Karachi, 31 October 2023: Sri Lanka U19 emerged on top after defeating Pakistan U19 by 165 runs in the last one-day, played at National Bank Stadium, Karachi. Ahead of this match, the series was hanging in balance with each side coming into the fifth game with two wins each. The visitors bagged their third win of the series on the back of half-centuries by their captain Sineth Jayawardene and Rusanda Gamage and three-wicket-hauls by Vihas Thewmika and Malsha Tharupathi, securing the five-match series in their favour.
Pakistan U19 won the toss and opted to field first. Sri Lanka U19 scored 293, while losing nine wickets over the course of 50 overs. Captain Jayawardene (82, 69b, 11x4s, 3x6s) top-scored for the side, ensuring that his team posts a comfortable total. He was supported by Gamage, who hit 66 from 64 deliveries, including five boundaries. Pulindu Perera added 47 from as many balls and belted six boundaries and a maximum.
All Pakistan bowlers chipped in with a wicket in the innings. Right-arm pacer Mohammad Ibtisam was the pick of the bowlers, grabbing two wickets at expense of 51 runs. Right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah and left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas also got two wickets each, giving 55 and 57 runs respectively.
In turn, the home side was dismissed for a measly 128 in 32.3 overs. The Saad Baig-led line-up had an underwhelming day with the bat; Arafat was the lone warrior for the side, scoring 57 from 55, including seven boundaries and a maximum. Haroon Arshad (17, 31b, 1x4) was the second-best batter.
Thewmika and Tharupathi took three wickets each while Vishwa Lahiru also picked up two scalps, making the chase difficult for the Pakistan batters who could not steady themselves on the crease long enough to get over the line.
Scores in brief:
Sri Lanka U19 beat Pakistan U19 by 165 runs
Sri Lanka U19 293-9, 50 overs (Sineth Jayawardene 82, Rusanda Gamage 66, Pulindu Perera 47; Mohammad Ibtisam 2-51, Ubaid Shah 2-55, Arafat Minhas 2-57)
Pakistan U19 128 all out, 32.3 overs (Arafat Minhas 57, Haroon Arshad 17; Vihas Thewmika 3-12, Malsha Tharupathi 3-12, Vishwa Lahiru 2-29)
Player of the match – Vihas Thewmika (Sri Lanka U19)
