Thewmika (5/43), Tharupathi (3/16) spin Sri Lanka into strong position

Wednesday, 13 September 2023 00:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

West Indies shot out for 127 on day one of second U-19 4-day Youth test

Spinners Vihas Thewmika (5/43) and Malsha Tharupathi (3/16) spun West Indies out for 127 to place Sri Lanka in a strong position at the end of the first day of the second 4-day (U-19) Youth test at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

By the close Sri Lanka had replied with 191-4 and enjoyed a first-innings lead of 64.

West Indies failed to take advantage of an opening stand of 57 by Stephan Pascal (28) and Steve Wedderburn (24) and collapsed to 89-6 at lunch and were eventually dismissed for 127 by the off-spin of Thewmika and the leg-breaks of Tharupathi after choosing to bat first. Thewmika who took six wickets in the first test continued to torment the West Indies batsmen with his tantalising spin.

Jordan Johnson who scored a century in the first test did his best to forge a partnership, but none stayed long enough to do that. Johnson was left to play a lone hand. He tried to hit his way out of trouble scoring an attractive 52 off 49 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes) before becoming the last wicket to fall.

Sri Lanka lost their captain Sineth Jayawardene for a duck but recovered through a 63-run stand between Pulindu Perera and Ravishan de Silva.

Following the dismissal of the in-form Perera through an unnecessary run out for 41, De Silva forged another partnership worth 72 with Peterite left-hander Rusanda Gamage who went on to score a stylish 58 off 52 balls (10 fours) before falling lbw to left-arm spinner Nathan Sealy. De Silva struck five fours and a six in his knock of 43 off 77 balls.

Dinura Kalupahana (23*) and Sharujan Shanmuganathan (21*) carried Sri Lanka to stumps with a partnership worth 40. The match continues on its second day today. – (ST)

Scores:

West Indies (U-19) 127 (Stephan Pasqal 28, Steve Wedderburn 24, Jordan Johnson 52, Vihas Thewmika 5/43, Malsha Tharupathi 3/16)

Sri Lanka (U-19) 191-4 at close (Pulindu Perera 41, Ravishan de Silva 43, Rusanda Gamage 58, Dinura Kalupahana 23*, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 21*)