St. Joseph’s College fast-bowling all-rounder Jehan Daniel and St. Sebastian’s College left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama excelled with the ball for Sri Lanka U19s against South Africa U19s on day one in the 3rd Youth Test which commenced today at Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium.
After the first two games ended as drawn encounters, the home team made few changes to their lineup as South Africa U19s skipper Wiaan Mulder won the toss and elected to bat first on a placid surface.
The Proteas’ opening pair of Ricardo Vasconcelos and Joshua Van Heerden added 69 before the latter fell to the bowling of Jayawickrama for 22. Left-handed Vasconcelos was the next to be dismissed to the off-spin of Sammu Ashan for a well-made 56. Jerome Bossr was dismissed by the Sebastianite for 2 as the visitors were restricted to 98 for 3.
Photo Album – South Africa U19 vs Sri Lanka U19 3rd Youth Test – Day 01
In-form Raynard Van Tonder and skipper Mulder constructed 84 runs for the 4th wicket to push the South African score but Jayawickrama struck once again to dismantle the former for 48. Richmond College seamer Thilanga Udeeshan picked up his maiden Youth Test scalp when he edged out the dangerous Mulder for a well-compiled 121-balll 66.
Jesse Christensen rallied around with the tail to take South Africa to a respectable score but the 17-year old Josephian right-arm seamer picked up 3 crucial wickets to derail the visitors. Christensen smashed 5 fours and 3 sixes during his 95-ball 67.
The junior Proteas’ declared the innings on 295 for 8 to give the hosts’ five overs to bat which the openers, Pathum Nissanka and Shanogeeth Shanmuganathan negotiated carefully.
The match will be continued tomorrow (4th July) for second day’s play.
South Africa U19s – 295/8 in 84.1 overs: Ricardo Vasconcelos 56, Joshua Van Heerden 22, Raynard Van Tonder 48, Wiaan Mulder 66, Jesse Christensen 67, Jehan Daniel 3/53, Praveen Jayawickrama 3/95.
Sri Lanka U19s – 7 for no loss in 5 overs.
