Lankan Juniors edge out India

Sri Lanka received a huge boost ahead of their ICC World Cup Under 19 campaign when they edged out favourites India by seven runs in their second warm up match worked off at Christchurch, New Zealand yesterday.

Tight bowling was the key to the side’s victory over India, who fell seven runs short of their target while pursuing Sri Lanka’s total of 163.

India made a good start to the chase with openers Rahul Kannaur and Mayank Agarwal putting on 57, but Sri Lanka’s slow bowlers later took charge of the game with Maduka Liyanapathiranage and Rushan Jaleel bowling tight spells, and forcing India behind the run rate.

Earlier Sri Lanka had batted solidly with Rumesh Buddika and Kithuruwan Vithanage putting on 62 for the third wicket, and Danishka Gunathilleke making a handy 35 off 30 balls, including a four and a six. The match was shortened to 26 overs a side.

Meanwhile another favoured team, Australia, lost to Bangladesh - who now have two good practice wins under their belt signaling they will be a strong contender in the competition proper starting on Friday.

Hosts New Zealand bounced back from the previous day’s loss to shut out England in a solid five-wicket victory - chasing down a modest total with time and wickets in hand.

The United States of America beat Papua New Guinea by 116 runs, Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by four wickets, West Indies beat Ireland by five runs, Hong Kong beat Canada by four wickets, and South Africa beat Pakistan by 10 runs.