England's Under-19 team emerged victorious in the decisive third match of their one-day series against Sri Lanka, securing a four-run victory under the Duckworth-Lewis method. Skipper Luc Benkenstein's masterful century and a disciplined bowling performance proved pivotal in their triumph.
Despite a dropped catch in the early stages, England's openers failed to capitalize, with Freddie McCann falling cheaply. However, Benkenstein and Charlie Allison formed a formidable partnership, amassing 184 runs in 29 overs. Benkenstein's aggressive batting, including seven fours and five sixes, propelled him to a century in just 98 deliveries. Allison also contributed a valuable 87 runs.
Sri Lanka's bowlers fought back in the closing overs, restricting England to 268 for 9 in their allotted 45 overs. Vihas Thewmika emerged as the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 33 runs.
In response, Sri Lanka's chase was led by Gayana Weerasinghe's polished 80 and Mahith Perera's half-century. However, England's seamers chipped away at the Sri Lankan batting lineup, with Harry Moore, McCann, and Alex Green claiming crucial wickets.
Weerasinghe and Perera kept Sri Lanka's hopes alive with a 64-run partnership, but England's bowlers struck at crucial moments. Weerasinghe was caught by Benkenstein, while Perera was brilliantly run out by McCann's direct hit.
Despite Diniru Abeywickramasingha's late resistance, Sri Lanka fell short of their target, handing England the series victory.
Tags: #EnglandU19, #SriLankaU19, #OneDaySeries, #LucBenkenstein, #GayanaWeerasinghe
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