Bangladesh U19s put up a spirited display in their second innings, but that wasn’t enough for them to overcome the threat of Rohan Sanjaya, who bowled Sri Lanka U19s to a series leveling win.
Photos album: Sri Lanka U19 vs Bangladesh U19 – 1st Youth Test | Day 2
Bangladesh U19s resumed day four on 75/1 in pursuit of 351 for victory. The pitch at the MCG, which favours spinners more often than not, seemed to be playing well with Akbar Ali looking in great nick.
However Rohan Sanjaya, the left arm spinner who captured five first innings wickets, seemed to peg away for the hosts to make sure Bangladesh didn’t get too far ahead of the game.
Ashian Daniel who also captured five wickets in the first innings seemed to be less effective second time around. Sandun Mendis the other off-spinner in the line up seemed to hit his stripes as he captured three important middle order scalps.
Photos album: Bangladesh U19 vs Sri Lanka U19 | 2nd Youth Test | Day 3
The dismissal of Akbar Ali for 90 seemed to end Bangladesh hopes, but Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s spirited innings kept them in the hunt with the target coming down under 100 runs.
Sanjaya though had other ideas as he ran through the batsmen at the other end to end with mesmerizing figures of 5/96 to go along with his 5/17 in the first innings as Sri Lanka secured a much deserved 75 run victory to level the series.
Hasan Joy remained unbeaten on 23* as Bangladesh folded up for 275 after a fighting display. It was a morale boasting win for the hosts who fielded a team eligible for the 2020 U19 Cricket World Cup.
Sri Lanka U19s in-fact failed to chase down 137 in the opening Youth Test as they fell short by 13 runs but their spinners helped them level the series 1-1.
