Sri Lanka U19 asserted their dominance in the series, securing a resounding 165-run victory over Pakistan U19 in the fifth and final one-day match at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi. The visitors, driven by the brilliance of their captain Sineth Jayawardene and Rusanda Gamage with the bat, along with Vihas Thewmika and Malsha Tharupathi’s stellar bowling performances, claimed the series 3-2.
The series had been on a knife’s edge with both sides entering the fifth game with two wins each. However, Sri Lanka U19 emerged triumphant in a convincing manner.
Winning the toss, Pakistan U19 opted to field first. Sri Lanka U19 posted a formidable total of 293, losing nine wickets in their 50 overs. Captain Jayawardene led from the front, scoring a superb 82 runs from 69 deliveries, featuring 11 boundaries and three sixes. Gamage provided vital support, contributing 66 runs from 64 balls, including five boundaries. Pulindu Perera added 47 runs from an equal number of balls, hitting six boundaries and a maximum.
All of Pakistan’s bowlers chipped in with wickets during the innings. Right-arm pacer Mohammad Ibtisam was the standout bowler, claiming two wickets for 51 runs. Right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah and left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas also secured two wickets each, conceding 55 and 57 runs, respectively.
In reply, Pakistan U19 struggled to find their footing and were ultimately dismissed for just 128 runs in 32.3 overs. The Saad Baig-led batting lineup had a tough day, with Arafat Minhas being the only bright spot, scoring 57 runs from 55 deliveries, including seven boundaries and a maximum. Haroon Arshad added 17 runs but couldn’t provide substantial support.
Vihas Thewmika and Malsha Tharupathi were the architects of Pakistan’s downfall, both taking three wickets each. Vishwa Lahiru also made a valuable contribution with two wickets, making it challenging for the Pakistan batters to stabilize their innings.
With this commanding victory, Sri Lanka U19 clinched the series 3-2, demonstrating their all-round prowess.
Scores in Brief:
Sri Lanka U19 beat Pakistan U19 by 165 runs
Sri Lanka U19: 293-9 in 50 overs (Sineth Jayawardene 82, Rusanda Gamage 66, Pulindu Perera 47; Mohammad Ibtisam 2-51, Ubaid Shah 2-55, Arafat Minhas 2-57)
Pakistan U19: 128 all out in 32.3 overs (Arafat Minhas 57, Haroon Arshad 17; Vihas Thewmika 3-12, Malsha Tharupathi 3-12, Vishwa Lahiru 2-29)
Player of the Match – Vihas Thewmika (Sri Lanka U19)
Leave a Reply