Heavy afternoon showers washed out the 1st youth ODI between the touring Australia under 19s and Sri Lanka under 19s at SSC grounds on Thursday.
Australia skipper Patrick McKenna won the toss of coin after 1996 world cup winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga presented the playing caps to the Sri Lanka squad. Australia lost their opener Liam Banthorpe early in the 5th over as he was caught behind by Pasindu Isira for an 18-ball 2. Mattew Renshaw and Clint Hinchliffe provided some stability as they put on 38 runs for the 2nd wicket before Clint was stumped by Pasindu off the bowling of Charith Asalanka.
Left-arm spinner Damitha Silva captured 2 wickets in his first spell as Australia under 19s were 76 for the loss of 4 wickets as Renshaw was joined by his skipper Patrick, both managed to work things out as they were involved in a 47-run partnership before skipper Chamika clean bowled his counterpart for 27 runs. Mattew Renshaw’s exemplary knock of 73 runs off 99 balls ended when he fell for Damitha Silva handing him his 3rd scalp.
Kyle Scrimegour and Jonte Pattison played exciting cameos for the baby kangaroos as the visitors crossed the 200-run mark. Kyle scored 35 valuable runs in 41 balls with 4 fours and a massive six while Pattison worked the single deceitfully as he took only 26 balls for his 33 runs which had a six and a four. Both hard-hitting batsmen were removed by right-arm leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga De Silva. Chamika Karunarathne came back for his 2nd spell to remove the tail as the junior Australians ended their innings on 221 runs with a ball to spare.
Sri Lankans never had the opportunity to chase down the target as heavy rains halted play and eventually the match officials had to abandon the match.
2nd youth ODI will be played on 27th September at R. Premadasa International cricket stadium.
Chief Scores:
Australia U19 – 221 all out in 49.5 overs: Mathew Rilshaw 73, Kyle Scrimegour 35, Jonte Pattison 33, Patrick McKenna 27, Chamika Karunarathne 4/32, Damitha Silva 3/47, Wanidu Hasaranga 2/16.
