Bad light halts Lankan charge
The game was down to the wire but bad light prevented Sri Lanka from moving ahead as India recorded their second win, by 4 runs on Duckworth/Lewis Method in the second Tri-Nation Under-19s Cricket Tournament match at the R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday.
Amandeep Khare top scored for the Indian Under-19s, with a 98-ball 102 to help his team reacord a thrilling win against Sri Lanka - Pic by Ranjith Perera
Electing to bat first, India piled up 287-7 and Sri Lanka were 250-5 in 47 overs when bad light stop play earlier than scheduled.
India made a strong start, with openers Washington Sundar and Ishan Kishan putting on 77 runs for the first wicket. Despite Kishan’s dismissal in the second delivery of the 19th over, there were more to follow.
He made 33 off 48 deliveries with two boundaries and a six. Amandeep Khare joined Sundar and changed the tune of their innings with a powerful knock of 102, which came off 98 deliveries laced with nine boundaries and a six.
Both were featured in a partnership of 111 runs for the second wicket before Sundar, who made 77 runs off 115 deliveries, was dismissed at 184. Sundar hit seven fours.
Virat Singh made his entry to make a cameo 30 off 23 balls with three fours but by then the partnership was worth 82 runs for the third wicket. Soon as Singh made his exit at 266, Khare too followed him as India lost three more quick wickets.
Sri Lanka made use of seven bowlers but paceman Asitha Fernando stood out with three wickets though he was a bit expensive. Sammu Ashan grabbed a scalp while the Lankan fielders affected three run outs.
In reply Sri Lanka made a steady start, but were up to their mark before opener Salinda Ushan (18) was dismissed at 60. Dashing batsman Avishka Fernando played a contrasting role, being cautious during his knock of 75, which came off 89 balls and with four boundaries.
He added 114 runs for the second wicket with skipper Charith Asalanka, who made a similar knock. Asalanka made 74 off 86 deliveries inclusive of seven boundaries before being dismissed at 198 as the third victim.
Sammu Ashan faced 27 balls for his 23 which included three boundaries while Wanindu Hasaranga kept the momentum on with a run-a-ball 27 which included a four and a six.
After the onslaught initiated midway, Kamindu Mendis and Kasun Randika were set take forward the baton but bad light stopped play, inflicting the hosts a 4-run win. The required total at that point was 255 runs.
With this win followed by their 86-run win against England on Friday, India leads the board by 9 points. Hosts Sri Lanka and England will play in the third match of the tournament tomorrow.
India Under-19s 284 for 7 wickets in 50 overs (Washington Sundar 77, Ishan Kishan 33, Amandeep Khare 102, Virat Singh 30, Asitha Fernando 3 for 54)
Sri Lanka Under-19s 250 for 5 wickets in 47 overs (Salinda Ushan 18, Avishka Fernando 75, Charith Asalanka 74, Sammu Ashan 23, Wanindu Hasaranga 27, Rahul Batham 2 for 32)