Vihas Thewmika spun a web to claim six after Jordan Johnson’s fighting 149-run knock on day four as the first Youth Test between Sri Lanka U19s and West Indies U19s ended in a draw at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla.
After being washed out for the final two sessions completely on day three, the Windies resumed the final day at 119/3. Jordan Johnson and Steve Wedderburn extended their partnership to 110 runs before Vihas Thewmika got into action again, dismissing Wedderburn for 41.
Following this breakthrough, Malsha Tharupathi and Vishwa Lahiru struck in quick succession to remove the keeper-batter and the visiting team’s captain. At 191/6, Nathan Edward joined forces with the well-set Johnson as they aimed to stabilize the innings. During this period, the overnight batter continued to accumulate runs, eventually surpassing the memorable three-figure mark.
Thewmika, who provided the most crucial breakthrough, caught Johnson off his own bowling as the partnership fell just 4 runs short of a century. The centurion played an entertaining knock of 149 off 207 balls, embellished with 11 fours and 2 sixes.
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Shortly after, Edward’s useful innings came to an end as Thewmika also cleaned up the tail, finishing with an incredible six-wicket haul, extending their first innings lead to 123. Vishwa Lahiru also bowled well with reasonable control, securing figures of 3/61.
Following this, Pulindu Perera and skipper Sineth Jayawardene commenced the second innings for the hosts. However, in the very first over, Isai Thorne had Jayawardene caught behind for a second-ball duck. Reon Edwards then dismissed Perera, who had a brief stay, for 13, before Nathan Sealy shattered the stumps of Rusanda Gamage, reducing the home side to 65/3.
In the meantime, Ravishan Nethsara had consistently delivered and went past his fifty in an aggressive mode, striking a flurry of boundaries. Nonetheless, Tarrique Edward had the final say against Nethsara when substitute fielder Mavendra Dindyal held onto a catch.
The middle-order pair of Sharujan Shanmuganathan (26*) and Dinura Kalupahana (22*) revived the innings, adding an unfinished 41 runs for the fifth wicket before the umpires called for stumps as the first Youth Test between Sri Lanka U19s and West Indies U19s ended in a draw.
The second and final Youth Test will commence on Tuesday, September 12th, at the same venue. Stay tuned to ThePapare.com for all the latest cricket news from around the globe.
