Sri Lanka under 19 captain Charith Asalanka stroked a brilliant 184 on day one in the first Youth Test between Sri Lanka under 19 and visiting Pakistan under 19 on Sunday at Hambanthota International Stadium.
Charith Asalanka’s unblemished 257-ball 184 steered Sri Lanka under 19s to 330 for 7 in 90 overs at stumps.
The lad from Galle got off to a winning start as he first of all won the toss and elected to bat first. The home team lost Isipathanian opener Salinda Ushan in the 2nd over when he was dismissed by seamer Saif Ali for no score.
Asalanka walked into bat at number 3 with the hosts yet to open the score. Charith and Kavin Bandara negotiated the early seam and swing on a breezy morning to take Sri Lanka to 48 in 20 overs before the latter was dismissed by Shadab Khan for just 15.
Number 4 batsman, Avishka Fernando was involved in a 54-run stand for the 3rd wicket before he could not capitalize on his good start by falling for Saif Ali for 23.
Sri Lanka vice-captain Sammu Ashan made only 19 while the batsmen following him, Wanindu Hasaranga and wicket-keeper Vishad Randika provided great assistance to their skipper by making useful contributions of 31 and 36 respectively.
The best partnership came for the 6th wicket when Charith and Vishad put on 102 runs in 148 deliveries to take Sri Lanka under 19 to a reasonable score at the end of first day.
The multi-talented Richmond College all-rounder, Charith Asalanka made sure he stays unbeaten overnight after smashing 25 boundaries on a placid surface.
For the visitors, opening bowler Saif Ali picked up 2 wickets while spinner Shadab Khan grabbed 4 scalps.
The match will be continued tomorrow (5th October) for 2nd day’s proceedings.
Sri Lanka U19 – 330/7 in 90 overs: Charith Asalanka 184*, Vishad Randika 36, Wanindu Hasaranga 31, Avishka Fernando 23, Saif Ali 2/78, Shadab Khan 4/87.
