Pakistan youngsters take series lead
Sri Lanka CricketNews article
The hosts, Pakistan Under-17, sealed a five-wicket win in the third one-day match against Sri Lanka Under-17 to move 2-1 ahead in the five-match series today (19th). Asan Ahmed, who saw Pakistan home in the match at the Multan Cricket Stadium, made 63 not out.
Batting first, the Sri Lanka youngsters were all out for just 159 in 44 overs. Sandaru Malshan was the top scorer in the Sri Lankan innings with 52, while Methuka Gunaratne made 49 off 73 balls. Although the pair's contributions gave the Sri Lankan innings some strength, the lack of expected support from the other batters restricted the total to 159.
For Pakistan, right-arm pace bowler Fahad Iqbal stood out with the ball, taking 3 for 34. Ammar Khan and Dawood Rana took two wickets each.
In reply, the Pakistan youngsters completed victory by reaching 160 for 5 in 41.5 overs. Captain Asan Ahmed faced 94 balls and struck 4 fours in his unbeaten 63 to become the chief architect of the win. For Sri Lanka, Adeesha Lakshan took 2 for 34.
The fourth one-day match of the series is scheduled to be played at the same ground next Wednesday (21).
Scores in brief
- Sri Lanka Under-17: 159 (44 overs) — Sandaru Malshan 52, Methuka Gunaratne 49; Fahad Iqbal 34/3, Dawood Rana 10/2, Ammar Khan 31/2.
- Pakistan Under-17: 160/5 (41.5 overs) — Asan Ahmed 63 not out; Adeesha Lakshan 34/2.
Based on Sri Lanka Cricket reporting