U19 World Cup 2024 (Game 24) – Sri Lanka vs AUS
Australia Under-19 asserted their dominance in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, securing a commanding 6-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Under-19 and emerging as the table-toppers in their group. The win was anchored by a mature innings from Ryan Hicks, who scored an impressive 77 and ensured Australia remained unbeaten in the group stage.
In the initial innings, after choosing to bat first, Sri Lanka Under-19 posted a fighting total, largely due to a brilliant knock of 64 by Dinura Kalupahana. Despite a few promising starts, Sri Lanka’s batters struggled to convert, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Callum Vidler shone with the ball, claiming 3 wickets, while Mahli Beardman and Tom Campbell scalped two each. The Australian bowlers collectively kept the Islanders in check, preventing any substantial partnerships.
Sri Lanka Under-19’s bowling, however, faced challenges in the first 10 overs, conceding too many runs. Although they picked up wickets in clusters, they couldn’t capitalize on the breakthroughs, leading to Australia’s eventual triumph. Vishwa Lahiru was the standout bowler, picking up a couple of crucial wickets, while Sineth Jayawardena and Malsha Tharupathi contributed with a wicket each.
In pursuit of the target, Australia Under-19 got off to a solid start with the partnership of Sam Konstas and Harry Dixon, adding 71 runs. While Dixon missed his half-century by just one run, Australia faced a slight setback with the top order collapsing in quick succession. However, the fourth-wicket partnership of 49 between Ryan Hicks and Harjas Singh stabilized the innings. The pivotal moment arrived with an 82-run partnership for the 5th wicket between Hicks and Tom Campbell. Hicks showcased maturity in his innings of 77, guiding Australia to victory. Sam Konstas and Tom Campbell also played crucial roles, contributing 23 and 33 runs, respectively, in the winning cause.
Sri Lanka’s efforts, particularly Dinura Kalupahana’s impressive knock, provided a competitive edge, but Australia’s disciplined bowling and resilient batting, led by Ryan Hicks, secured their top spot in the group and set the stage for a promising Super Six campaign.
Chief Scores :
Sri Lanka U19 – 208 for 10 in 49.5 overs (Dinura Kalupahana 64, Ravishan Nethsara 30, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 21, Callum Vidler 3 for 28, Mahli Beardman 2 for 30, Tom Edward Campbell 2 for 47)
Australia U19 – 211 for 4 in 48.5 overs (Ryan Hicks 77*, Harry Dixon 49, Tom Edward Campbell 33*, Vishwa Kumara 2 for 24, Sineth Jayawardene 1 for 32, Malsha Tharupathi 1 for 39)
