The Island
Sri Lanka Under-19 booked a quarter final berth with a comprehensive 134 run victory over Canada, in their ICC Youth World Cup match played at Lincoln, Christchurch, yesterday, according to a ICC website, report.
Skipper Chathura Peiris, with a five wicket haul and Bhanuka Rajapakse top scoring with 68 runs excelled in the two departments for Sri Lanka as they kept their unbeaten record intact to meet hosts New Zealand, in their third and final group match on Wednesday, the result of which will not affect Sri Lanka’s place in the knockout stage.
Chasing a target of 277 runs to win, Canada’s top order collapsed dramatically as skipper Chathura Peiris inflicted early blows with his bowling and impressive fielding. Peiris picked up the first three wickets to fall in his opening spell and was also involved in a run out that had Canada struggling at 54 for five wickets, at one stage. Later, Peries returned to wrap up the innings with two more wickets, including the wicket of Hiral Patel, who top scored for them with 69.
Put into bat first, the entire batting order clicked for Sri Lanka Under-19 to post 276 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Andri Berenger (23) and Udara Jayasundara put on a valuable first wicket stand of 52 runs, before Bhanuka Rajapakse anchored the innings with an 85 ball 68 runs, inclusive of four fours.
Opener Jayasundara added 43 runs to the total with five fours and after his dismissal, Rumesh Buddhika and Bhanuka Rajapakse combined for a 60 run partnership for the third wicket.
Middle order batsmen, namely, Kithruwan Vithanage, Rumesh Buddhika and Danushka Gunathilaka chipped in with useful 20s, before Akshu Fernando cracked an unbeaten 43 runs in just 25 balls, inclusive of five fours, to take Sri Lanka to a commanding 276 runs.
Yesterday’s victory placed Sri Lanka right on the top of the points table in Group ‘C’ with hosts New Zealand, who have played just one match, placed second behind them.
With two wins, Sri Lanka are certain of a place in the quarter finals, irrespective of the result of Wednesday’s match against New Zealand.
Scores:
Sri Lanka Under-19 276 for 6 in 50 overs (Udara Jayasundara 43, Andri Berenger 23, Bhanuka Rajapakse 68, Rumesh Buddhika 23, Kithruwan Vithanage 26, Danushka Gunathilaka 28, Akshu Fernando 43n.o; Hiral Patel 3/45)
Canada Under-19 142 all out in 39.3 overs (Hiral Patel 69, Zain Mahmood 17; Chahtura Peiris 5/25, Udara Jayasundara 2/26).
