The Sri Lanka U19s came from behind after being bowled out for 156, to pull off a thrilling win over the much fancied hosts, South Africa, to clinch the triangular tournament which also involved the Zimbabwe U19s.
After losing three out of three in the group stage to the South African U19s, the visitors led by a brilliant spell of fast bowling by Nipun Ransika, managed to topple the strong South African U19 outfit by 77 runs in Paarl today(28).
The Sri Lanka U19s taking first lease of the wicket, lost wickets at regular intervals before being bowled out for 156 in the 45th over with 31 balls to spare.
Ashen Bandara top scored for the visitors with 33 runs while Praveen Jayawickrama made a valuable unbeaten 20 runs low down the order.
Interestingly, the joint highest partnership(33) for the match came between Praveen Jayawickrama and Nipun Ransika for the 10th wicket in the Sri Lankan innings.
In reply, the Proteas never got going as they found Ransika almost unplayable to be bowled out for a paltry 79 runs. Ransika ended with top figures of 5/19 while Praveen Jayawickrama and Hareen Weerasingha bowled economical spells picking up two wickets each.
Sri Lanka U19s – 156 (44.5 overs) Ashen Bandara 33, Praveen Jayawickrama 20*, Ruan De Stewart 3/30
South Africa U19s – 79 (32.4 overs) Nipun Ransika 5/19, Praveen Jayawickrama 2/13, Hareen Weerasingha 2/05
