KARACHI: Charith Asalanka played a captain’s hand with an undefeated century to lead Sri Lanka’s recovery on the opening day of first three-day Under-19 Test against Pakistan at the Mahinda Rajap­aksa International Cric­k­et Sta­d­ium in Hambantota on Sunday.

After opting to bat first when Pakistan captain Imran Rafiq called incorrectly at the toss, the home side made a disastrous start to their first innings with left-handed opener Salindu Ushan was dismissed for a second-ball duck by seamer Saif Ali.

But Asalanka led a grand recovery to finish the day on 184 in his team’s total of 330-7. The 18-year-old left-hander has so far adorned his 257-ball innings with 25 boundaries.

Wanidu Hasaranga de Silva (31 off 50 balls, four fours) added 68 for the fifth wicket with Asalanka before the Sri Lankan captain found wicket-keeper Vishad Randika de Silva a more than useful partner.

Asalanka and Randika (36 off 6 balls, three fours) put on 102 for the sixth wicket.

Shahab Khan was easily the pick of Pakistan bowlers with four wickets for 87 runs in 24 overs, while Saif took two for 78 in 15 overs.

Stumps were drawn for the day when Shadab had Thilan Nimesh (9) caught behind by Umair Masood for nine.

Brief scores:

SRI LANKA 330-7 in 90 overs (K.I.C. Asalanka 184 not out, P.V.R. de Silva 36, P.W.H. de Silva 31, W.I.A. Fernando 23; Shadab Khan 4-87, Saif Ali 2-78) vs PAKISTAN.

Published in Dawn, October 5th , 2015

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