The ongoing Women’s Under 19 ODI and T20 Tri-Series in Australia, which also features sportswomen from England and Sri Lanka, has unearthed new talents who could rule women’s cricket on the global stage in years to come. 

With hosts Australia and Sri Lanka taking major honours, with four wins and a loss after playing five games each, England may have a lot to mull over after six straight losses in the T20 series. But two girls of Sri Lankan origin have made headlines back home, making a significant stride. 

All-rounder Malisha Tennakoon is one such youngster, along with her teammate Venus Weerappuli, both of whom have roots in Sri Lanka. 

Although Weerappuli has been a regular member of the England U19 Women’s Team in both ODI and T20 formats, Tennakoon played her part as a right-hand middle-order batter and right-arm pace bowler in the three ODI games she played.

A student at Abbotsholme School in Rocester, Derbyshire, Tennakoon is a Warwickshire Academy player who also represents the Derbyshire Falcons and her county U18 side, turning out as an all-rounder for her home county, Staffordshire.

Named as a reserve in the England U19 women’s squad for the upcoming tri-series in Australia, Tennakoon has made both her club and school proud.

As an Under 13 player, she had the rare opportunity to play for her club – and win – at Lord’s in the Lady Taverners National Cup final. Her recognition within the England pathway at this stage is a testament to her hard work and talent, bringing well-deserved honour to her efforts.

At her school, Tennakoon is regarded as an inspiration to younger pupils, motivating more girls to pick up a bat and believe in where the game can take them. Her ultimate goal is to represent England at the highest level.