Sri Lanka under 19 captain Charith Asalanka hammered yet another century as he guided his team to 305 at the end of day one in the second Youth Test against Pakistan under 19 at Hambanthota International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Charith Asalanka scored a magnificent 124 following his 200 in the first Youth Test match earlier this week. Sri Lanka made 6 changes to their team before Pakistan skipper won the toss and elected to field first.
New opening combination of Shanogeeth Shanmuganathan of Trinity College and Salinda Ushan of Isipathana College managed to put up only 11 runs before the latter fell for 1 to the bowling of Sameen Gul.
The 15-year old spinner Hayathullah then dismissed Shanogeeth for just 14. Star batsman, Avishka Fernando made only 17 as the hosts were 84 for 3 at one stage.
Left-handed Charith and Vice-captain Sammu Ashan put on an attacking 69 runs for the 4th wicket before former Ananda College skipper, Sammu was bowled by Hayathullah for 35.
St. Peter’s College wicket-keeper Lakshina Rodrigo and St. Joseph’s College all-rounder Jehan Daniel made crucial knocks of 37 and 51 respectively in their debut to partner up with their captain to push for a commendable score.
Richmondite, Charith Asalanka was excellent in using his feet for the spinners and playing off the back-foot against the faster bowlers. He made 124 in 194 balls before being dismissed by Saif Ali.
Right-handed Daniel shepherded the lower order to get the score past 300-run mark.
Hayathullah and Sameen Gul picked up three wickets each for the visitors.
The match will be continued tomorrow (Sunday) for second day’s play.
Sri Lanka U19 – 305 all out in 87.4 overs: Charith Asalanka 124, Jehan Daniel 51, Sammu Ashan 35, Lakshina Rodrigo 37, Sameen Gul 3/56, Hayathullah 3/81.
