Sri Lanka U19s recorded a convincing 8-wicket win over Zimbabwe U19s in their match in the U19 Tri-Series game in Cape Town, South Africa.
After losing the first match by 128 runs at the hands of South Africa U19s yesterday, the junior Lankans needed an improved performance today to stay alive in the tournament.
Sri Lanka U19s skipper Avishka Fernando won the toss and elected to field first. The Lankan seamers were all over the Zimbabweans as they bundled out their African counterpart for just 66 runs inside 30 overs.
South Africa U19’s in crushing win over Sri Lanka U19’s
South Africa U19’s thrashed the Sri Lanka U19’s to make it two out of two in the tri series which also involves the Zimbabwe U19’s.
Trinity College left-arm seamer Thisaru Dilshan took 2 wickets during his 6-over spell while Josephian all-rounder Jehan Daniel also captured 2 scalps but the pick of the bowlers were right-arm seamer Nipun Ranshika from P. De S Kularathne College who ended up with 4 for 25 from his full quota of 10 overs.
Left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama of St. Sebastian’s College also chipped in with 2 wickets as only four Zimbabwean batsmen reached double figures. Ryan Murray and Kieran Robinson made 15 each as the Zimbabwe innings lasted only 123 minutes.
Chasing a paltry target of 67, Sri Lanka U19s were off to a stunning chase as the POW-SEBS opening duo, Vishva Chathuranga and skipper Fernando added 31 before the former was dismissed for 19 by off-spin bowler, Wesley Madhevere. Left-arm spinner, Declan Oldreive got the better of Hasitha Boyagoda for just 2 runs.
Captain Fernando steered the chase to remain unbeaten on 27 from 35 balls with four boundaries to his name as Sri Lanka reached the winning target in the 13th over.
Sri Lanka U19s will play their next match against the same opposition on 20th January at Paarl.
Zimbabwe U19 – 66 all out in 29.4 overs: Ryan Murray 15, Kieran Robinson 15, Thisaru Dilshan 2/12, Praveen Jayawickrama 2/17, Jehan Daniel 2/17, Nipun Ranshika 4/25.
Sri Lanka U19 – 68/2 in 12.5 overs: Avishka Fernando 27*, Vishva Chathuranga 19.
