Junior Lions edge Junior Tigers

Bangladesh U-19s fell to a 62-run loss against Sri Lanka U-19s at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday to concede the five match one-day series 3-2. Batting first on a wicket that provided assistance to the bowlers, Sri Lanka U-19s were bowled out for 185 in 46.4 overs, raising hopes for a home victory. In reply, however, the Bangladesh innings folded for just 123 in 36 overs.
The Sri Lankans, who had earlier slumped to 23 for 3 in six overs, rode on a half-century from Roshan Anuruddha. His 51 off 78 balls was the mainstay of the innings. Bangladesh's Rifat Pradhan who finished on 3 for 29 was the pick of the bowlers.
Chasing the low total, the hosts struggled against the Sri Lankan bowling attack right from the start. At the half-way stage they slumped to 94 for 7. Mehedy Hasan top-scored with 37. Sri Lanka's Ramesh Mendis with figures of 3 for 24 was the pick of the bowlers.
The match bought to an end the junior Sri Lankan side's month-long tour of Bangladesh. Apart from the five one day matches, the teams also played two youth Tests, both of which were drawn.
Despite the tame ending to the four-day matches, there were a number of impressive performances. Bangladesh's Mossadek Hossain, Mehedy Hasan and Sri Lanka's Minod Bhanuka got their first centuries. The bowling front was dominated by spinners from both the sides. Leg- spinner Jubair Hossain and off-break bowler AK Tyronne, both of who picked up their first five-wicket hauls in Tests were the pick of the bowlers from either side. Young Nazmul Hossain, who was drafted in from the U-17s side showed promise. His 109 in the second one day match was the only century of the series.
On the whole, it was a well contested series with the visitors perhaps edging it on performance. But the performances of the young Tigers will no doubt encourage the board, especially with the U-19s World Cup beckoning at the start of next year.

SCORES IN BRIEF
SRI LANKA U-19s: 185 all out in 46.4 overs. (Roshan 51; Rifat 3-29)
BANGLADESH U-19s: 123 all out in 36 overs. (Mehedy 37; Ramesh 3-24)
Result: SL U19 won by 62 runs.