Malsha Tharupathi's Four-Fer Levels U19 One-Day Series 2-2 for Sri Lanka against Pakistan

Karachi:  Sri Lanka U19 defeated Pakistan U19 by three wickets in the fourth one-day at National Bank Stadium, Karachi levelling the five-match series with a game to go. Left-handed opening batter Shahzaib Khan dazzled with the bat, hitting a magnificent half-century.

However, it was overshadowed by Sri Lanka leg-spinner Malsha Tharupathi’s four-wicket-haul, which awarded the visiting team their second victory of the series.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka invited the home side to bat first. Pakistan were dismissed for 186 in 43.1 overs on the back of Tharupathi’s outstanding bowling effort, as he returned with four wickets at the expense of just 17 runs, helping restrict the home side to a below-par total. He was supported by right-arm pacer Ruvishan Perera, who picked up two wickets.

Shahzaib Khan top-scored for Pakistan U19, hitting 80 from 111, including four boundaries and three maximums. Captain Saad Baig also chipped in; he contributed with a 53-ball-45 and hit three fours as well. Right-handed Riazullah Khan was retired hurt after he suffered an on-field injury. He walked off after scoring 14 from 22 and has been ruled out for the last match of the series.

Although Sri Lanka had a faltering start to the chase, solid knocks by Dinura Kalupahana (61, 77b, 5x4s, 1x6) and Rusanda Gamage (46, 62b, 2x4s) allowed the visitors to surmount the target in 40.4 overs, losing seven wickets over the course of the innings.

Pacers Aftab Ahmed and Ubaid Shah led Pakistan U19’s counter-attack in the second innings. Aftab returned with three wickets while Ubaid grabbed two. However, their efforts with the ball remained insufficient as Sri Lanka U19 cruised to 189.

The fifth one-day is scheduled to be played on 31 October at the same venue.

Scores in brief:

Sri Lanka U19 beat Pakistan U19 by three wickets

Pakistan U19 186 all out, 43.1 overs (Shahzaib Khan 80, Saad Baig 45; Malsha Tharupathi 4-17, Ruvishan Perera 2-34)

Sri Lanka U19 189-7, 40.4 overs (Dinura Kalupahana 61, Rusanda Gamage 46; Aftab Ahmed 3-23, Ubaid Shah 2-41)

Player of the match – Malsha Tharupathi (Sri Lanka U19)