Sri Lanka under 19 vice-captain Sammu Ashan scored a magnificent century to guide his team to a 37-run (D/L) victory over Pakistan under 19 team in their first Youth ODI which was played at Hambanthota on Friday.
Right-handed Sammu Ashan bludgeoned 103 from 112 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes to help Sri Lanka under 19s go 1-0 up in the five-match series.
Pakistan skipper Imran Rafiq won the toss and elected to field first. Trinitian opener Shanogeeth Shanmuganathan was trapped LBW for no score by right-arm fast-bowler Arfan Liaqat in the 2nd over.
One drop batsman Avishka Fernando made 10 runs before being given LBW off Sameen Gul. Isipathanian opener Salinda Ushan made a slow 15 runs before he was stumped off Hayathullah as the hosts’ were reeling at 50 for 3 in the 14th over.
Captain Charith Asalanka was then joined by his deputy, Sammu Ashan and they resurrected the innings with a valuable 86-run stand for the 4th wicket. Asalanka hammered 7 fours in his 75-ball 65 before being bowled by Hamza Khan.
Sammu shouldered the responsibility and batted beautifully. He was involved in two vital partnerships of 38 and 39 with Wanindu Hasaranga (11) and Jehan Daniel (11) respectively.
Sammu brought up his century in the 47th over but soon after fell to Arfan Liaqat. Sri Lanka under 19s were bowled out for 239 with 2 balls to spare.
In reply, Pakistan under 19s were dented by the early loss of their two openers, Mohommad Umar and Zeeshan Malik. The 16-year old speedster from St. Joseph’s College, Jehan Daniel took out both batsmen in a fierce 5-over spell. He bowled 2 maidens and gave away only 8 runs for his 2 scalps.
Wicket-keeper Umair Masood was the next to go when left-arm spinner, Thilan Nimesh dismissed him for 14 in the 14th over. Skipper Rafiq was batting positively on 39 when bad light stopped play at around 4.15pm.
The visitors were 92 for 4 in the 30th over and according Duckworth & Lewis calculations, they were still 37 runs behind.
The second Youth ODI between these two teams will be worked out on 19th October at NCC.
Sri Lanka U19 – 239 all out in 49.4 overs: Sammu Ashan 103, Charith Asalanka 65, Arafat Liaqat 2/40, Sameen Gul 2/35.
Pakistan U19 – 92/4 in 29.3 overs: Imran Rafiq 37*, Jehan Daniel 2/8.
