KAMIL, NAVOD SHINE AS SL TAKE 1-0 LEAD
Vice-captain Kamil Mishara and Navod Paranavithana shone with fine half centuries as they guided Sri Lanka Under19 to a close 26-run win over the touring Pakistan Under-19 in the First Youth ODI played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Hambantota yesterday.
Kamil cracked a 96-ball 65 that included four boundaries while Navod made 54 in 93 balls with three boundaries with the pair adding 122 runs for the first wicket in 182 balls after Skipper Nipun Dananjaya had won the toss and elected to take first lease of the wicket. thereafter, Mohamed Shamaz and Skipper Nipun added 40 runs for the
third-wicket.
But Sri Lanka Under-19, from a healthy position of 175 for two in the 39th over, lost wickets at regular intervals and were restricted to 234 for nine in 50 overs.
Pakistan Under-19 also got off to a sound start with their openers Haider Ali (who made 51 in 65 balls inclusive of five boundaries and a six) and Saim Ayub putting on 95 runs in 112 balls.
Skipper Rohail Nazir and Mohammad Taha added 70 runs for the second-wicket but after their separation the visitors lost their way and were bowled out for 208 in 47.3 overs. The two teams will play their second match of the series on May 28 at the same venue. (MSA)