In the inaugural match of the Under-19 Asian Championship at the Dubai International Stadium, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by defeating the Japanese team with a comfortable 7-wicket win today (09).
Sri Lanka’s captain, Sineth Jayawardene, won the toss and opted to field. The novice Japanese team, batting first, was bowled out for 75 runs. Captain Koji Abe scored 19 runs, while Charles Hines contributed 36 runs in 52 balls.
In the bowling department, Malsha Tharupathi took 3 wickets for 26 runs, Garuka Sanketh claimed 2 wickets for 18 runs, and Duvindu Ranatunga, Vishwa Lahiru, Dinura Kalupahana, and Vihas Thewumka each secured one wicket.
Despite a low target, Sri Lanka faced initial hiccups as opening batsmen Pulindu Perera and Hirun Kapurubandara were dismissed for 13 and 3 runs, respectively. Rusanda Gamage added 18 runs before losing his wicket to Kiefer Lake.
However, captain Sineth Jayawardena (26 runs) and Dinura Kalupahana (6 runs unbeaten) guided Sri Lanka to an easy victory, reaching the target of 76 runs in 12.2 overs with 7 wickets in hand. Kiefer Lake performed admirably for the Japanese team, taking 2 wickets for 27 runs in 5 overs.
