- Shevon Daniel – Reliable top-order batting pick.
- Makoto Taniyama – Value all-round selection for Japan.
