The high riding Lankans who were enjoying a very good world cup faced defeat in the last two encounters as the tournament came to its conclusion. After winnings the 2nd quarter finals played against the South Africans convincingly by 146 runs they lost their way in the last two games which were the most crucial. 

It was the worst possible start for the Lankans as they saw themselves at 5 wickets down for 32 runs. The top order folded like a pack of cards to the remarkable bowling from the Aussie’s.  Wicket keeper Andy Berenger was the first to go as he got a very good delivery which pitched just outside off tempting the batsman to poke at it which resulted in a solid outside edge. Most valued batsman Banuka Rajapakse was the next man to go which was a huge blow for the Sri Lankans. The Aussies knew Banuka very well because of his excellent performances in the series held in Kangaroo land some time back where the Lankans won 3-2. He got out for 7 slashing at a delivery outside off, to the bowling of McDermott. Gully fielder Beaton made no mistake. Opener Jayasundara, in form bat Rumesh Buddika and all rounder Charith Jayampahti fell in quick succession leaving the batting team in disarray. There was a solid partnership of 56 runs between Royalist Kithruwan Withanage and Peterite bat Akshu Fernando. These two batsmen steadied the ship and brought some respectability to the total. Unfortunately Kithruwan fell short of a well deserved half century as he hooked the ball upishly towards long leg and a brilliant catch was taken by Floros off the bowling of Buchanan. It was time for the Pterite duo Akshu Fernando and Chathura Peiris to add more runs. These two batsmen added a valuable 51 runs which was the 3rd highest partnership of the match. Akshu Fernando ended up with a superb half century (52) off 83 balls which was well supported by the skipper Chathura who made 39 runs. The tail comprising of Jaleel, Gunathileka and Lahiru Jaaratne wagged and got as many runs as possible. The Lankans ended up getting 205 all out in 48.2 over’s. One question that came in to my mind was the use of the third power play. Should the Lankans have taken the3rd power play when Akshu and Chathura were going at full flow since those two were the last two recognized batsmen? 

The Aussie’s seemed confident of winning the match with ease as the two openers walked to the center. The Lankans thought otherwise! Chathura Peiris and company made sure that nothing came easy to the Australians. The opening bowling duo of lethal Jayampahti and skipper Peiris bowled with a lot of venom and conviction. They swung the ball and made life a living hell for the Aussie’s. Both openers returned to the pavilion inside 7 over’s. In walked Captain Marsh looking very confident and eager to get things moving for his side and he did just that scoring 97 runs off 110 balls. He missed out on a deserved century as Romesh Buddhika claimed the opposition skipper. Triffitt who scored a brilliant half century (50) joined forces with the captain and took the Australians across to a well deserved win scoring the highest partnership of the match (78). Luke Doran added the final touches as he saw the young Australians reach the finals as he scored an unbeaten 8 runs which indeed was definitely priceless.  Australia Under-19s won by 2 wickets (with 9 balls remaining). The Lankans gave it their all almost grabbing victory from the hands of the Aussie’s and came out with their heads held up high.

Sri Lanka – 205 all out (Akshu Fernando 50, Kithruwan Vithange 40, Chathura Peiris 39, J.R Hazlewood 4/26, L.A Doran 2/33, A.C McDermott 2/43)

Australia – 206 for 8 wickets (Mitchell Marsh 97, Thomas Triffitt 50, Jason S Floros 21, Charith Jayampathi 3/34, Chathura Peiris 2/46)