Right-arm fast bowler Asitha Fernando’s explosive spell helped Sri Lanka U19s edge out Bangladesh U19s by 4 runs in a low scoring affair at Colts grounds on Tuesday.
The hosts lead the five-match ODI series two games to nothing after Charith Asalanka’s all-round performances handed an easy win in the 1st ODI. The Lankan skipper won the toss and elected to bat on another perfect day for cricket.
After losing both their openers, Nushan Weerasinghe and Kavin Bandara for only 39 runs, Lankan leader and one drop batsman Charith Asalanka continued his merry run with the bat. The middle order failed to contribute and stick with their skipper as the Bangladeshi bowlers kept nagging away with wickets.
Charith Asalanka’s 92-ball knock of 68 consist five fours and two sixes. Wicket-keeper batsman from Isipathana College, Vishad Randika made a useful 24 runs in the latter stages of the innings as Sri Lanka struggled to post a commanding score. Leg-spinner Saleh Ahmed Gazi captured 3 wickets while his bowling partner and off-spinning captain Mehedy Hassan bowled an economic spell of 15 runs for three wickets in his quota of 10 overs to keep Sri Lanka to only 179.
Chasing a paltry target of 180 runs to square the series, the host’s bowlers led by Royalist, Chamika Karunarathne ripped through the heart of the visitors’ batting unit. The biggest damage was done by the little-known speedster from Katuneriya, Asitha Fernando who came in and bowled it fast to trouble the strong Bangladesh batters with his extra pace.
As wickets kept on tumbling, middle-order batsman Shahanur Rehman played a gem of an innings of 72 to keep the boys from Bangladesh in the hunt. Asitha returned with excellent figures of 6 wickets for 37 in 10 overs and bowled two maidens as well. 2013 big match hero, Chamika Karunarathne gave away only 19 runs to scalp his 3 wickets.
Most importantly, left-arm spinner Damitha Silva removed Shahanur in the 48th over to secure the victory for the hosts in a nail-biting finish.
Chief Scores:
Sri Lanka U19 – 179/9 in 50 overs: Charith Asalanka 68, Vishad Randika 24, Mehedy Hassan Miraz 2/15, Saleh Ahmed Shawon Gazi 3/17, Nahid Hasan 2/34.
Bangladesh U19 – 175 all out in 47.1 overs: Shahanur Rehman 72, Mohommad Saifuddin 29, Asitha Fernando 6/37, Chamika Karunaratne 3/19.
The third match will be played on 22nd January at R. Premadasa International Stadium.
