Match fizzles out to a draw while the Lankans fight back
Sri Lanka U-19s batsman Sanjula Abeywickrama resisted against a tight South African bowling attack - Pic by Ranjith Perera
The first Youth Test match between host Sri Lanka U19 and South Africa U19’s fizzled out to a draw despite Proteas opener Jan van Heerden’s ton at the P. Sara Stadium yesterday.
The Sri Lanka U19 set a target of 277 runs end the day on 158 for 3. Lankan under 19 skipper Avishka Fernando who remained unbeaten on 57 was involved in two fruitful partnerships. First was 91 runs for the third wicket with his deputy Sammu Ashan who made a 52 and then an unbroken 40 runs with Sanjula Abeywickrama.
Earlier in the day opener Jan van Heerden and Jesse Bossr shone with two top knocks as the visiting South Africa U19’s continued to dominate proceedings.
Heerden cracked a 108 inclusive of nine boundaries while Bossr chipped in with a 90 with ten boundaries with the duo putting on a valuable 190 runs stand for the third wicket. The visitors resuming from their overnight score of 119 for 2 declared their innings making a score of 250 for 6 in just under four overs.
They went into the lunch break with the score on 235 for 3 having faced 85 overs at that stage and losing just one wicket in the morning session.
The post lunch session saw the Proteas juniors resuming their innings going in for quick runs losing three quick wickets with the first being of skipper Mulder who made 29 and also associated in a 50 runs stand for the fourth wicket.
They lost their fifth wicket two balls later at the same score of 245 that of Wandle Makwetu which followed with the dismissal of Heerden who was able to add only two more runs for a knock of 108 which saw them making the declaration.
The two sides’ will play their second Youth Test match from June 28 to 30 at the Welagedera Stadium in Kurunegala.
