Sri Lanka U19 defeated Pakistan U19 by three wickets in the fourth one-day at National Bank Stadium, Karachi levelling the five-match series 2-2 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.
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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, 1×6) 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.
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