Nepal’s lack of competence at the ICC U19 World Cup continued as Test-nation Sri Lanka walked away with an easy 8-wicket victory in the Plate Championships quarterfinals.
Nepal was bowled out for 79 in 27.3 overs – it’s second lowest total in U19 WCs after 74 against West Indies in 2006 Plate Final. Sri Lanka needed just 20.4 overs to conquer the victory.
Chasing a low total, Sri Lanka started slow yet firm with openers W Perera and S Fernando adding 71 for the first wicket in 16 overs.
Perera who had difficulties in scoring runs was bowled by Nepal’s captain Prithu Baskota to end the partnership. He scored 16 off 51 balls.
But Fernando wasn’t slow and compensated for his partner’s weakness. He scored 49 off 49 balls with 8 fours before being undone by Bhuwan Karki with 7 runs needed for victory and a run short of a well-deserved half-century.
Dikwella (5 notout) and Jayasinghe (2 not out) took Sri Lanka home before lunch.
Earlier, Nepal won the toss and elected to bat but only to see the batsmen crumbling against Lankan bowling.
Subash Khakurel (22) and Rajesh Pulami (15) were only two batsmen to reach double-digit while all other couldn’t bat in the middle.
Off-break bowler Tharindu Kaushal walked away with 3 wickets. Left-arm M Aponso and fast-bowler duo VS de Mel and debutant R Lyanarachchi also claimed a couple of wickets each.
Nepal will next play Namibia in the 13th place playoff semifinals on August 21.