16-year old right-handed middle order batsman from St. Sebastian’s College, Avishka Fernando announced his name on the big stage when he slammed his maiden youth ODI ton to guide his motherland to a comfortable 80-run win over the touring junior Australians in the 4th game of the series played at Colts grounds on Wednesday.
Stylish number four striker batted with extreme flair and class as his 103-ball knock of 127 was the biggest highlight as Sri Lanka under 19s lead the 6-match series 2-0 with two more games to be played.
Sri Lanka skipper Chamika Karanarathne won the all-important toss and elected to bat first on a sunny morning. Sri Lanka openers started off cautiously dealing with the new ball only to score 32 runs before vice-captain Charith Asalanka was dismissed for 17 by off-spinner Sam Grimwade. Peterite Dineth Thimodya’s turtle-paced knock of 16 runs in 57 balls finally ended when Sam Grimwade took his 2nd wicket as Sri Lanka were 49/2 in 17 overs when Avishka Fernando walked into bat.
Kamindu Mendis and Sahan Arachchige failed to be involved in a big partnership for the hosts as they got out for 25 and 13 respectively after making impressive starts. Avishka found an able partner in Pasindu Isira just before the batting power play was mandatory. Avishka and Pasindu combined perfectly well like in the previous game as they once again put Sri Lanka into a commanding position with their 86-run stand for the 5th wicket which came in just 10 overs. Pasindu trapped in front of the stumps for 29 runs.
After Pasindu’s departure, Avishka started to bash the Australian bowling to all parts of the ground with his Captain Chamika Karunarathne to guide the home team total to a massive 278/7 at the end of the 50 overs. Chamika remained unbeaten on 35 in 20 balls with 3 massive sixes and he was involved in a quick-fire 44-run partnership with Avishka for the 6th wicket. Sam Grimwade and Izaac Boylan captured 2 wickets apiece.
Needing 279 runs to register their first win in the tour, Australia under 19s lost their reliable opener Matthew Renshaw for 7 when he was caught by Damitha Silva off Chamika Karunarathne. Maliyadeva fast-bowler Keshan Wijerathne playing his first game hustled the touring batsmen with his extra-pace and he was a potent weapon for Sri Lanka. Keshan removed Jake Winter and Kyle Scrimgeour in successive overs to put pressure on the Aussie camp as they were restricted to 42 for 3 after 12 overs.
The Lankan spin contingent continued their good work during this game as well when they kept on strangling the visitors for runs and while the Australians lost wickets at regular intervals.
A 58-run partnership for the 5th wicket between Captain Patrick McKenna and Tom Healy was the only time Australians had any chance of coming back into the game. One drop batter Sam Harper top-scored for the boys from down under as he scored 35 runs while Patrick was bowled by Charith Asalanka for 33.
The Australian innings failed to live up to the expectations in chasing as they crumbled in the 46th over when their total was only 198. Keshan Wijerathne impressed capturing 4 wickets in his spell of 10 overs and conceded only 38 runs. Off-spinner Charith Asalanka bowled with discipline as he scalped 3 wickets and bowled 2 maidens in his 8-over spell.
Australia under 19s will be under immense pressure to stay alive in the series when they take on the in-form hosts in the next game which will take place on the 3rd of October at P. Sara Oval grounds.
Chief Scores:
Sri Lanka U19 – 278/7 in 50 overs: Avishka Fernando 127, Chamika Karunarathne 35*, Pasindu Isira 29, Kamindu Mendis 25, Izaac Boylan 2/46, Sam Grimwade 2/37.
Australia U19 – 198 all out in 45.1 overs: Sam Harper 35, Patrick McKenna 33, Jonte Pattison 25, Keshan Wijerathne 4/38, Charith Asalanka 2/32.
