Sadeesha’s half century in vain as England U19s win

Sadeesha Rajapaksha’s first half century for Sri Lanka Under 19s was in vain as England Under 19s won the final Youth ODI of the five-match series by 48 runs at the SSC Ground on Friday.

Apart from Rajapaksha, Abishek Liyanaarachchi and Sakuna Liyanage, were the only batsmen to top 20 runs as the hosts were bowled out for 166 runs in pursuit of a target of 215 runs. England U19s skipper Tom Prest grabbed six wickets as the hosts were bowled out with many overs remaining in their innings.

Sri Lanka Under 19s had already bagged the series when they came to the match. The hosts rested their regular skipper Dunith Wellalage for the match. His deputy Raveen de Silva captained the side which saw Abishek Liyanaarachchi, Sakuna Liyanage and Lahiru Abeysinghe making debuts.

Sadeesha Rajapaksha scored 66 runs but Sri Lanka Under 19s conceded defeat. (Pic Courtesy SLC)

Batting first, England Under 19s top order batting line up was rocked by Vinuja Ranpul and Sadeesha Rajapaksha. They were struggling at 95 for six wickets at one stage but some sensible batting by William Luxton, who top scored with 84 runs helped them reach their eventual total. Ranpul took four wickets for 45 runs. Wanuja Kumara did not take a wicket but gave away just 26 runs in his ten overs.

Dunith Wellalage, who was not part of yesterday’s match was adjudged the Player of the Series.

Batting first

England Under

19 214 for 8 in 50 overs (William Luxton 84, Alex Horton 36, Thomas Aspinwall 20; Vinuja Ranpul 4/45, Sadeesha Rajapaksha 2/17)

Sri Lanka Under

19 166 all out in 35.1 overs (Abishek Liyanaarachchi 24, Sadisha Rajapaksa 66, Sakuna Liyanage 20; Tom Prest 6/41, Thomas Aspinwall 2/22)