Kusal pilots Sri Lanka under-19 to victory
By Ranjan Anandappa
Sri Lanka youth cricket captain Kusal Mendis acknowledging
the cheers of the crowd
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Sri Lanka youth cricket captain Kusal Mendis whose birthday falls
today (2.2.2014) received a birthday gift in advance when he hammered
103 off 108 deliveries to fashion a 95-run win over the touring
Australian Under 19 cricketers in their first one day match at the Colts
grounds Havelock Park yesterday.
Kusal Mendis batting at number three shouldered the batting for his
side and struck ten fours and two sixes facing 104 deliveries in his
masterly batting display. He arrived at the crease with the dismissal of
opener Sadeera Samarawickrea at 36 in 6.1 0vers and was sixth out with
score reading 222 in 42.2 overs. After Mendis’ heroics the Sri Lankan
bowlers gave a fine display specially the spinners Harsha Rajapaksha, J.
Lakshan and A.K. Tyronne who shared seven wickets between themselves..
Harsha Rajapaksha fared impressively scoring an useful 33 and taking 3
for 21.
The young Aussies were never on target while their run chase losing
wickets at regular intervals and finally surrendered for 167 in 45.1
overs. Only C.Valente stood firm with a 68 ball 47 reaching the boundary
on five occasions.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka Under 19: 262 for 8 in 50 overs ( Hashan Dumindu 27,
Sadeera Samarawickrema 12, Kusal Mendis 103, Minod Bhanuka 14, Priyamal
Perera 14, Harsha Rajapaksha 33, Anju Fernando 19 n.o., Binura Fernando
16, M. Folia 3 for 63, J.J. Bazley 3 for 32).
Australia Under 19: 167 in 45.1 overs ( M.W. Short 13, B.R. McDermott
11, D. Mortimer 17, A.J. Gregory 27, C. Valente 47, T.D. Andrews 20,
Harsha Rajapaksha 3 for 21, J. Lakshan 2 for 31 , A.K. Tyronne 2 for
30).
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