The India U19s made light work of the Sri Lanka U19s middle and lower order on day 4, as the hosts lost their last five wickets for 45 runs to be bowled out for 324 with Dunith Wellalage unable to bat due to an injury.
Solid batting by SL U19 President’s XI
The visiting India U19 team took on the Sri Lanka President’s XI…
The Sri Lanka U19s resumed day four on 177/3 and overnight batsmen Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Nuwanidu Fernando looked fairly comfortable against the Indian bowling, giving the hosts hope of saving the match.
The duo took the score past 200 when Akash Pande produced a good delivery to get rid of Sooriyabandara for 36. Sandun Mendis proved his fighting temperament once again as he put on 70 runs for the sixth wicket with Nuwanidu Fernando before he was picked up by left arm quick Mohit Jangra, who was the most threatening bowler out of the lot.
Nuwanidu took a few calculated risks on his way to 78, as it was shown by his high boundary percentage (62 runs out of 78). Rotation of strike was very minimal from the host batsmen which eventually built the pressure on them and led to wickets.
Nishan Madushka dazzles after Ayosh Badoni special
The run fest at the NCC continued as Nishan Madushka..
When Nuwanidu fell with the score on 279/5, it seemed curtains for Sri Lanka with Wellalage also unable to bat after he spilt his webbing while fielding. It was proven right as Sri Lanka folded thick and fast to hand an innings and 21 run win for the visitors in the opening unofficial Test.
Mendis again threw away a good start as in the first innings, with left arm quick Jangra getting into the act once again to dismiss him for 37.
Jangra was impressive to watch as he ran through the Sri Lanka U19 line up with a second innings 5 wicket haul, while the hero of the match Ayush Badoni also capturing two scalps.
The 2nd and final Test between the two teams will begin on the 23rd of July in Hambantota.
