Sri Lanka bowled Nepal out for 82 in their U-19 Asia Cup opener

Sri Lanka Under-19s delivered a ruthless bowling performance to skittle Nepal Under-19s out for a paltry 82 in just 28.5 overs in their Group B encounter of the Under-19 Asia Cup at Dubai..

Having opted to field under bright skies, the Sri Lankan bowlers wasted little time in asserting control, strangling Nepal’s batting with relentless accuracy and sharp catching that underlined the gulf in preparation and composure between the two sides.

Nepal’s innings never found momentum. Openers Sahil Patel and Niraj Kumar Yadav showed early intent but were unable to convert starts as Sri Lanka struck twice in quick succession. Yadav was run out for 10 following alert work by skipper Vimath Dinsara and wicketkeeper Aadham Hilmy, while Patel perished soon after, edging Sethmika Seneviratne to Dimantha Mahavithana at slip.

From there, it was a steady unravelling. Vansh Chhetri was undone for a duck, once again by Seneviratne, as Nepal slid to 30 for 3 inside 11 overs. Cibrin Shrestha attempted to steady the innings with a patient 18 off 43 balls, but the absence of support at the other end meant Nepal were merely delaying the inevitable.

Seneviratne emerged as the chief tormentor, producing a probing spell that combined movement, bounce and control. His five-wicket haul for just 25 runs in 9.5 overs was the defining feature of the innings, repeatedly breaking partnerships before they could form. He removed Patel, Chhetri, Dilsad Ali, Bipin Sharma and Dayanand Mandal, consistently attacking the stumps and forcing errors.

Rasith Nimsara and Vigneshwaran Akash complemented the effort smartly, each chipping in with a wicket, while Dulnith Sigera conceded just three runs in his two overs to claim Roshan Bishwakarma. Chamika Heenatigala also joined the wicket-taking party, bowling Yuvraj Khatri as Nepal’s resistance faded.

Nepal captain Ashok Dhami briefly lifted hopes with a gritty nine, but once he was caught behind off Nimsara, the tail folded meekly. Extras, with 15 wides, contributed a significant chunk of the total, highlighting Nepal’s struggle to score off the bat.

Sri Lanka’s collective effort stood out as much as individual brilliance. The fielding was sharp, the bowling plans precise, and the intensity unwavering. With Nepal dismissed for 82 at a run rate of 2.84, Sri Lanka now face a straightforward chase, having laid down a commanding marker in Group B with a performance that spoke of discipline, clarity and authority well beyond their years.

Nepal Under-19s 82 all out in 28.5 overs ( Cibrin Shrestha 18, Sahil Patel 12: Sethmika Seneviratne 5/25) vs Sri Lanka