Isipathana College opening batsman Pathum Nissanka stroked a magnificent 152 for Sri Lanka U19s against South Africa U19s on day two in the second Youth Test today at Welegedara Stadium in Kurunegala.
The diminutive right-hander hammered 20 boundaries and a six during his marathon and unbeaten knock of 152 and was involved in a special 182-run unbroken stand for the 5th wicket with St. Aloysius’ College middle-order batsman Ashen Bandara (52*) to put the home team in the driving seat.
After restricting the visitors for only 244 yesterday, Sri Lanka started their reply today but lost Vishva Chathuranga in the 10th over of the innings when the left-hander was caught-behind by wicket-keeper Phumza Mntunga off Wiaan Mulder.
The hosts’ suffered a major setback when three balls later; Mulder took out his counterpart, Avishka Fernando for no score as the home team was 31 for 2.
18-year old Nissanka and Vice-captain Sammu Ashan added 38 runs for the 3rd wicket but left-arm paceman Akhona Mnyaka removed the latter and an over later, Sanjula Abeywickrama as Sri Lanka U19s were in deep trouble at 68 for 4.
Nissanka and 17-year old Bandara batted patiently to negate the junior Proteas’ challenge till close of play in the best resistance so far in the series. Right-handed Bandara who fell for a duck in the first match consumed 186 deliveries for his 52 which had 8 fours. Sri Lanka U19s lead by 7 runs with 6 wickets remaining.
The match will be continued tomorrow (Thursday) for third and final day’s play.
South Africa U19s – 244 all out in 91.2 overs: Joshua Van Heerden 81, Ricardo Vanconcelos 53, Wiaan Mulder 63, Damitha Silva 4/56, Thilan Prashan 2/60, Sammu Ashan 2/35.
Sri Lanka U19s – 251/4 in 90 overs: Pathum Nissanka 152*, Ashen Bandara 52*, Wiaan Mulder 2/56, Akhona Mnyaka 2/42.
