Middle-order batsman Ashen Bandara cracked his maiden Youth Test ton for Sri Lanka U19s against South Africa U19s in the 2nd match which concluded in a draw at Welegedara Stadium in Kurunegala on Thursday.
The home team resumed the final day on 251 for 4. Overnight centurion, Pathum Nissanka added 20 more runs before he fell to the bowling of left-arm orthodox spinner Daniel Moriarty for 172 off 295 balls.
Bandara was then joined by his school mate from St. Aloysius’ College, Navindu Nirmal. Both right-handers constructed a 99-run stand for the 6th wicket. Nirmal stroked 33 from 115 balls while Bandara clobbered a 310-ball 121 before both of them fell inside three deliveries as the hosts’ declared on 378.
Silva shines in his own backyard to restrict South Africa U19s
The visiting South Africa U19s commenced day their second innings with 134 runs behind. They battled through the remainder of last day and posted 133 for 1. In-form Raynard Van Tonder and opener Joshua Van Heerden paired up to make 107 unbroken runs for the 2nd wicket.
Earlier on day one, Damitha Silva of Maliyadeva College starred with the ball picking up 4 wickets to restrict South Africa U19s to 244. Isipathanian Pathum Nissanka and Aloysian Ashen Bandara added 210 runs together which stands out as the main highlight of the game.
Pathum Nissanka century puts Sri Lanka U19s in command
The three-match Youth Test series has not yet produced a result with all two games ending as drawn encounter. The third and final match will be played from 3rd July to 5th July at Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium.
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 – 378/7 declared in 136.1 overs: Pathum Nissanka 172, Ashen Bandara 121, Navindu Nirmal 33, Wiaan Mulder 2/66, Akhona Mnyaka 2/56, Daniel Moriarty 2/98.
South Africa U19s (2nd inn) – 133/1 in 47 overs: Raynard Van Tonder 63*, Joshua Van Heerden 49*.
