Sri Lanka U19’s journey in the ACC Under-19s Asia Cup 2024 after facing a severe loss by the tournament favourites India at the Sharjah Cricket stadium Today(6th December).
Sri Lankan skipper Vihas Thewmika had no second thoughts about batting first as the results at the Sharjah venue have favoured the side batting first. Sri Lankan innings didn’t go according to the plan as Sri Lanka kept losing wickets regularly.
Star batter and wicketkeeper Sharujan Shanmuganathan once again anchored the Sri Lankan innings with a patient 42, providing stability at a crucial stage. Partnering effectively with him, hard-hitting left-hander Lakvin Abeysinghe adjusted his natural game to play a more measured knock, scoring 69 off 110 balls. Together, their contributions gave Sri Lanka a fighting chance to post a competitive total for their bowlers to defend.
In reply, it was absolute carnage by the Indian openers as both of them took charge and dismantled the Sri Lankan bowling attack. Vaibav Suryanvanshi the 13-year-old IPL pick went berserk with his stroke play. Suryavanshi scored 67 off just 36 deliveries which left the Sri Lankan bowlers with no clue. His opening partner Ayush Mhatre too scored a quick-fire 34 as they ensured India’s victory inside 22 overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowling had been their strength throughout the tournament, but the range of stroke play displayed by the Indian openers left everyone amazed.
With this win, India will face Bangladesh in the finals which is to be played on the 8th of December at the Dubai International cricket Stadium.
Brief Scores;
SL U19 – 173 (46.2) Lakvin Abeysinghe 69, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 42, Chetan Sharma 3/34, Ayush Mhatre 2/37
IND U19 – 175/3 (21.4) Vaibav Suryavanshi 67, Ayush Mhatre 34, Mohamed Amaan 25*, Praveen Maneesha 1/27
Result – IND U19 Won by 7 Wickets
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