The Sri Lanka U19 Cricket team was beaten comprehensively by the Pakistan U19 team by 3 wickets in their final group stage match which was worked off today(13) in Kuala Lumpur.
Praveen Jayawickrama spins Sri Lanka U19s to victory
Left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama bagged five…
The Sri Lanka U19s who took first lease of the wicket, fell well below par as they were bowled out for 141 inside their allotted 50 overs. Munir Riaz and Muhammad Musa were the Chief destroyers sharing 6 wickets between them as Sri Lanka slid to 41/6 in the 20th over of their innings.
Ashen Bandara fought a lone battle for the Sri Lanka U19s going on to make a dodged 49 runs off 95 balls, while Kevin Koththigoda(20) and Nuwanidu Fernando(14) made useful contributions lower down the order.
Pakistan were well in control for the bulk part of their run chase but a rush of blood late in their innings left them three runs to get with three wickets in hand, while left arm tweaker Praveen Jayawickrama was on song for Sri Lanka.
They managed to hold their nerve and not lose anymore wickets as they hit the winning runs in the 33rd over of their innings. Wicket keeper batsman Rohail Nazir top scored with 48 runs for the winner while Mohammad Taha chipped in with a useful 31. Jayawickrama was the most successful bowlers for the Sri Lanka U19s as he picked up 4/28 in his 9 overs.
Pakistan secured their semi-final spot with this win, but Sri Lanka will now sweat on the result of the game between Afghanistan and UAE to see if they find a place in the final four.
Sri Lanka U19s – 141 all out (49.4 overs) Ashen Bandara 49, Kevin Koththigoda 20, Munir Riaz 3/30, Muhammad Musa 3/25
Pakistan U19s – 142/7 (32.1 overs) Rohail Nazir 48, Mohammad Taha 31, Saad Khan 22, Praveen Jayawickrama 4/28
 in Kuala Lumpur.){kind=link}