Pakistan Under-19 earn sensational victory

Another responsible knock by Kamran Sajid helped Pakistan U-19 to earn a sensational one-wicket win, their fourth consecutive one, over Sri Lankan U-19 in the fourth onedayer at the Gaddafi Stadium Monday.

Set to score 190 for victory in the stipulated 50 overs, Pakistan U-19 began cautiously and were 147 for four by the 41st over. At that stage, a sudden collapse reduced the home team to 185 for nine in the 49th over.

Junaid Zia who led the team in place of regular skipper Salman Butt along with the lastman Umer Gul were at the crease and the home side needed four runs for a win in the 50th over to be bowled by the left-arm paceman De Wijeratne.

Umer struck the winning stroke on the fourth ball of the final over when he pulled Wijeratne to the mid-wicket on for two runs which opened his account and also completed the victory target.

Kamran who scored 61 runs at Sheikhupura in the third match played with authority to hit his second fifty of the series. He scored 60 with four boundaries and one six off 83 balls.

For Sri Lanka Farveez Maroof was the pick of the bowlers taking four for including the wicket of Kamran 28. Kamran with Asim Munir Butt (34, two fours, 55 balls) added precious 75 runs in their fourth wicket association. Both join hands when openers Saqib Zia (7) and Atiq-ur-Rehman (16) and Khaqan Arsal (29, three fours) had thrown their wickets cheaply at the total of 72.

Earlier forced to bat first, Sri Lankan U-19 failed to get an inspiring start as lost six first wickets for a paltry 104 by the 31st over before getting a total of 189 for nine in 50 overs.

However, vice-captain Jeevan Mendis who scored unbeaten 65, added valuable 42 runs with Mahroof (17) in the seventh wicket association in 41 minutes to lift the total to 146. Leg-spinner Kamran Younis broke the partnership when had caught Mahroof by Yasir Shah. Mendis then got D Prasad (16) to plunder another 36 runs in eighth wicket partnership.

Skipper Dammika Niroshan was run out on the last ball of the final over for one as Mendis came out unbeaten for 65. He belted seven boundaries and faced 99 balls during a gallant stay of 149 runs.

Mendis who also took one wicket and held one brilliant catch was jointly declared as Man-of-the-Match with Pakistan's Kamran.

The fifth and the final match of the series will be held under floodlights at the same venue on Tuesday.