Sri Lanka defeat England in Youth ODI
Sri Lankan juniors walked out with a win
A clinical performance saw Sri Lanka U-19s secure a comfortable 65-run victory over England U-19s in the opening match of the three-game limited over series held at Chelmsford. Sri Lanka posted a strong 294 for 6, driven by standout batting displays from Mahith Perera (58n.o.), Sharujan Shanmuganathan (57), Diniru Abeywickremasingha (52), and skipper Dinura Kalupahana (49). In response, England U-19s were held to 229 runs, giving
Sri Lanka the lead in the series.
Despite a shaky start where Sri Lanka lost three early wickets, the partnership between Shanmuganathan and Kalupahana, adding 73 runs for the fourth wicket, stabilised the innings. Shanmuganathan’s solid 75-ball knock, along with Perera’s unbeaten 58 off 60 balls, paved the way for the team. Abeywickremasingha’s quick 52 off just 37 deliveries, in partnership with Perera, further pushed the score before falling in the penultimate over. Noah Cornwell was England U19’s standout bowler, taking 3 for 54.
Having set a strong target, the Sri Lankan bowlers maintained pressure by taking wickets regularly. A partnership of 90 runs between Noah Thain and Luc Benkenstein couldn’t save England U-19s, as Sri Lanka comfortably sealed the victory. Vihas Thewmika’s 3 for 37 led the bowling attack for Sri Lanka, supported by Hivin Kenula, Thisara Ekanayake, and Praveen Maneesha who each claimed two wickets, contributing to Sri Lanka’s success.
| Chief Scores | |
|