U19 WC: Lanka lose to Black Caps in a thriller

U19 WC: Lanka lose to Black Caps in a thriller

FastnewsJan 23, 2020

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Sri Lanka came agonizingly close to recording their first win in the ongoing ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup but New Zealand squeezed out a three-wicket win with a ball to spare in their group match played at Bloemfontein yesterday.

The loss leaves Sri Lanka without a single win in two matches and in danger of failing to qualify for the next stage of the competition – the Super League.

Batting first Sri Lanka scored 242-9 in 50 overs with Ahan Sanchitha making a top score of 64 off 48 balls with nine fours and Sonal Dinusha scoring 46 off 52 balls (4 fours).

New Zealand in their reply were strongly placed at one stage 158-2 after 37 overs before the Lankan spinners applied pressure and reduced them to 229-7 in the 49th over.

With six needed off the last two balls Kristian Clarke hit a six off the penultimate ball off Dilshan Madushanka to seal a thrilling win for the junior Black Caps.

Scores:

Sri Lanka (U19) 242-9 (50) (N Paranavithana 23, K Mishara 21, R Rashantha 29, T Abhishek 25, S Dinusha 46, A Sanchitha 64, K Clarke 2/36, A Ashok 3/38, J Tashkoff 2/40)

New Zealand (U19) 243-7 (49.5) (R Mariu 86, B Wheeler-Greenall 80, J Tashkoff 30, D Thilakaratne 2/52)