The Sri Lankan Under 19 team led by Avishka Fernando got their tour of South Africa off to a good start with a convincing 5 wicket win in their warm up game against the Boland Academy worked off in Stellenbosch yesterday(11).
Boland Academy made 284/9 in their allotted 50 overs after being sent into bat by Sri Lanka. R. Coster made an unbeaten century for the hosts while Z. Wilschut chipped in with a half century. Rashmika Dilshan was the most successful bowler for Sri Lanka picking up 4 wickets while Manelkar De Silva picked up 2 wickets.
Kamindu Mendis stroked a brilliant century in the Lankan run chase which included 15 hits to the rope and 1 over it. He got good support from H. Boyagoda who hit 52 off just 41 balls as the visitors reached the target with 14 balls to spare.
Captain Avishka Fernando had to retire early as he was hit on the hand while fielding and was unfortunately hit again at the same spot while batting during the run chase. Manager of the team Mahinda Halangode confirmed that Fernando did not sustain any serious injuries or fractures. “As a precaution we decided to get him to retire, but he should be fine within the next two days”, Halangode said.
Boland Academy – 284/9(50 overs) R.Coster 100*, Z. Wilschut 61, L. Mtanderi 40, R. Dilshan 4/64, Manelkar De Silva 2/46
Sri Lanka U19s – 288/5 (47.4 overs) Kamindu Mendis 109, H. Boyagoda 52, V. Chathuranga 36, S. Ashan 35, A. Bandara 27*, M. Gebe 3/46
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