Kandy were crowned champions of U19 Sri Lanka Youth League 2023 as they defeated Colombo North by 6 wickets in the final of the tournament worked off today (7th July) at Pallekele.
After being put to bat first, Colombo North got off to a bizarre start, losing five top order wickets for just 29 runs.
Sarujan Sammuganathen and Rashmika Hirushan then revived Colombo North innings to some extent, adding a 60-run stand for the 6th wicket before the latter was bowled by Dinuka Thennkoon for 30 runs.
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Sarujan Sammuganathen went onto score a fine half-century but Colombo North was eventually bowled out for a well below par score of 177.
Thenuka Ekanayaka and Abdul Hakam produced excellent bowling spells, picking up 3 wickets each for Kandy.
Pulindu Perera and Rahal Amarasinghe opened the batting for Kandy, but their stand only lasted for just 9 runs as Perera lost his wicket for just 1 run in the very second over of the innings.
>>Photos – Kandy vs Colombo North – U19 Sri Lanka Youth League 2023 | Final<<
However, the skipper Amarasinghe and Supun Waduge built a match winning partnership worth 91 runs for the 2nd wicket helping Kandy cruised to the target in 35.5 overs with 6 wickets in hand.
Amarasinghe stroked a brilliant half-century while Kavija Gamage chipped in with useful 49 runs in Kandy’s successful run-chase.
Award Winners
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Rahal Amarasinghe (Kandy) – Player of the Final
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Vishen Halambage (Colombo South) / Malsha Tharupathi (Galle) – Player of the Tournament
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Pulindu Perera (Kandy) – Best Batter of the Tournament
- Yuri Koththigoda (Galle) – Best Bowler of the Tournament
Brief Scores
Colombo North U19s – 177 (48.1) Sarujan Sammuganathen 76, Rashmika Hirushan 30, Thenuka Ekanayaka 3/27, Abdul Hakam 3/39, Kaveesha Piyumal 2/25, Dinuka Thennakoon 2/38
Kandy U19s – 178/4 (35.5) Rahal Amarasinghe 70, Kavija Gamage 49*, Supun Waduge 31, Duvindu Ranathunga 2/36
Result – Kandy U19s won by 6 wickets
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