Sri Lanka under 19s failed to deliver the goods for the 2nd consecutive time when they were completely outplayed by 76 runs from their neighboring counterparts India under 19s in the 5th place play-off semi-final match worked out on Monday at Dubai Cricket Academy.
Both favorites to win the ICC under 19 world cup 2014 were knocked out of the title race in the quarter final stage. India were beaten by a spirited England team by 3 wickets in a tense quarter final while Sri Lanka were thrashed by 121 runs from the hands of Pakistan.
India under 19s stand in captain, Sanju Samson won the toss and had no hesitation to bat first. India got off to a decent start with Ankush Bains and Akhil Herwadhkar putting on a steady 57 runs for the first wicket before Akhil Herwadhkar was dismissed by Harsha Rajapakshe. Solid half century by one drop batsman Shreyas Iyer guided the middle overs accompanied by his captain Sanju Samson to a commanding position of 173/3 in 32 overs before Sri Lanka bowlers triggered a minor collapse restricting India to 179 for 6 wickets.
Sri Lanka bowlers were closing in on the innings to a gettable target but Indian under 19 middle order batsman Deepak Hooda had different ideas. Tall right hander scored a blistering 76 runs in just 56 balls to propel the India under 19s final score to 291 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. Hashen Ramanayake, AK Tyron and Anuk Fernando captured two wickets each.
Chasing a mountain target of 292, Sri Lanka under 19s lost their key opening batsman Hashan Dumindu for 2 runs and captain Kusal Mendis failed once again to make an impression as he was removed after a slow 14 runs. Sri Lanka’s batting burden was once again on the in-form Josephian pair of Sadeera Samarawickrama and Priyamal Perera. Both right hand batsmen showed their class and fighting character once again as they managed to pummel the Indian bowling. Sadeera made his 4th half century in the tournament in just his 5th game while Priyamal was dismissed unfortunately on 47.
The Sri Lankan late order was not able to pull out their team from their own hole as Sri Lanka under 19s were bowled out for 215. Deepak Hooda continued his terrific day with a 3 wicket haul, while left arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav, debutant Karan Kaila and medium fast bowler Chama Milind enjoyed two wickets each.
Sri Lanka under 19 will now meet the losers of the Afghanistan and West Indies – 5th place play-off semi final while India under 19s will fight for the 5th place with the winner of Afghanistan and West Indies on the 27th of February.
Chief Scores :
India U19s – 291/7 in 50 overs : Shreyas Iyer 59, Sanju Samson 40, Deepak Hooda 76*, Hashen Ramanayake 2 for 46, AK Tyron 2 for 59, Anuk Fernando 2 for 79.
Sri Lanka U19s – 215 all out in 48.1 overs : Sadeera Samarawickrama 58, Priyamal Perera 47, Hashen Ramanayake 27, Lakshan Jayasinghe 25, Deepak Hooda 3/31, Kuldeep Yadav 2/54, Karan Kaila 2/39, Chama Milind 2/29.
