Asalanka twin fifties see Sri Lanka draw

CAMBRIDGE: Twin half-centuries from skipper Charith Asalanka (81 and 70) saw Sri Lanka force a draw in the rain-hit first under 19 Youth Test against England at Fenners here on Friday.

Replying to England’s massive first innings of 500 for 9 declared, Sri Lanka who resumed at 235-6 were dismissed for 335 with Jehan Daniel scoring 62 off 79 balls with 11 fours. The rest of the batting was consumed by spinner Amar Virdi who finished with figures of 5 for 77.

Forced to follow on Sri Lanka put up a bold batting display to finish on 182-3 with opener Dilan Jayalath scoring 77 off 106 balls (11 fours) and Asalanka scoring his second fifty of the match with 70 off 76 balls with 13 fours.

The two figured in a 112-run stand for the second wicket with Asalanka playing the lead role.

The second Under 19 Youth Test will commence at Northampton on August 3.

Scores: England U-19 500-9 decl;

Sri Lanka U-19 235-6 contd 335 (A Bandara 21, J Daniel 62, D Silva 33, J Coughlin 2/45, A Virdi 5/77) and 182-3 (D Jayalath 77 n.o., C Asalanka 70, G Panayi 2/62)