Sri Lanka–Pakistan youth match ends in a draw
Sri Lanka CricketNews article
Powered by a superb century from Sasith Bandara, the three-day match between the Sri Lanka Under-17 team and the Pakistan Under-17 team at the Multan Cricket Stadium ended in a draw. On the final day of the match today (11), the Pakistan youth side declared their first innings on 434 for 8, taking a first-innings lead of 149 runs. In reply, the Sri Lankan youngsters batting in their second innings had reached 187 for 6 when the match ended.
On the opening day, Sasith Bandara was unbeaten on 96 for Sri Lanka and completed his century on the second day, while Sri Lanka's first innings was restricted to 285. In reply, Pakistan's youngsters, who were 306 for 4 at the close of the second day, added a further 128 runs on the final day before deciding to declare their first innings.
Mohammad Yousuf, who was unbeaten on 144 at the end of the second day, extended his innings to 161. Built off 117 balls with 16 fours and 4 sixes, his innings was the main batting contribution of Pakistan's first innings. Sudais Ahmad also strengthened the Pakistan innings with 61 runs.
Sandaru Malshan stood out with the ball for Sri Lanka, taking 3 wickets for 104 runs.
Beginning their second innings 149 runs behind on first innings, captain Steven Peiris and Methuka Gunaratne showed their skills with the bat for the Sri Lanka youth side. Steven Peiris made 67 runs off 95 balls with 10 fours, while Methuka Gunaratne made an important contribution to the Sri Lanka innings with 49 runs.
Among the Pakistan bowlers, Abdullah Ahmad Butt, Mohammad Ihsan and Fahad Iqbal claimed 2 wickets each. Accordingly, when the scheduled time of the match ran out, Sri Lanka's second innings stood at 187 for 6, and the match ended in a draw.
Following this match, a five-match one-day series between the Under-17 teams of the two countries is scheduled to be held at the same ground from October 15 to 24.
Sri Lanka Under-17 team first innings all out 285 (86.5 overs) – Sasith Bandara 103, Raveen Sachintha 38, Chenuka Dodangoda 26, Methuka Gunaratne 22, Fahad Iqbal 46/3, Mohammad Ihsan 62/3, Mohammad Yaqoob Khan 33/2.
Pakistan Under-17 team first innings 434 for 8 (101.3 overs; innings declared) – Mohammad Yousuf 161, Sudais Ahmad 61, Sandaru Malshan 104/3.
Sri Lanka Under-17 team second innings 187 for 6 (52.5 overs) – Steven Peiris 67, Methuka Gunaratne 49, Abdullah Ahmad Butt 14/2, Mohammad Ihsan 40/2, Fahad Iqbal 58/2.
Based on Sri Lanka Cricket reporting