Wellalage dazzles as Sri Lanka Under 19s stun Australia  

Skipper Dunith Wellalage produced his second five wicket haul of the tournament before scoring a decisive half century as Sri Lanka Under 19s beat Australia Under 19s by four wickets in their second Group ‘D’ match of the ICC Under 19 World Cup in Basseterre, St Kitts on Monday.

The victory helped Sri Lanka cement their top position in Group ‘D’ as they reached a target of 176 runs with 13 overs to spare.

Chasing the target Sri Lanka lost three wickets for 41 runs and it soon became four wickets for 49 when Sakuna Liyanage, who was the leading scorer of the previous game, was out hit wicket for just seven runs.

That was when Wellalage came up with his captain’s knock to keep alive hopes. He had two crucial partnerships, a 70 runs stand with wicketkeeper batsman Anjala Bandara and a 52 runs stand for the sixth wicket with Ranuda Somaratne. Wellalage scored four fours and a six in his knock which came in 71 balls. When he was out caught and bowled by Tom Whitney Sri Lanka had almost reached the target. Four balls later Raveen de Silva scored a boundary to seal the win.

While Bandara stroked 33 runs, Somaratne remained unbeaten on 32. He faced 35 balls.

Deciding to field first Sri Lanka Under 19s did well to contain their counterparts to 175 runs as spinners lead by Wellalage produced economical spells.

Wellalage was the pick of the bowlers as Australia were bowled out in the final ball.

In the fight to retain the lead in the Group ‘D’ points table, Sri Lanka commenced with pace-spin combination of Yasiru Rodrigo and Treveen Mathew and the latter took two quick wickets to disturb Australia’s plans.

Opener Campbell Kellaway anchored the top order to score a half century. He was the only batsman to resist the Sri Lankan spin attack as skipper Wellalage handled his bowlers brilliantly.

While Matheesha Pathirana took two wickets, Sadisha Rajapaksa accounted for one wicket. Shevon Daniel gave away just 10 runs in his six overs.

Sri Lanka will now meet hosts West Indies in the final Group ‘D’ match on Friday.

In the other Group ‘D’ match played on Monday West Indies showed their all-round dominance in comfortable win over Scotland.