Pakistan and Bangladesh U-19 teams recorded victories over two Sri Lanka U-19 pool teams in the practice matches prior to Tri-nation tournament, played at the newly opened (relayed turf) Dharmaraja College Grounds in Kandy and at the newly built Pallekele Stadium which was declared opened here at Pallekele on Friday.

The tourists made the most of the conditions at the two picturesque venues which were declared open by Sri Lanka Cricket officials, together with Central Province politicians, but some of the Sri Lankan players who are not in the team selected to play the tournament proper came up with some sound performances to impress selectors.

While Bangladesh rode on Anamul Haque’s 70 runs and Islam Rabbi’s four wicket haul to record a 115 run victory according to Duckworth-Lewis system at Pallekele against the team lead by Andri Berenger, the Pakistanis were helped by Baber Azam, who scored a century and spinner Usman Qadir (4/51) to record a 42 run victory over the team captained by Danushka Gunathilaka, at Dharmaraja College Grounds.

After the top order failed Maris Stella College youngster Angelo Jayasinghe top scored with 70 runs (in 113 balls) inclusive of six fours for their team to reach 169 for 9 wickets before bad light stopped play.

In the match played at Dharmaraja Grounds, the Sri Lankans, needing 252 to win, were given a solid start by left handers Udara Jayasundara and Nipun Karunanayake who put on 80 runs for the first wicket. However, with the introduction of spin, they collapsed to 112 for six wickets at one stage. But St. Peter’s College all rounder Akshu Fernando mounted a rearguard revival, hitting 53 runs in 43 balls to keep alive the hope of a Sri Lankan victory. He hit three sixes and a four in his innings. But the Pakistanis managed to end his heroics and wrapped up the tail to record a moral boosting victory ahead of Sunday’s curtain-raiser against Bangladesh.

St. Joseph’s College all rounder Chathuranga Kumara, who is also not in the squad selected for the first two matches, picked up four wickets against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh U-19 and Pakistan U-19 will start the Tri-nation tournament at Pallekele on Sunday.

Pakistan U-19 251 for 5 in 50 overs (Baber Azam 104, Hammad Azam 83 n.o, Ahmed Shahzad 17; Lahiru Jayaratne 2/56)

Sri Lanka U-19 209 all out in 46.1 overs (Udara Jayasundara 48, Nipun Karunanayake 34, Akshu Fernando 53; Usman Qadir 4/51, Ahamed Shahzad 2/27)

Bangladesh U-19 298 for 7 in 50 overs (Mahmudul Hasan 23, Tasamul Haque 28, Sabbir Rahman 36, Mominul Haque 27, Alauddin Babu 40 n.o, Nur Hossain 20 n.o, Anamul Haque 70; Chathuranga Kumara 4/55, Dasun Chanaka 2/56)