Sri Lanka leads Aussies in U-19
ODI series

The Sri Lanka U-19 cricket team took the upper hand in the five-match series, with a comprehensive win in their third ODI at the Gardens Oval. Four wickets from left-arm fast bowler Charith Jayampathy along with a near run-a-ball fifty from Kithruwan Withanage was enough to ensure the five-wicket win against Australia Under-19.
Put in by Sri Lanka, Australia never really got going with wickets falling at regular intervals. The visitors bowled with purpose with Jayampathy striking at crucial moments. No. 10 Luke Doran emerged as the highest scorer with 26, as the hosts were bowled out with five balls to spare.
It wasn’t the best of starts as well for Sri Lanka during their reply, as Sean Abbott made early inroads. He removed the top three in quick time to leave the visitors struggling at 34 for 3. However, Withanage and Buddhika took up the reposnsibilty of repairing the innings and they did it in style, putting on 92 for the fourth wicket. While Budhhika managed three boundaries during his 68-ball 32, Withanage smashed 10 during his stay. The partnership effectively sealed the match and Danushka Gunathilake (24) then saw them through.
Sri Lanka has a 2-1 lead going into the fourth encounter on Friday.
Australia Under-19s 160 (49.1) (Luke Doran 26, Charith Jayampathy 4/35) Sri Lanka Under-19s 161-5 (34) (Kithruwan Withanage 61, Rumesh Buddhika 32, Dhanushka Gunathilake 24, Sean Abbott 3/41).