Karachi, 22 October 2023: Sri Lanka U19 started the five-match one-day series with a win over Pakistan U19 by 58 runs in the first one-day held at National Bank Stadium Karachi. Sri Lanka’s opening batter Pulindu Perera starred with the bat hitting a magnificent century. Dinura Kalupahana ensured his team defended the target despite fighting half-centuries by Arafat Minhas and Shamyl Hussain, as the Sri Lankan pacer returned with four wickets.
Saad Baig won the toss and invited Sri Lanka U19 to bat first. They scored 309 runs in 49.4 overs, on the back of a brilliant century by Pulindu Perera (156, 96b, 17x4s, 6x6s). He was the most valuable batter for the side, with the next-best score by Ravishan de Silva, who scored 30 runs in 74 balls, including one boundary.
Off-spinner Naveed Ahmed Khan was the pick of the bowlers, as he returned with three wickets. Left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas, pacer Mohammad Ibtisam and leg-spinner Ahmed Hussain picked up two wickets each, as the visitors were dismissed with two balls remaining in the innings.
In reply, Pakistan U19 could only score 251 runs, before getting dismissed in 45.4 overs. Shamyl Hussain (98, 120b, 9x4s) and Arafat Minhas (84, 73b, 11x4s, 1x6) both produced fighting knocks and forged a 153-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Dinuka Kalupahana’s four-wicket-haul kept the Pakistan batting line-up restricted during the chase. He was supported by Garuka Sanketh, who picked up three wickets for 42 runs.
The second one-day is scheduled to be played on 24 October at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.
Scores in brief:
Sri Lanka U19 beat Pakistan U19 by 58 runs
Sri Lanka U19 309 all out, 49.4 overs (Pulindu Perera 156, Ravishan de Silva 30; Naveed Ahmed Khan 3-52, Mohammad Ibtisam 2-41, Ahmed Hussain 2-52, Arafat Minhas 2-61)
Pakistan U19 251 all out, 45.4 overs (Shamyl Hussain 98, Arafat Minhas 84; Dinuka Kalupahana 4-32, Garuka Sanketh 3-42)
