Sri Lanka under 19 bowling trio, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando and Thilan Nimesh shared 9 wickets equally as Pakistan under 19 stumbled to 209 in the second day of the first Youth Test played at Hambanthota on Monday.
Sri Lanka under 19 resumed their innings from the overnight score of 330 for 7. The hosts’ skipper Charith Asalanka reached a terrific milestone of scoring a double ton. The left-hander was soon dismissed by Shadab Khan who ended with impressive figures of 6 for 89.
Sri Lanka under 19s batted only 5.3 overs in the second day’s morning session as they declared on 347 for 9.
Pakistanis in their reply lost opener Zeeshan Malik and skipper Imran Rafiq in successive balls off St. Sebastian’s College, Katuneriya fast-bowler Asitha Fernando.
Left-arm spinner from Prince of Wales College, Thilan Nimesh dismissed Abdullah Shafiq and Kamran Afzal in space of three deliveries as the visitors were soon found struggling at 69 for 5.
Number 4 batsman, Umair Masood played a terrific knock for the Pakistanis as he rallied with the low order to put up a respectable score of 209 on the board. The 17-year old wicket-keeper batsman stroked 14 fours and a six during his 167-ball 102.
Shadab Khan and Awais Iqbal chipped in with valuable innings’ of 29 and 20 respectively. Trinity College speedster, Lahiru Kumara took 3 crucial wickets while his opening bowling partner Asitha Fernando too ended with 3 wickets under his name.
The boy from Moratuwa, Thilan was the most impressive bowler for the home team taking 3 wickets giving away only 46 runs.
Sri Lanka under 19 in their 2nd innings managed to reach 10 runs for no loss in 1 over taking a sizeable lead of 148 runs with the final day remaining.
Sri Lanka U19 – 347/9 declared in 95.3 overs: Charith Asalanka 200, Vishad Randika 36, Wanindu Hasaranga 31, Avishka Fernando 23, Saif Ali 2/78, Shadab Khan 6/87.
Pakistan U19 – 209 all out in 66.3 overs: Umair Masood 102, Shadab Khan 29, Thilan Nimesh 3/46, Asitha Fernando 3/60, Lahiru Kumara 3/46.
Sri Lanka U19 (2nd inn) – 10/0 in 1 overs: Salinda Ushan 9*, Kavin Bandara 1*.
