Kusal pilots Sri Lanka under-19 to victory

By Ranjan Anandappa

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).