By Dhammika Ratnaweera
Sri Lankan under 19 team led by Nipun Dhananjaya recorded a thrilling three wickets victory with two balls to spare in their one and only three-day cricket fixture against touring Australian under 19 team concluded at the SSC grounds on Saturday (12). Infact this victory was very especial for the young Sri Lankan side as after 33 years Sri Lankan youth team recorded a victory over Australia youth team in an unofficial test (three-day game). Last time Sri Lankan youth team did this achievement under the leadership of Roshan Mahanama in 1985.
Throughout the match, Sri Lankans maintained a fighting style which paved the way to get this remarkable victory over Australian side captained by Will Southerland. Sri Lankan had to chase a target of 112 in 20 overs. Actually this victory was more important after loosing their three one day series 1-2 before this three day game
In reply to Aussies total of 269, continuing from their overnight score of 287 for seven, Sri Lanka closed their innings at 309 for the loss of eight wickets. Earlier Kamil Mishara top scored with a fighting 105 including fifteen hits to the ropes. Thaveesha Abhishek (36), Mohomed Samaz (43), Nipun Dhananjaya (20), Sandun Mendis (22) and Chamindu Wijesinghe (39) were the main contributors for Sri Lanka in the first innings total.
Australia batting for the second time before lunch were in trouble with four wickets down for 41 runs. Later when they were in further trouble with 69 for 7 wickets, were pulled out of trouble by Tanveer Sangha (25) and Jerrod Freeman (52 n.o.) putting on 64 for the 8th wicket. Young Australians were again troubled by left arm spinner from Kalutara Holy Cross Rohan Sanjaya (31-16-37-4) and Richmond off spinner Sandun Mendis (18.4-4-56-4) and were dismissed for 151 off 73 overs. Sanjaya enjoyed a memorable match with a match bag of 9 for 131 who had a big hand in this exciting win and also earn the man of the match award for his superb bowling performances. .
Chasing a victory target of 112 Sri Lanka got off a very poor start with loosing first four wicjets just adding 48 runs. However Sri Lankan’s winning track made by two experienced players Nalandian all rounder Chamindu Wijesinghe scored 16 runs in the 16th over while skipper Nipun Dhanajaya for 35 in the 17th over with the score at 95 ending a match winning partnership of 46 runs.
However 18th over Wijesinghe was dismissed and once again visitors fought back strongly But Richmond allounder Sadun Mendis got all responsibility at this stage and stroked with an elegant cover drive finished off the match with a victory for Sri Lanka Under 19s with two balls to spare . However Australian paceman Zak Evens bowled with tough spell finished with claimed six wickets for 44. Runs while skipper Dhananjaya was the other victim with unfortunate run out.
Sri Lankan Cricket Head of coaching Asanka Gurusinghe was the chief Guest at the awards ceremony while match referee Naiillah Devaraj was also present on this occasion
Chief Scores
Australia Under 19 269 (Cory Hunter 71, Keegan Oates 27, Baxter Holt 60, Jerrod Freeman 36, Ruwin Pieris 2 for 40, Rohan Sanjaya 5 for 94) and 151 (Lachlan Hearne 23, Jerrod Freeman 52 n.o., Tanveer Sangha 25, Rohan Sanjaya 4 for 37, Sandun Mendis 4 for 56)
Sri Lanka Under 19 (Overnight 287 for 7) 309 for 8 decl. (Thaveesha Abhishek 36, Mohomed Samaaz 43, Kamil Mishara 105, Nipun Dhananjaya 20, Sandun Mendis 22, Rohan Sanjaya 19 n.o., Chamindu Wijesinghe 35, Zak Evens 2 for 57, Jerrod Freeman 3 for 82, Tanveer Sangha 2 for 61) and 114 for 7 (Mohomed Samaaz 22, Nipun Dhananjaya 35, Chamindu Wijesinghe 29, Zak Evens 6 for 44)
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