U-19 Cricket: Sri Lanka thrash South Africa in low-scoring game to win Tri-Nation trophy

Sri Lanka Under-19s recorded a smashing 77-run win against hosts South Africa in a low-scoring game to win the Youth Tri-Nation Tournament which ended at Paarl today (28).

Electing to bat first Sri Lanka were bowled out for 156 and displayed a superb bowling and fielding attack to shot out South Africa for 79 and win the Tri-Nation final.

Fast bowler Nipun Ransika picked five wickets as he caused an early shock in South Africa's run chase and with the support of Hareen Weerasingha and Praveen Jayawickrama, who claimed two wickets each, Sir Lanka were able to record a thrilling win. 

Electing to bat, Sri Lanka were put in the defence from the very first bowl by the hosts who picked up wickets at regular intervals. 

Middle-order batsman Ashen Bandara top scored with 33 off 65 balls inclusive of three boundaries, while top batsmen failed to impress. 

Ruan de Swardt claimed three wickets while Kenan Smith picked two. 

Lutho Sipamla, Jade de Klerk and Mitchell Van Buuren grabbed a wicket each. 

Sri Lanka was beaten by South Africa in the three round-robin games but the final was a different story altogether. 

Sri Lanka reached the final recording three wins against Zimbabwe, who failed to win a single game in the tournament.  

Ransika was named the player of the match and player of the series. 

Sri Lanka Under-19s 156 all out (44.5) (Krishan Arachchige 15, Sammu Ashan 16, Ashen Bandara 33, Rashmika Dilshan 15, Praveen Jayawickrama 20n.o, Ruan de Swardt 3/30, Kenan Smith 2/29) 

South Africa Under-19s 79 all out (32.4) (Mitchell Van Buuren 15, Jade de Klerk 16, Nipun Ransika 5/19, Hareen Weerasingha 2/5, Praveen Jayawickrama 2/13)