Exceptional all round performance by the Sri Lanka Under 19s edged out New Zealand U19s by 49 runs in their 1st game of the ICC Under 19 World Cup played at Sharjah Cricket grounds.
New Zealand skipper Robert O’Donnell won the toss and elected to field on a perfect day for Cricket as the much awaited ICC Under 19 World Cup commenced in various venues across United Arab Emirats. Sri Lankan opening batsman put on 48 runs for the first wicket before Hashan Dumindu was dismissed in 7th over. Vice Captain Sadeera Samarawickrama was then joined by his captain Kusal Mendis and the two stylish right hand batsmen were involved in a steady 97 runs partnership for the second wicket. Sadeera Samarawickrama made an exquisite 67 runs in 81 balls with 6 elegant boundaries.
Captain Kusal Mendis steered his team to a match winning foundation before he was unfortunately dismissed for 91 runs when the team total was on 203 in the final over of the batting power play. Priyamal Perera and Thilaksha Sumanasiri played cameo knocks to help Sri Lanka under 19s reach an imposing 275 runs in 50 overs. Right arm medium fast bowler Kyle Jamieson took 4 wickets for the Junior Kiwis.
Chasing a stiff target of 276, New Zealand opening pair started positively putting up 63 runs for the first wicket before Lakshan Jayasinghe removed Tim Seifert. Sri Lankan bowlers maintained a disciplined line and length making runs scoring hard for the New Zealand batsman. Left arm spinner Harsha Rajapakshe opened the bowling and finished his quota of 10 overs upfront for only 24 runs.
Sri Lankan born Rakitha Weerasundara played a gritty 33 runs for the New Zealanders while skipper Robert O’Donnell top scored with 43 runs as none of the New Zealanders crossed the 50 run mark. New Zealand under 19s chase were slow as wickets fell on regular intervals as they crumbled to the accurate bowling of Sri Lanka under 19s. Left arm fast bowlers, Anuk Fernando and Binura Fernando took 2 wickets each while Lakshan Jayasinghe was also accounted for 2 wickets for the Sri Lanka under 19s as they restricted the New Zealand total to only 226/8 in 50 overs handing Sri Lanka under 19s a commendable 49 runs win.
Sri Lanka under 19s will meet England under 19s on the 16th of February at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Brief Scores :
Sri Lanka U19s – 275/9 in 50 overs : Kusal Mendis 91, Sadeera Samarawickrama 67, Priyamal Perera 37, Thilaksha Sumanasiri 22, Kyle Jamieson 4/49.
New Zealand U19s – 226/8 in 50 overs : Rakitha Wimalasundara 33, Robert O’Donnell 43, Luke Williamson 30, Binura Fernando 2/42, Anuk Fernando 2/65, Lakshan Jayasinghe 2/32.
Match Result : Sri Lanka Under 19s won by 49 runs.
