Young Cricket Prodigy Shines in Under-19 Tournament
Sri Lanka witnessed a remarkable performance from a young cricket star during the Under-19 Two-Day Inter-Schools Cricket Tournament. The event, organized by the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA) and supported by Sri Lanka Cricket, saw 15-year-old Sasith Bandara from Dharmaraja College, Kandy, deliver an outstanding century against Moratu Vidyalaya.
Sasith scored 111 runs off 176 deliveries, showcasing his batting prowess with 15 fours and a six. His performance was not limited to the bat alone; he also took two wickets with the ball, highlighting his all-round skills. This display of talent was one of the standout moments of the tournament.
In addition to Sasith’s achievement, other players also made their mark. Sonal Ashwin from Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala, delivered an impressive all-round performance against Mahinda College, Galle. Meanwhile, Sehas Ashinsa of Mahinda College excelled with the ball, contributing significantly to his team’s efforts.
All matches in the tournament ended in draws, indicating tightly contested games across the board.
Match Summaries
Lake View Kandy (Match drawn)
Moratu Vidyalaya:
284/68.3 (Sanjana Senevirathna 64, Diniyura Oshadha 57, Deneth Sithumina 37, Visal Sathsara 23, Savindu Fernando 20)
Bowling: Onitha Vithanage 5/89, Sasith Bandara 2/74
Dharmaraja Kandy:
332/7 d (79.3) (Sasith Bandara 111, Kavindu Gunaratha 79, Mandil Gunawardhana 66, Omesh Ekanayake 27)
Bowling: Savindu Perera 2/20, Chenura Sachin 2/48, Menuka Nanvidu 2/61
Katuneriya (Match drawn)
St. Sylvester’s College Kandy:
161/9 (80) (Ishika Pramod 43, Nimesha Silva 31, Piyumaka Karunarathne 30)
Bowling: Yasith Nimsara 4/49, Damesh Mathishan 2/36
St. Joseph Vaz College Wennappuwa:
225/9 (57.2) (Sasmitha Fernando 51, Damesh Mathishan 46, Savio Fernando 44)
Bowling: Nimesha Silva 3/62, Vidusara Ganegoda 2/9, Ishan Prabagaran 2/50
St. Sylvester’s College Kandy:
122/8 (62) (Piyumaka Karunarathne 33, Nimesha Silva 25, Vidusara Ganegoda 24)
Bowling: Amal Denuwan 3/8, Damesh Mathishan 3/44, Yasith Nimsara 2/32
Kurunegala (Match drawn)
Maliyadeva College Kurunegala:
258/65.4 (Sonal Ashvin 61, Thaveesha Balasooriya 56, Chandupa Abeysinghe 43)
Bowling: Sehas Ashinsa 4/45, Kavindu Nimsara 4/46
Mahinda College Galle:
244/60.4 (Dineth Pehesara 50, Randula Mabarana 38, Kavidu Nimsara 38)
Bowling: Sonal Ashwin 5/69, Thaveesha Balasooriya 2/33, Nishuda Chandrasiri 2/69
Maliyadeva College Kurunegala:
249/9 (53) (Rajith Navodya 39, Nishuda Chandrasiri 32*, Thiwanka Pabasara 32)
Bowling: Sehas Ashinsa 6/104, Kavindu Nimsara 2/26
Mahinda College Galle:
244/60.4 (Dineth Pehesara 50, Randula Mabarana 38, Kavidu Nimsara 38)
Bowling: Sonal Ashwin 5/69, Thaveesha Balasooriya 2/33, Nishuda Chandrasiri 2/69
Key Performances
Several players stood out in the tournament, demonstrating their potential for future success in the sport. Sasith Bandara’s century was a highlight, while Sonal Ashwin and Sehas Ashinsa provided crucial contributions with both bat and ball.
The tournament featured intense competition, with each match ending in a draw, reflecting the high level of skill among the participants. The event not only showcased individual talent but also highlighted the growing strength of school cricket in Sri Lanka.
As the Under-19 tournament continues, fans can look forward to more exciting performances from these young athletes, who are shaping the future of cricket in the country.