Sri Lanka U17 beat Pakistan U17 by 99 runs in the first One-Day of the five-match series at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Thursday, taking a 1-0 lead after a disciplined all-round display.
Chasing 240 for victory, the home side folded for 140 in 39 overs. The visitors had earlier piled up 239 for six in their 50 overs, built around an anchoring half-century from opener Methuka Gunarathne.
How Sri Lanka U17 beat Pakistan U17
Pakistan U17 captain Azan Ahmed chose to field first, a decision that backfired as Sri Lanka’s top order settled in comfortably. Gunarathne led the way with 77 off 92 deliveries before Fahad Iqbal cleaned him up in the 33rd over.
The opener shared an 88-run stand for the first wicket with Yenula Hewavitharana, who made 36, and added 67 for the second wicket with Reshon Solomans, who scored a 59-ball 42. Captain Shashith Bandara (21) and Sandaru Malshan (20) chipped in further down the order.
Mohammad Ihsaan was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers with three for 43 in his 10 overs, while Fahad finished with two wickets. The rest of the attack could not apply sustained pressure, and Sri Lanka kept the scoreboard moving through the middle overs.
Pakistan’s chase collapses to 140 all out
Set a target of 240, Pakistan’s batting never got going. All-rounder Mohammad Saim top-scored with a 47-ball 30, followed by middle-order batter Hamid Raza on 28 and opener Daud Tauqeer Rana on 26. Wicketkeeper Arsalan Hassan, with 17, was the only other batter to reach double figures.
Malshan turned the match decisively with the ball, taking three for 16 in seven overs to spearhead Sri Lanka’s attack. Thisanga Perera took two wickets, while Tharuka Samanjith, Mahiru Kodithuwakku and captain Bandara claimed one apiece.
The defeat is a sobering start for the young hosts, who will need a sharp response in the remaining four matches of the series.
What this result means for Pakistan U17
A 99-run defeat at home stings at any level, and the manner of it will concern the team management most. Losing all ten wickets for 140 while chasing 240 points to a fragile middle order, and only four batters reaching double figures underlines how one-sided the contest became after the first ten overs of the chase.
The positives are thin but real: Ihsaan’s three-wicket haul shows the bowling unit has teeth, and Fahad’s two strikes included the prize scalp of the set batter Gunarathne. If the top order can build partnerships the way Sri Lanka’s openers did, the series remains retrievable.
Series moves to second ODI on Saturday
The 99-run victory gave Sri Lanka U17 a 1-0 lead in the five-match One-Day series, with the second fixture scheduled for Saturday at the same venue in Multan.
Pakistan’s youngsters have little time to regroup. A win on Saturday would square the series and restore belief; another heavy defeat would hand the tourists a commanding position with three matches to play.
For Pakistan’s senior side, the calendar is just as busy. The national team held their first training session in Rawalpindi on Thursday ahead of the home ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and England, which begins on Sunday. Sri Lanka’s senior squad is already in the country, while England arrive on Friday. The series was dealt an early blow when Pathum Nissanka was ruled out, and fans can check ticket details for the Lahore leg on the website.
FAQ
What was the score in the first Pakistan U17 vs Sri Lanka U17 one-dayer?
Sri Lanka U17 scored 239 for six in 50 overs and bowled Pakistan U17 out for 140 in 39 overs, winning by 99 runs at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Who was the top scorer in the match?
Sri Lanka opener Methuka Gunarathne top-scored with 77 off 92 balls. For Pakistan U17, Mohammad Saim made 30 off 47 balls.
Who took the most wickets in the match?
Sri Lanka’s Sandaru Malshan took three for 16 in seven overs. Pakistan’s Mohammad Ihsaan took three for 43 in ten overs.
When is the second U17 one-dayer between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?
The second fixture of the five-match series will be played on Saturday at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
