The first Youth Test between Sri Lanka U19s and South Africa U19s for the inaugural Gamini Dissanayake Challenge Trophy ended in a tame draw today at P. Sara Oval grounds.
The visiting South African’s dominated proceedings as right-handed opener Joshua Van Heerden became the first centurion of the series with a fine 108 to pester the hosts. Captain Avishka Fernando and Vice-Captain Sammu Ashan made consolation half-centuries for the hosts’.
Earlier, the junior Proteas’ commenced day 3 with the score on 119 for 2 and a lead of 145. They went onto add further 131 runs in one and half sessions to set a victory target of 277 for the hosts.
Sri Lanka U19s dominate day one at P. Sara
Van Heerden and Jerome Bossr picked up from where they left on day two as they added 190 runs for the 3rd wicket before off-spinner Sammu Ashan got the initial breakthrough. Van Heerden made 9 fours during his excellent 237-ball knock of 108 while Bossr stroked 10 boundaries before being dismissed for 90.
The home team picked up three more wickets with the second new ball as St. Servatius’ College right fast-bowler, Thilan Prashan ended with figures of 3 for 32 to be the best bowler for the young lions.
Sri Lanka started off brightly in chase of 277 as the openers, Vishva Chathuranga and Pethum Nissanka added 25 for the first wicket before both the batsmen fell inside 5 deliveries as left-arm spinner Jade De Klerk and right-arm seamer Wiaan Mulder sniffed an opportunity for the visitors.
At 27 for 2, Fernando and Ashan took the responsibility to their shoulders and safely guided their team to safety with a valuable 91-run partnership for the 3rd wicket. Ashan was the aggressor scoring 52 with 8 fours at a strike-rate of 68.42.
Junior Proteas’ skipper Wiaan Mulder rocks Sri Lanka U19s
After the dismissal of Ashan, Avishka and Sanjula Abeywickrama batted till of play. Fernando used up 123 balls for his unbeaten 57.
Both teams will now move to the ancient city of Kurunegala for the 2nd youth Test which starts on 28th June at Welegedara Stadium.
South Africa U19s – 206 all out in 56.1 overs: Raynard Van Tonder 41, Wiaan Mulder, Wandile Makwetu 24, Ricardo Vasconcelos 78*, Thisaru Dilshan 3/62, Thilan Prasan 2/31, Praveen Jayawickrama 2/41.
Sri Lanka U19s – 180 all out in 64.5 overs: Vishva Chathuranga 81, Sammu Ashan 43, Wiaan Mulder 5/52, Jade De Klerk 3/18.
South Africa U19s (2nd inn) – 250/6 declared in 88.4 overs: Jerome Bossr 90, Joshua Van Heerden 108, Wiaan Mulder 28, Thilan Prashan 3/32.
Sri Lanka U19s (2nd inn) – 158/3 in 50 overs: Avishka Fernando 57*, Sammu Ashan 52, Sanjula Abeywickrama 21*, Jade De Klerk 2/49.
