Sri Lanka Under 19s fight for top spot in group ‘B’

Under 19 Asia Cup

Sri Lanka Under 19s will vie to claim the top spot of their group when they meet fellow unbeaten team Bangladesh in the last group ‘B’ game of the Under 19 Asia Cup in UAE today.

Both teams have won their first two matches and will be eager to conclude the group stage unbeaten.

Sri Lanka Under 19s captained by Vihas Thewmika beat Nepal and Afghanistan comprehensively to secure a place in the semi-finals. St. Benedict’s batsman Sharujan Shanmuganathan and Dharmaraja batsmen Pulindu Perera and Lakvin Abeysinghe have been the leading batsmen for Sri Lanka Under 19s, while Dulnith Sigera and Kavija Gamage have also made vital contributions.

Shanmuganathan has scored a half century (62 – Nepal) and a century (102 – Afghanistan) in the tournament so far. Perera and Abeysinghe also have scored a half century each.

Jaffna Central and St. John’s College Jaffna bowlers Ranjithkumar Newton and Mathulan Kugadas have made their presence felt, while Lumbini spinner Praveen Maneesha is the leading wicket taker for Sri Lanka picking up three wickets each in the first two matches.

Viran Chamuditha bowled an economical spell in the match against Afghanistan giving away just 23 runs in his ten overs. Skipper Thewmika too has been among wickets.

The winners of today’s match will advance to the semi-final as the top team of the group and will meet the second placed team in group ‘A’. (RF)