Avishka Fernando and Sammu Ashan guided Sri Lanka U19’s to a thrilling 1 wicket victory in the 2nd Youth ODI against England U19 at Chelmsford yesterday.
England U19 came into this match with their pride on the line having lost the four day Youth Test series 1-0 and being one match down in the three match limited overs series.
England after electing to bat first got off to a horrific start with the early loss of their captain Max Holden for just 2 runs.
But they quickly managed to recover through a brilliant partnership between Tom Moores and George Hankins.
The pair added 123 runs for the wicket which set the platform for the home side to go for big total.
Tom Moores was dismissed by Lahiru Kumara for a well made 70 runs but the run flow did not stop for the home side as they stepped up the gas in the middle overs.
George Hankins top scored with a brilliant 98 but the game changing knock came from George Bartlett.
His knock of 85 came off just 65 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes. The home side managed to post 315 in their lot of 50 overs which was by far the best performance they put up in the series so far.
Lahiru Kumara stood out yet again for the young Lankans with figures of 4 for 56.
The tourists came on to bat with a mammoth task ahead and they got off to a flying start. Their opening pair have been a problem right through out but when the team needed it the most, they fired.
Dilan Jayalath and Avishka Fernando put up 67 runs in just 8.4 overs with a quick cameo of 41 by Dilan Jayalath. After the dismissal of Jayalath, Avishaka Fernando took over and played the anchor role for the Lankans.
Avishka Fernando played the knock of his life as he scored 117 runs in just 96 balls.
He looked good in all his innings thus far in the season and he stepped up when the team needed him the most.
Lankans lost their way somewhat in the middle but Sammu Ashan’s attacking approach sealed the deal for the lions. Ashan’s unbeaten 77 secured the victory and the series for the Sri Lankan U19’s.
England U-19s 315 for 8 (George Hankins 98, George Bartlett 85, Tom Moores 70, Lahiru Kumara 4-56)
Sri Lanka U-19s 318 for 9 (Avishka Fernando 117, Sammu Ashan 77*, Ben Green 3/77)
